6 Ways to Reduce Your Grocery Bill
by Nicole Kiley, MSc, RD
1. Use Your Freezer
• Don’t let leftovers spoil! Save money and time by freezing extra portions for the following week.
• Explore frozen produce. Don’t miss out on delicious fruit like berries and mango because they can be more expensive when fresh. In many cases, you’ll find more affordable options in the frozen section.
• In-season produce not only costs less, but tastes way better! Purchase in bulk and freeze for later use.
2. Ditch the supplements
• There are thousands of supplements on the market today and unfortunately, most can be quite pricey with little-to-no nutritional benefit. (If you think you might need a supplement, read our blog: 3 QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE TAKING SUPPLEMENTS.) Looking for a pre-workout energy boost? Try a cup of coffee or shot of espresso. Thinking of investing in convenient meal replacement shakes? Try a smoothie! Reaching for a protein bar? Swap for nuts and fruit or Greek yogurt. While there is a time and place for supplements, you’ll almost always get more bang for your buck with real food.
3. Quickly-Skim Each Aisle
• Even if it’s not on your grocery list, take a quick look at storage-friendly items such as: beef, chicken, eggs, nut butter and frozen fruit. It takes an extra minute, but on many occasions I’ve been pleased to find a killer deal!
4. Know the Numbers
• Take time to look at the price tag; both total price and price per ounce.
• Until it becomes second nature, save an old receipt and bring it with you on your next grocery store trip.
• Familiarizing yourself with the prices of your favorite foods and products will allow you to recognize a deal and save those Benjamins.
5. Shop Online
• Now that you know the numbers, compare your prices with a store online! Did you know Amazon.com carries groceries? Search for savings on your preferred bulk foods: Oats, cacao powder, chia seeds, rice, beans and more!
6. Try non-traditional grocery stores
• The consumer demand for organic is exploding and non-traditional grocery stores like Costco and Target have noticed! These stores are excellent for items like grass-fed meats, natural nut butters, bulk salsa, large containers of pasta sauce, party bags of organic corn chips, fresh produce, frozen fruit and more!
