Does your grocery budget seem out of control? These tips will help you save money on groceries so you’ll have more to spend on other things.
Remember “way back when” (most likely the college days) when you could live for a week off Ramen noodles and frozen pizza? Once you have a family, that’s no longer an option (and do you even want it to be?). Kids, and husband, need to eat and they’re going to want real food.
It’s easy for the grocery budget to get out of control but there are some easy ways to save…and still eat well!
How To Keep Your Grocery Budget Under Control
1. Make a budget
Believe it or not, I never did this until recently. Sure, my hubby and I had talked about budgeting for groceries but then I’d go to the store and get whatever looked good. Many times I didn’t even know exactly how much I’d spent. I started budgeting (REALLY budgeting this time) and though I sometimes go over, I’m much more conscientious about how much I spend. I’m also less likely to put unnecessary items in my cart.
2. Use what you have
Before you start planning what you’re going to buy, check out what you already have. If you have a freezer full of meat or a pantry full of good stuff, use some of that up first before you buy any more.
3. Make an inventory before you shop
This is more than just checking to see how much wine you’ve got left! I’ve recently started doing this and it definitely makes a difference, especially when it comes to perishables like produce. I’d get to the store and would have no idea what fruits and veggies I had left in my fridge. Then I’d go back home and realize that I already had plenty. That’s when food gets thrown away and money is wasted.
My friend Hannah at Eat, Drink & Save Money does a weekly post called Food Waste Friday and now I always have her in the back of my mind when I do have to throw something away. I’m trying hard not to let you down, Hannah!!!
4. Start meal planning
Meal planning is something else I’ve recently started doing and it’s made a HUGE difference in my shopping habits! I try to plan out my meals on Saturday, shop on Sunday and start my meal planning on Monday. This free printable makes it even easier! I know exactly what I’ll need which in turn keeps me from buying a lot of extra food to have on hand “just in case”. I also don’t have to make a lot of extra trips to the grocery store during the week since I’ve stopped planning things last minute (see #7) 
5. Make a list
Make a list and stick with it! Since I’ve been meal planning, I know what I’ll need to have on hand for dinner each night. I also keep pen and paper on my kitchen counter and add things as they come up. I can’t tell you how much easier this has made my life! I no longer get to the store and wonder what I’m forgetting and it keeps me from making return trips during the week (#7 again).
6. Check the sale ads
I don’t spend a lot of time on this but I do check the sale ads that come in the paper. Sometimes there are awesome deals that I might not have noticed at the grocery store. Just be careful not to buy things just because they are on sale or there’s no point in having a grocer budget. If you’re the only one in your family that eats watermelon, an amazing deal on whole watermelon won’t do you much good!
7. Shop once a week
This is another thing I started when I began meal planning and following a budget and it’s AWESOME!!! Why in the world did I wait so long to do this? I’ve been trying to plan my shopping when hubby’s at home to take care of the kids, make one big trip and not go again until the following week. I spend so much less than when I’d stop in several times a week just for one thing and end up spending $30. I highly recommend this tip!!!
8. Shop alone
I actually like grocery shopping…when I’m alone! When the kids are in tow, it’s a completely different story. They beg for something new in every aisle…often something they’ve wanted “their whole life”! I try to stand strong but sometimes it’s easier just to give in, which of course leads to spending more money. It makes life so much easier, and is better for your grocery budget, to just leave them behind with dad.
9. Buy store brands
I buy plenty of store brands and most of the time can’t even tell the difference. If you do buy the store brand and don’t like it, usually you can just return it and get your money back. 
10. Chop/wash/prepare your own food
I’m guilty of this and often splurge on the prewashed spinach or other salad mixes, though it does cost more. However, I never buy the pre-chopped veggies or the prepared food in the deli. Not only is it cheaper to chop your own veggies, I personally feel like they’re more flavorful when they are cut fresh. Plus, all you have to do is take a look at the price tag on the prepared food and know that you could make your own portions twice that size for half the price.
Save even more when you cut up your own meat. Learn how to cut up a chicken yourself and it’ll be totally worth it.
11. Buy in season
Everybody knows that you should do this but the problem is that most of us don’t actually know what’s in season. I’m going to make a concerted effort to do this more often! To help figure out what to buy and when, I found this great post by Wisebread that lists what produce is in season month by month.
