Follow these simple suggestions to help maximize your grocery dollar and still maintain healthy eating habits.
Big Lots & Dollar Tree – This may not seem like the most logical places to shop for groceries but many staples and non-perishable items are available for a fraction of what these things cost in the grocery store. You can pick up spices, cereal, pasta, soups and many other things. Be sure to check the expiration date on the products. Some may be close to expiring and you won’t be saving any money by buying food that you then have to throw away.
Slow Cooker – Slow cookers are a great way to not only cut down on your cooking time, but also to buy less expensive cuts of meat. Slow cookers are great for cuts of meat that have to cook for a long time at a low temperature. You will save money by using your slow cooker rather than your oven, and can have a delicious meal ready for you when it is time to eat. Roasts, stews, Salisbury steak and many other meals can be started in the morning before leaving for work, leaving you to simply set the table when you get home.
Costco or Sam's Club – Buying in bulk can be a great way to save on groceries. Frozen fruits and vegetables contain the same nutrients and flavor as fresh, but buying in large quantities and freezing them can help you save money. You can either buy fresh produce and freeze it, or purchase the already frozen versions.
Aldi or Save-A-Lot – These are a chain of grocery stores that sell private label foods at deeply discounted prices. You won’t find your popular name brands there, but the private label foods are comparable in quality, at a fraction of the price. These stores do not accept checks or credit cards, thereby reducing overhead expenses by eliminating service charges.
Go vegetarian – Make at least one night a week meat free. The meat is generally the most expensive part of the meal. Choose pasta and sauce with vegetables. You will still have the same flavor, color and texture with a much lower price tag.
Farmers Markets or Co-Ops – This can be a great way to find in-season produce, or sometimes specialty items when they are at the best flavor and price. Since the food sold here is usually local, you can get lower prices since there are no shipping charges involved.
Plan your menus – Make sure to plan your menus for at least a week before you go grocery shopping. This will allow you to pick up everything that you need at one time. Each item you are missing is another trip to the store, costing you money in gas and many times in the extra items that you pick up at each additional trip.
Clean out your pantry and freezer – Many pantries and freezer have plenty of food in them that goes uneaten because it gets hidden and forgotten. Make an inventory of everything in your pantry and freezer and try to cook meals that only have the ingredients you have on hand. You may have to run out for an additional item or two, but try to limit it as much as possible. Do internet searches for recipes containing the ingredients you have.
Make your own – Things like waffles, pancakes and instant oatmeal can be quite pricey, so buy the ingredients and make big batches. Freeze them individually and everyone will have a hearty breakfast that can be made in just minutes.
Pasta , Beans & Rice – These are great ways to stretch a meal for just pennies. They add bulk to your meal and can provide protein as well.
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