Looking for ways to cut your grocery budget in half (without clipping a single coupon?) While I save a bundle with coupons, the bulk of my savings come just from shopping strategically, which means you don't have to clip any coupons at all.
I also enlisted the advice of the ladies in our Dinner's Done Facebook group on this post (they had so many great ideas!) If you'd love to get encouragement on making dinner every night, I highly recommend joining this free group ~ go HERE to check it out!
- Always shop with a grocery list
- Actually stick to your grocery list once you've made it
- Menu Plan
- Shop Aldi
- Be cautious when buying in bulk at Costco and Sam's Club (more info HERE)
- Try out Fresh Thyme or Sprouts for crazy low prices on produce
- Check over here for current printable coupons available
- Make sure to check the stores you shop store app for coupons and deals
- Always (always) shop your store's sales ad
- Know your prices
- Stockpile when you see a good price
- Substitute with things you already have (no buttermilk on hand? Mix vinegar and milk)
- Shop without children
- Shop without your spouse. 🙂
- Buy produce in season
- Eat your leftovers
- Shop your pantry fridge and freezer (then use All Recipes ingredient search to make a meal)
- Learn your store's markdown schedule
- Shop the store brands
- Use Ibotta (make sure to check for free items in the app)
- Start a garden
- Try shopping once a month
- Check the unit price to make sure you're never spending too much
- Buy diapers and toilet paper on Amazon
- Checkout Fetch Rewards super easy money savings app
- Buy in bulk
- Pay with cash
- Skip the pre-packaged stuff
- Don't use paper towels
- Or trash bags
- Buy double ply TP and only use single sheets. (TEASING. Just checking in to see if you're still awake.) 😉
- Make seasonings and sauces yourself (get a few of my favorites in the index at the back of this free cookbook)
- Store deeply discounted items in your freezer (get the full list of what to freeze over HERE)
- Have breakfast for dinner once a week
- Don't cook more than you need if it will go to waste
- Only buy meat when it's on sale
- Shop early in the morning when meat markdowns have just been made
- Ask the butcher to cup up large bulks of meat to get the best price
- Rotate your pantry so food doesn't expire
- Make baked goods from scratch (homemade bread, anyone?)
- Cook in bulk
- Ask stores to price match
- Don't shop if you're hungry
- Learn the map of your store so you get in and get out fast
- Skip any pre-cut meats, fruits, or veggies
- Buy big roasts (pork and beef) when on sale and cut them into 2 or 3 chunks, making for several meal (thanks Tiffany!)
- Buy eggs from a friend who has chickens (I get a dozen for $3 and they are organic)
- Don't buy bottled water
- Go HERE to see your favorite stores weekly and and top deals this week
- Buy a rotisserie chicken at Costco or Sam's and use the meat in soups, stews, and casseroles
- Keep a running log of how much you spend at the grocery store each week
- Shop more than one store
- Use cloth napkins instead of paper
- Skip paper plates
- Repurpose glass jars (or use mason jars) and store your homemade dry mixes
- Learn to can your own foods
- Create a price list for your area (Thanks Ashley!)
- Re-use your grocery sacks
- Pick up produce in large bags instead of buy the piece
- Don't buy pre-packaged salad blends
- Use up every single thing in your pantry
- Try out shopping online using Kroger Click List or Walmart Grocery Pickup so you avoid buying extras you don't need
- Avoid the kid snack traps, like packing your own goldfish, making granola bars, relying on fruit, etc (thanks, Amy!)
- Base your meals on sales, buy lots of meat when it's on sale and freeze the extra (thanks, Nicole!)
- Instead of using foil or plastic wrap, store food in re-usable containers
- Reinvent leftovers. Bones from cooked meats can be turned into broth. Use the trimmings and peels from celery, onions carrots for flavor in the broth. Repurpose leftover bits and pieces into something else. Bake extra chicken, use it in other dishes or on a salad. (Thanks, Robin and Vicki!)
- Prioritize what you need most and cut out non-essentials. We no longer buy things like soft drinks, paper towels, most packaged or prepared food. Buy ingredients and cook from scratch. So much healthier for you too (thanks, Tami!)
- Freeze leftovers and save for lunches so you do not go out
- Vacuum seal fruits, veggies and meat to make them last longer
- Buy gift cards for gas rewards
What other things do you recommend to save on groceries without clipping any coupons? Leave a comment to share ~ I love hearing from you!Â