12. Grow your own herbs
We use a lot of rosemary in our cooking and before we moved to Florida, we had a huge rosemary bush in our backyard (it loved me too…it was the only plant that never died under my care). It pains me to pay $3-4 dollars for a few sprigs of rosemary and I need to hurry up and buy another bush already. However, this time I’m going to grow basil and other herbs too so that I never have to buy them at the grocery store again. Doesn’t it taste better when you grow it yourself anyway?
13. Make your own seasonings
Making your own seasonings is yet another way that you can save money and I found a comprehensive list of seasoning recipes (seriously, you won’t believe how many there are) at Knowledge Weighs Nothing.
14. Stock up during sales
This is the one time I don’t feel guilty about straying from my shopping list. If there is an item that I buy regularly, I will stock up if it’s a good deal. Sales usually occur on an 8-12 rotation so I will buy enough apple juice or Cheerios to get me through to the next sale.
Make sure you know how much the items originally cost though so that you can be sure you’re getting a good deal. Peek under the sale price if you have to. Sometimes you’ll find that you’re just saving a few pennies so it may not actually be worth it.
15. Shop the top and bottom shelves
The priciest items are placed on the middle shelves at eye level so be sure to check out the items on the top and bottom shelves (so THAT’S why boxed wine is always on the bottom shelf)! 
16. Don’t buy single serving foods
You probably already know this but it’s much more expensive to buy items in single serving bags. I sometimes put goldfish in my daughter’s lunch box but I buy the full bag and then use a re-usable container. It’s cheaper and I can also determine how big a serving she gets. Some of the single serving bags actually contain too much and it doesn’t get eaten. As a former teacher, I saw this happen a lot, both at snacktime and at lunchtime.
17. Buy meat in bulk and freeze
This is especially true for those of you that shop at the warehouse stores but I still do it even though I’m only going to the grocery store. When those big packages are on sale, you’ll save even more money buy separating them into portions and freezing them.
18. Double check 10 for $10 promotions
Usually these are good deals but not always. Make sure you check the original price of the item to be sure it’s actually a bargain. You also probably know that you don’t actually have to buy 10 to get this deal.
19. Wait to buy toiletries at Target or Walmart
The toiletries always seem to be more expensive at the grocery store so wait until you get to Target or Walmart to buy your shampoo and deodorant.
20. Get a rain check
If the grocery store has a great deal on something, it can go faster than beer at a frat party. Go to customer service and get a rain check so that next time you come in, you can still get that item at the advertised priced, even if the sale is over.
Do you have a great tip that I left off the list? Feel free to share so we can save even more money!
Here are some of my other favorite ways to save money:
Easy ways to save money on things other than groceries…
Easy Ways To Cut Corners And Save Money
Make your own birthday cakes instead of buying them from the deli…
Make your own gifts…
Tara
Brilliant post Lisa, we are trying to save on groceries, we spend far too much and I shop far too often (with five kids its too much!). I am going to try and follow your ideas. We do meal plan already.
The other thing I have started to do is freeze leftovers and then use them up for lunch. Have a great day Tara x
Lisa
I can’t imagine shopping with five…I can barely handle two LOL! I love leftovers too, especially the next night so I don’t have to cook again!
xoxo
Lisa
Dee
These are great ideas! I need to be better at meal planning, but I totally relate to watching what my husband and kids try to buy. Shopping alone is a great idea! 🙂
Lisa
Thanks! It took me a long time to actually get around to meal planning but I’m so glad I have. It makes life so much easier just shopping once a week and actually knowing what I’m going to make for dinner before 4pm (I was the worst about last minute planning).
xoxo
Lisa
Lydia @ Thrifty Frugal Mom
These are all excellent tips and wonderful for saving money on groceries!
I’m one of those people that does a lot of couponing to save big money on groceries. To me it’s worth it, just because of the huge amount that we save. But I know not everyone enjoys doing it or is able to do it. The tips that you share here though work either way, coupons or no coupons, and will definitely provide good savings!
Lisa
Thanks so much Lydia! I’ve seen people save a ton of money with coupons and am always amazed at how they do it! Good for you for being able to do it so well and save so much money! Maybe I’ll even try it again someday…who knows 🙂
xoxo
Lisa
Deedra
I do a lot of these. I will someday attempt to make my own seasoning. I always het rain checks when something it out. The people behind me in line get mad every time but I look at it like ” it is my money and I will save how I want.” Have a great day.
