February 28th, 2006 by Yvonne
Here are 55 frugal grocery shopping ideas to help reduce your grocery bills. Most of us have to grocery shop, but you don’t need to spend a lot of money to feed yourself.
55 Frugal Grocery Shopping Ideas
1. Buy bulk quantities of non-perishables.
2. Get the big sale items that are advertised in fliers. You might have to do some extra driving, but if you can buy large quantities of the big sale items, it’s worth the trip.
3. If you have a local food co-op available, check out what they have to offer.
4. Use fliers to compare prices before you go shopping
5. Buy more milk and freeze it. It will save trips to the store. Empty a bit out before you freeze it if you buy your milk in jugs.
6. To prevent unneeded grocery purchases, plan your meals before you go shopping and buy only what you need.
7. Get your meat from the “reduced” section and use it right away, or freeze it.
8. Go vegetarian. Or at least consider cutting back on meat. Meat is one of the most expensive grocery items in the store.
9. Check out your local farmer’s market. They often offer great prices for fresh, local produce.
10. Grow your own food. Growing your own vegetable garden is a fun project and can save you quite a bit of money.
11. Buy a month of groceries at a time. You can do this by planning your meals one month at a time. This will save trips to the store.
12. Don’t by separate cuts of chicken meat. Buy whole chickens instead.
13. Make your own fruit water. Just add some fruit to a container full of water and let it sit in the fridge for a while. The fruit will flavor the water.
14. Use regular oatmeal instead of the instant, flavored kind. It’s cheaper and healthier.
15. Cook with rice. If you buy it in large bags it is very cheap. Use brown rice for a healthier option.
16. Cook with potatoes. Potatoes are another low cost, healthy food.
17. Buy frozen vegetables instead of fresh.
18. Make soup out of those leftover meat bones.
19. Make soup out of those leftover vegetables that are wilting in your fridge.
20. A freezer is helpful for stocking up on sale items.
21. Consider reducing or giving up junk food. It costs a lot of money for no nutritional value.
22. Drink water. This is another one of my favorite frugal grocery shopping tips. You can save a lot of money by eliminating pop and juice from your shopping list.
23. Don’t buy frozen prepared meals, Make your own meals instead.
24. Eat out less, and at home more.
25. Take your own coffee when you go on trips instead of buying it.
26. Pack your own meals when you travel instead of eating out.
27. Brown bag your lunch for work instead of buying.
28. Substitute veggies for a portion of the meat in your recipes.
29. Don’t throw out your leftovers. Eat them later, or freeze them for a quick meal on another night.
30. You will eat less if you maintain a healthy weight.
31. Sometimes you can use cheaper substitutes. For example, artificial vanilla tastes very similar to real vanilla extract, and it’s a fraction of the price.
32. Stop buying herbs from the store. You can grow your own in a herb box for your kitchen window.
33. Try making your own tomato sauces and jams instead of buying them.
34. Buy fruits and vegetables that are in season. They’re usually cheaper, fresher, and more nutritious.
35. Buy store brands instead of name brands.
36. Use coupons.
37. Take advantage of mail in rebates.
38. Buy items before you run out. That way you can get them on sale.
39. Double check your pantry before you go shopping. You may already have what you need somewhere in the back.
40. Larger stores often offer lower prices.
41. Shop alone. If you take others with you, they may convince you to buy items that aren’t on your list.
42. Shopping while you’re hungry can lead to impulse buys. Have a snack before you head to the store.
43. Check the top and bottom shelves for better prices. More expensive brands are usually at eye level.
44. If something is on sale, it still may not be the best price available. Get to know your prices.
45. Join points programs for groceries if you can.
46. Check for things you need in the clearance racks before you buy them from the regular aisles.
47. If a sale item is out of stock, ask for a rain check.
48. Staples like cheese, bread and milk are usually at the back of the building. This is done on purpose so that you have to walk through the other aisles on your way to pick up what you need. Focus on what you need, and avoid browsing along the way.
49. Corner and convenience stores are expensive. Avoid them if possible.
50. Make a list and stick to it.
51. Use the per unit pricing listed on the price tags to figure out what the better deal is.
52. If you are buying soda, get it by the bottle instead of individual cans.
53. Avoid being charged for plastic bags. Bring your own shopping bags along.
54. Keep an eye on the scanner when you’re at the checkout counter. Watch for mistakes.
55. You can stop buying plastic wrap and baggies if you use plastic or glass containers to store your foods and pack your lunches.
