Let’s talk about how to save money on groceries because, let’s be real, food is expensive (even more lately). But here’s the thing, I genuinely believe cutting your grocery bill isn’t as hard as it seems. And no, I’m not about to tell you to start extreme couponing (because I’ve never clipped a coupon in my life). Whenever I get coupons, I sometimes save them, but then I always forget about them until they expire. I know, shame on me!
Instead, I’ll share what’s actually worked for me. Groceries used to be my highest expense every month. I mean, yeah, we have to eat, but I just knew there had to be a way to spend less without extreme couponing or buying in bulk at Costco like I was feeding an army.
This list is going to be long… so feel free to scan it and grab whatever tips help you the most. I promise it’ll be worth it !
Here are two other of my most popular posts on saving money, hope they help!
- How to Save Money in 2025 Using a No Buy List
- How to Stick to a Low-Buy Year: Your 2025 No-Buy List Guide
How to Save Money on Groceries
1. Shop Your Pantry First (But Actually Do It)
I know, I know, everyone says this. But honestly, if your pantry is a mess, you’re just going to keep buying things you already have. That’s why step one is organizing it.
Here’s what I did: I put all my food items in one single spot and kept my spices, salt, and baking stuff in another. This way, I can see exactly what I have before making a list. No more buying a third jar of peanut butter just because I forgot about the other two.
2. Pick Two Proteins Per Week
Meat is expensive, so I plan around just two proteins per week. One week, it’s chicken and steak. The next, it might be shrimp and ground turkey. This keeps things affordable and makes meal planning way easier.
A tray of chicken costs around $10 where I live, same for steak. That’s about $20-$25 on protein for the week, which is plenty if you mix things up. Think grilled chicken one night, shredded chicken for tacos the next. The same protein, just switched up.
3. Buy Simple, Versatile Sides
Instead of overcomplicating grocery shopping, I grab a few staple sides to mix and match:
- Plantains – Fry them, mash them, or bake them.
- Fries – Because, obviously.
- Salad stuff – Lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, onions.
- Sauces – Chipotle, salsa, or a good hot sauce can make the same meal feel different.
With just a few simple sides, you can create different meals without needing a ton of ingredients.
4. Keep the Basics on Hand
You don’t need to stockpile rice like the world is ending. If you have a big family, sure, but for most people, buying the basics in reasonable amounts works just fine.
For example, I buy a $3 bag of rice every week or two. Same for pasta. It’s enough to always have some on hand without overloading my pantry with huge bags of stuff that take forever to go through.
5. Think About Dinner First, Breakfast & Lunch Last
Dinner is usually the biggest meal of the day, so I plan that first. Breakfast and lunch are way easier, something quick like eggs and toast or leftovers from dinner. If you focus too much on buying a bunch of breakfast and lunch items, your grocery bill adds up fast.
6. Make a List and Stick to It
If you go to the store without a list, you’re just setting yourself up to overspend. I write down exactly what I need, and I don’t stray from it. Even if that fancy new snack is calling my name, I keep moving.
Of course, I make exceptions and treat ourselves or my dogs sometimes, which is fine, I’m not that strict, trust me! I just try to stick to my list (Which I keep on my phone and share with my husband) as much as I can.
7. Actually Look at the Prices
This sounds obvious, but hear me out: If you’re not actively comparing prices, you’re probably overspending. Sometimes, the store brand is just as good as the name brand. Sometimes, a different store has better prices on certain things. A little awareness goes a long way.
If there’s something you really like and it’s more expensive, and you don’t want to sacrifice it, that’s totally fine as well. Just keep in mind that you might need to cut back on other things. Just be sure to check the prices!
8. Separate Your Groceries from Your Other Essentials List
This one changed the game for me. Groceries and essentials (like toilet paper, toothpaste, or cleaning supplies) are not the same thing, and mixing them together in your shopping list makes it harder to see what you’re really spending on food.
I keep a separate list for household essentials and buy them when needed, but not every grocery trip. This keeps my food budget more predictable and stops me from “accidentally” spending an extra on things I wasn’t planning for.
9. Don’t Replace Things Until They’re Completely Gone (Hello, Project Pan!)
If you’re on TikTok, you might already know about Project Pan, the idea of using up what you have before buying more. Well, guess what? It applies to groceries too.
It’s so easy to grab another bottle of olive oil or another jar of peanut butter “just in case,” but if you already have half a bottle at home, you don’t need it yet. Same goes for snacks, sauces, and even produce.
I challenge myself to fully use what I have before restocking. Not only does this save money, but it also cuts down on food waste.
10. Skip the Pre-Cut, Pre-Washed, and Pre-Packaged Stuff
I get it, pre-cut fruit, bagged salads, and shredded cheese are super convenient. But you’re paying for that convenience. A whole pineapple costs half the price of pre-cut chunks, a head of lettuce lasts longer than bagged salad, and a block of cheese is cheaper than shredded (plus, it melts better).
If you’re short on time, try meal prepping all at once, wash and chop your veggies when you get home so they’re just as easy to grab as the pre-packaged stuff.
11. Learn a Few “Fridge Clean-Out” Recipes
Before you do another grocery run, challenge yourself to make a meal with what you already have. This helps stretch your groceries and prevents food waste.
12. Don’t Grocery Shop Hungry (Seriously, Don’t)
I used to roll my eyes at this tip until I realized how much extra stuff ends up in my cart when I’m shopping while starving. Suddenly, chips, cookies, and random snacks seem like absolute necessities. Eat a snack or a full meal before shopping, it makes a huge difference.