Lisa
I haven’t made my own seasonings yet either but do want to try it. You’re smart to get the rain checks (and not to worry about the people behind you) 🙂
xoxo
Lisa
Iryna Bychkiv
You covered pretty much everything! Shopping list is #1 thing for me, without it I would buy something I don’t need. And I also like to plan my meals and buy in bulk.
Lisa
Now I don’t know how I ever lived without a shopping list! You’re so right about buying things you don’t need when you shop without one! I’ve really changed my shopping habits since my meal planning began and it has made life much easier. I haven’t bought too much in bulk yet but I plan to start doing more of that. Thanks so much for stopping by!
xoxo
Lisa
Ashley Swavel
LOVE this post and I totally agree with it! It IS possible to tame a grocery budget, just have to be diligent and make good choices. Not shopping on an empty stomach is another good tip 🙂
Lisa
I am the WORST shopper if I go hungry! I try not to do it but when I do, I always cross my fingers that Publix has the free meal sample ready 🙂
xoxo
Lisa
Amanda
Great tips… I had no idea about the top and bottom shelves. And DEFINETLY SHOP ALONE… I hate when my husband wants to go with me, and yes the man loves shopping of any kind. #weird.
This post would be great on my LFEO link up ! 🙂
Lisa
A husband that LIKES shopping? That is quite the anomaly…LOL. Thanks for the invite and I’ll come check out your link party 🙂
xoxo
Lisa
Lisa
Great tips! I’ve been growing my own herbs for years and I’m always amazed at how expensive they are in the grocery store.
Lisa
Me too! The worst part is that I usually don’t use the whole package and when I finally go to use the rest, it’s no good anymore. I’ve got to start growing more now that we’re settled in to our new house.
Thanks so much for visiting!
xoxo
Lisa
Lissette
I also use apps like Ibotta which offer rebates for certain items. I only add things I usually buy anyways, but a little here and there adds up. Also, I shop and Winn-Dixie, mainly because they have a rewards card that offers “fuel perks”. Basically with every $50 in groceries you buy, they will give you $.05 off gas at certain Shell stations. They have an app that will tell you at which stations it would work, and I’ve been able to save my family money not only on groceries, because with the Winn Dixie rewards card, you can also stock up on food at a discounted rate, but we’ve been able to save in gas too. My husband has a 45-1 hour commute (one way) to work daily, so gas expense adds up quickly. We are able to save on that expense with this little perk. Thanks for linking up at the #FridayFunday Blog Hop!
Lisa
I don’t think we actually have a Winn-Dixie anywhere near us though I do want to check out Ibotta because I’ve heard great things about it! Thanks!
xoxo
Lisa
k
I know I’m super super late on this… but Shell also has a fuel card that if you purchase 40+ gallons a month it gives you some $ off per gallon, and I belive you can combine it with your WinnDixie fuel perks! I looked into it a couple times but I don’t have a big enough commute and my husband has a work gas card!
I also love Ibotta, sometimes I buy things that I know i’ll use in the future even if they’re not on my list, and sometimes I don’t use the app at all because it’s not stuff I’ll ever use. But getting money back is the best thing ever.
Lisa
Great tips! Thanks so much for sharing!
Linda Blatchford
These are excellent tips. My husband cooks most of the time, so the shopping is up to him.
Lisa
Lucky you…I’m a little bit jealous! 🙂
xoxo
Lisa
Savvy
I’ve been trying to substitute cheaper items for the more expensive items in recipes; cheeses, nuts etc.
Lisa
That’s always a great idea! I do the same with store brand vs. name brand too. Thanks so much for stopping by 🙂
xoxo
Lisa
Gail Akeman
Good tips. I always forget about rain checks.
Lisa
I’m not as good about it as I should be, but at least I try to remember 🙂
Thanks so much for visiting!
xoxo
Lisa
Sherry
Great tips! We’re trying hard to force ourselves to budget and stick to it. I figure out of all the wasting we do, we waste the most on food we buy but don’t eat. Great article! Pinned and stumbled. Thanks so much for sharing with us at Funtastic Friday.
Lisa
Thanks so much Sherry! Sticking to the budget seems to be the most difficult for me…at least I’m getting better! xoxo
Sherry
P.S. Your article will be featured at this week’s Funtastic Friday:-)
Crystal Green
This is a great post filled with valuable information. I learned a few things from your suggestions. I shared your post across some of my social media it’s that good.
Thank you for linking up to #SmallVictoriesSundayLinkUp. I hope to see you next week.
