10 Tips to Save Money on Groceries

With the price of grocery shopping these days being so high, I knew it was time to put together 10 Tips to Save Money on Groceries. From meal planning to money-saving opportunities to look for when shopping, here are some of my best tips!

1. Don’t shop hungry

We’ve all been there. You go in hungry and end up pilling your cart full of lots of extra food you didn’t intend on getting. Shopping hungry definitely shifts focus from your planned grocery list and can lead to impulsive snack food buys.

2. Stick to your list

Shopping with a grocery list helps you stick to what you need, leading to healthier and smarter choices in the grocery store. Shopping online makes this even easier as you are less likely to browse for things you don’t need! Instead of grabbing something that is pre-made, such as muffins or a muffin mix, try making one at home to save you from reaching for pre-package more expensive options in the store.

3. Meal Plan

Using Meal Planning tools (like Fraiche Table) can help save you time, money and take some of the stress away. Going into each week with a clear plan for each meal, a streamlined grocery list, makes all the difference. Fraîche Table creates your grocery list for you so that you don’t have to lift a finger (ok, you do have to lift a finger to hit that button ticking things off)! Meal planning also helps you reduce food waste by making sure that everything you purchase has a plan to be used, saving you money in the long run. Did you know the average family wastes 30% of the food they buy? Think of all the money you can save by having a plan! 

4. Look at expiration dates & coupons

Don’t get caught buying milk thats about to expire! Shop smart, look at expiration labels and best before dates, grab the flyer when you enter, use coupons and sign up for rewards programs.

5. Shop only once a week

You’ll tend to spend more if you stop at the store every day or several times a week.  And let’s not get started on the price of gas…

6. Avoid pre-packaged items

While buying pre-cut veggies or pre-made meals can save you time while cooking, stores often charge more for the convenience. Opt for whole items, like fresh or frozen veggies (my personal fav) and block cheese vs pre-shredded to save money. Lean on resources like Fraîche Table for how to make the most out of ingredients at home, with hundreds of recipes.

7. Buy in Season (or frozen)

Vegetables and fruit are typically cheaper when they are in season and SO much better! Local options are always the best. Avoid waste by buying fresh fruit that will ripen at home at different stages of ripeness, such as bananas. Choose some fruit that is ripe and ready to eat, and some that will ripen in a few days (avocados come to mind). That way you’ll have enough time to eat all your purchases. Buy from local fruit stands and markets when possible for great prices and to support your community.

8. Organize your pantry and fridge

Doing a quick clean before shopping, can help you revaluate what you truly do need and not need. Having a well stoked pantry with staples like flour, panko, spices, rice, pasta makes grocery shops leaner and less expensive. Use this Kitchen & Pantry Guide on Fraîche Table, to keep a well-stocked pantry that helps take the heavy lifting out of your weekly meal prep and grocery shopping (literally!) Proper food storage is also really important to improve the longevity of each product. 

9. Don’t be afraid of the freezer section

Did you know frozen fruits and vegetables are still packed with nutrition (sometimes even more than their fresh counterpart)? Don’t be afraid to shy away from buying pre-frozen fruits and vegetables or proteins. Frozen peas, corn, or mixed vegetables (without the sauces) are a great way to add some extra vegetables into meals! Or, buying frozen fish fillets or shrimp are often more affordable than buying them fresh and you can take only what you need for that meal.

10. Buy in bulk

Whether it is from stores like Bulk Barn, Costco, or just the bulk section of your grocery store, buying in bulk typically saves you money. When buying in bulk you want to have a plan for how you will use what you’re buying or how you will freeze it. Our favourite things to buy in bulk are chicken breasts, ground, or pantry staples. The last thing you want is to end up with spoiled food that goes to waste.

Have a tip I didn’t mention? Let me know in the comments, I would love to hear how you save money at the grocery store or at home!