Great Ways to Cut Your Food Costs (1)

by Nicole Humphrey | More from this Blogger

14 May 2006 03:42 PM

Let's face it, food is expensive. Grocery shopping multiple times per month can not only be stressful, but can wind up costing a lot more than it should. I've compiled a three part series of tips to help reduce your food costs each month and help you save both time and money!

If you try implementing even a few of the ideas provided in the series, you can reduce your food bill dramatically. When I started using methods to cut our grocery costs, I wound up cutting my bill in half by only implementing a handful of these tips. As I continued to try more tips and ideas, my grocery bill just kept going down and my wallet kept expanding! Just keep with it, and by using trial and error, you will find your own way to save!

Tips for Cutting Food Costs:

• Buy store brands or generic products when possible. Typically the item is the same as a name-brand item just without the name. A family member of mine used to work for a huge cream cheese plant - they sent their cream cheese to both grocery stores to be used as their "store-brand" and is also used at several coffee shops and high-end restaurants. Interesting isn't it?
• Make a shopping list and stick to it. Don't add items just because they are on sale or you think you might need them. If you create a shopping list and stick to it, you will know exactly what you are buying and you will be able to save money that way by not adding on. Avoid impulse shopping! It's the worst!
• Eat before you go to the store. Period. Simple. You will purchase more food if you are hungry. If you eat a good meal before you go, there will be no cravings or temptations.
• When you shop, go alone. Do not bring other family members who might make special requests or want impulse buy items. If it's not on your list, it shouldn't be purchased. Shopping alone can dramatically reduce your impulse shopping.
• When entertaining others, use potlucks. Have everyone bring a casserole to share or a dish. If everyone brings something, there is more than enough food to go around and each individual is only responsible for the cost of the item they bring.
• Only go shopping once a week. Try to preplan. If you think that you will need to gallons of milk, purchase them while you're there. Don't make an extra trip back to the store. With the rise of gas prices, you will waste more money in gas going back to the store!
• Spend time shopping at discount grocery stores. Usually their foods are lower price, and you can often purchase in larger quantities. Super stores and discount grocery stores offer the same items at a considerable price reduction.

Related Articles:

Freezer Cooking For Your Family

Essential Items For Freezer Cooking

Great Ways To Cut Food Costs Part 1

Great Ways to Cut Your Food Costs Part 2

Great Ways to Cut Your Food Costs Part 3

Living and Buying Unconsciously

For more terrific tips, check out the Living Frugal blog and watch for the rest of this series!

Learn more about Nicole Humphrey

Nicole Humphrey is a freelance writer, consultant for CTMH and a Sr. Blogger for families.com. She resides in St. Charles, Missouri with Mike and their five children and two furbabies.

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Andrea M (2525) 16 May 2006 07:24 AM

Great ideas on saving money:) I have to say that I have been to the store more than once while I was hungry! And boy oh boy did I buy a lot of food!!!!:)

Nicole Humphrey (15757) 16 May 2006 07:56 AM

Yes Andi, that is very easy to do. That's why the tip is so easy to follow. You will save a bundle if you just eat up before you go! :)