Lisa
Thank you so much Crystal! Of course I’ll be back next week…I love your parties 🙂
xoxo
Lisa
Cristina @ I Say Nomato
These are great suggestions! I’m definitely guilty of just going to the store and getting what I want instead of actually planning things out. I didn’t know that they kept the pricier things on middle shelves – that is sooo sneaky and genius.
Lisa
It’s definitely a lot easier to just walk up and down the aisles and get what we want. That’s how I shopped my whole life until a couple months ago! You’re right about the middle shelves…very sneaky and smart! Thanks so much for visiting!
xoxo
Lisa
Kelly
Great Tips! Thanks so much for sharing! I have been in a grocery spending freeze and have tried to just buy the things that are staples such as eggs and items that are necessary to use the extras in my pantry.
Lisa
That’s such a great idea! I’ve been trying to do the same thing and it has saved me quite a bit of money so far!
So glad you stopped by!
xoxo
Lisa
Jenna @ A Savory Feast
These tips are awesome! I already use a lot of them, but there are a couple I need to start trying. I love the idea of growing your own herbs! You can buy a plant for about the same price as a few leaves. I’m moving into a new house so I’ve been planning to put together an herb garden once I get settled. I have lots of cute ideas pinned, so I just need to decide which one to use!
Tanya @ Mom's Small Victories
I tracked my time for a couple weeks and the food category (menu planning, grocery, cooking and cleaning dishes), certainly took up my biggest time and money buckets! I use a lot of these tips and it really helps keep our costs down. Thanks for sharing with Small Victories Sunday Linkup as always, pinned to our linkup board.
Britni
Absolutely love this! I always buy my meat in bulk, but I never thought of making my own herbs! And I am a total sucker for just taking what is eye level; my hubby always has to remind me to look up or down!!
Thank you so much for the awesome tips Lisa!
Just wanted to let you know you are one of our features in our Weekend Wind Down Link Party {it goes up tomorrow}!! Thank you for coming by, feel free to stop by again tomorrow to add more awesome stuff! 😀
-Britni
Lisa
Yay…thank you so much for the feature!!! Of course I’ll stop by tomorrow. I always love your parties 🙂
xoxo
Lisa
Rosie
these are all great suggestions. If a person wants to keep a budget under control they need to be willing to invest some time into it initially, then it becomes routine, but it does take vigilance, but so worth it! Nothing feels better than realizing you saved a good amount!
Lisa
I couldn’t agree more! It does take some time but it’s definitely worth it!
Thanks so much for visiting!
xoxo
Lisa
Sandy Sandmeyer
These are great tips for being more thrifty at the store. Thanks for sharing them at the #AnythingGoes Link Party.
Erin
Great list of suggestions, thanks! Food spending is a huge struggle for our family. We only have two adults a toddler and a baby, yet we can spend $1000/month on food! It’s crazy. One of my struggles is my husband getting into weightlifting and wanting to eat very specific meals (and lot’s of protein).
Katherine
What a great article!! I totally agree… I buy store brands as much as I can. What really made a difference is meal planning! I keep a tight inventory, too. We have gotten our waste down to almost nothing.
Lisa
That’s really great! I’ve gotten bad about meal planning lately but hope to get back on that train really soon!
Maegan
Thank you for the added encouragement to keep my monthly grocery bill closer to the cost of my former weekly bill. I need to try your herbs idea, too. These are a bit obvious, but for the store you do shop at, sign up for their rebate card. Dried beans are hecka cheap, easy in the crockpot, and extend stirfries, etc. Some good deal toiletries can be found at the Dollar Tree. Eggs, or for the adventuresome, eggs from urban chickens, are filling and inexpensive. And loose kernel popcorn in a covered pyrex container in the microwave for 3 minutes fixes munchies on the cheap.
Lisa
These are great tips! Thanks so much for sharing!
Kimberly Wood
Great advise. Thanks for sharing. I will be growing my own herbs here forward.
I have used many of these price savings/time savings ideas for years. You mentioned Walmart & Target. Sam’s Club is also a great place to shop, especially if you need/want to buy in bulk. We have a membership that pays for itself. We spend “X” amount of money per year which allows us to recieve cash back. The cash back can be used to purchase items or to purchase your membership. There is an initial membership fee that must be taken into account. We can purchase generally any items from vehicle tires to freshly baking 3 tier birthday cake/wedding cake. I have found only a couple items that are cheaper else where, like Dollar Tree.
Thanks again.
Lisa
I agree! I’ve shopped there and gotten great deals! Thanks for sharing!