Groceries are probably the biggest cost to a family. This is especially true if you are trying to eat healthy, and you have teenagers. There are ways that you can save money though, while making sure everyone is well fed, and is eating healthy.
Coupons
This one is obvious. Look in your local fliers, or if you discover a flyer app on your phone, find the best deals on the food that you need. Sometimes this requires shopping at different stores to get different foods, but almost all grocery stores will have food you need on sale. You just have to look.
Buy frozen
When you can’t find the produce you want fresh, buy frozen. The frozen food is flash frozen so the nutrients are all still there, and they are very cost effective. They also taste the exact same way.
Buy in bulk
When the sales happen on things like frozen vegetables or toilet paper, buy what you can. You’ll always eat veggies, and you’ll always need toilet paper. This is also true for canned foods that you may buy, though a lot of them now come with expiration dates. Just keep an eye on them.
Plan ahead
Think about what you’re going to cook for the week, and plan your shopping for that. That way you’re not getting food just in case.
Make a list
Going shopping without a list is just silly. You’ll end up getting things you won’t need and forgetting things that you do. A list will keep you organized.
Make food in bulk
Make big pot meals that you can have one night, but then freeze the left-overs for future days. Pasta sauce, soups and stews are very good for this. Pot roasts are good for sandwiches for a few days afterwards as well.
The easiest way to save money on your food costs is to plan ahead. You want to make sure you’re prepared when you go into the store, and you want to know what you’re looking for. Other than that there are a few apps that you can use to properly plan out the savings that you can get for the food that you need.
And lastly another good way where I’ve known people saving money is in participating on giveaways with the possibility of winning grocery cards.
You can click on this link to check if there is currently one going. (US only offers)