13. Shop at Multiple Stores (If It’s Worth It)
Not all stores price things the same way. One store might have cheaper meat, while another has better prices on produce. I don’t go overboard, but if I know I can save a solid amount by stopping at a second store, I do it.
I also love convenience, and I’ll admit, that’s my weakness. I have a grocery store just 4 minutes away, while Trader Joe’s is a 20-minute drive. Personally, I prefer finding ways to save money weekly at my nearest grocery store rather than driving 40 minutes to buy groceries, but, that’s just me.
14. Try Store Brands (They’re Usually Just as Good)
I used to automatically grab name-brand everything, but then I started trying store brands, and guess what? Most of them taste exactly the same. Some are even made by the same companies as the name brands! If you haven’t given store brands a fair shot, now’s the time.
15. Get Creative with Substitutions
If a recipe calls for an expensive ingredient, ask yourself: Do I really need it?
- No buttermilk? Use milk + lemon juice.
- No fancy cheese? Use whatever you already have.
- No fresh herbs? Use dried.
Most recipes are flexible, and a few swaps can save you a surprising amount over time.
16. Try the Yuka App to Make Better Choices
If you haven’t tried Yuka, it’s a game-changer. It’s an app that scans food (and even personal care products) to rate them based on ingredients, additives, and nutrition, so you can make healthier and smarter buying decisions.
Why does this help you save money?
- You stop overpaying for “healthy” marketing. Just because something says “organic” or “natural” doesn’t mean it’s worth the price. Yuka tells you if it’s actually a good product or just marketing.
- It helps you find better alternatives. Sometimes, the cheaper store-brand version is actually healthier than the expensive name-brand one.
- You buy less junk. When you see a low score on an item, you’re less likely to grab it on impulse, good for your wallet and your health.
17. Buy Frozen Over Fresh (When It Makes Sense)
Frozen fruits and veggies are just as nutritious as fresh ones (sometimes even more because they’re frozen at peak ripeness). They’re also cheaper, last longer, and don’t go bad before you can use them. I always keep frozen spinach, berries, and mixed veggies on hand because they are perfect for smoothies, soups, and quick meals.
18. Use Cash back, Rewards, Points
If you’re already buying groceries, you might as well earn something back from it. Using a cash back credit card or a card that earns points (like Amex) can help you get rewards for purchases you’re making anyway.
The IMPORTANT key? Pay it off immediately. That way, you get the benefits without getting into debt. I use my Amex for groceries, earn points, and then pay it off the same day. It’s a small habit that adds up over time, free flights, statement credits, or cash back just for buying food!
19. Make Your Own Snacks and Drinks
Pre-packaged snacks and drinks add up fast. If you’re spending $5 on iced coffee or $7 on granola bars, try making them at home. A batch of homemade iced coffee or energy bites takes minutes to make and costs way less per serving.
20. Use a Calculator as You Shop (or Just Round Up in Your Head)
Honestly, I’m too embarrassed to walk around with a calculator, which is ridiculous because we shouldn’t feel embarrassed to save money. So instead, I just do the math in my head. And trust me, I’m not a math genius.
I keep it simple by rounding up to the nearest dollar (or more for taxes). If something costs $8.99, I just call it $10. This makes it easy to keep a rough total as I shop. You can also write the rounded prices on your shopping list or use your phone’s calculator discreetly. It’s not exact, but it helps me stay on budget and avoid surprises at checkout, and it always works for me.
23. Rotate Cheap, Filling Meals Into Your Week
Some meals are just naturally cheaper than others. If you rotate budget-friendly meals like:
- Rice & beans (super filling and packed with protein)
- Pasta dishes (affordable and versatile)
- Soups & stews (stretch ingredients easily)
- Egg-based meals (like frittatas or breakfast for dinner)
You’ll save without even thinking about it.
24. Meal Prep Just Enough (So You Don’t Waste Food)
Meal prepping is great, but if you’re throwing out leftovers every week, you’re wasting money. Instead of batch cooking everything, try prepping just the basics, like cooked rice, chopped veggies, or marinated proteins, so you can mix and match fresh meals without waste.
25. Don’t Fall for Eye-Level Pricing Tricks
Stores intentionally put the most expensive items at eye level because that’s what people grab first. Look up and down, cheaper, store-brand, or bulk options are usually not at eye level.
26. Consider a Grocery Pickup Order
If impulse shopping is a struggle (been there), ordering online for pickup can help. You stick to your list, see the total before you check out, and avoid walking past aisles of tempting snacks. Some stores even offer free pickup.
27. Buy Spices from the International Aisle
This one is a hidden gem. The same spices in the regular aisle can cost double or triple what they cost in the international or Hispanic/Indian/Asian sections. A bag of cumin for $2 instead of a tiny jar for $6? Yes, please.
31. Check Prices online. Seriously, Trust Your Gut
Sometimes, store prices are too much, and you just know there has to be a better deal. The other day, I needed vanilla sticks for a recipe, and the store price was $25. I quickly checked Amazon, and of course, there were tons of options for under $15.
So here’s my rule: If it’s not urgent, check online before buying in-store. Certain pantry staples, spices, and even bulk items can be way cheaper on Amazon or other online stores. A quick price check can save you A LOT over time.
32. Try Meatless Meals
Meat is often the most expensive part of a meal, so if you can swap it out once or twice a week for a meatless meal, it can help lower your grocery bill. Think pasta with marinara, vegetable stir-fries, or beans and rice. Not only will it save you money, but it can also be a fun way to try new recipes!
34. Buy Non-Food Items at Discount Stores
For things like cleaning supplies, paper products, and toiletries, consider shopping at discount stores like Dollar Tree, Walmart, or Target. These often have the same items as the big grocery stores but at a fraction of the price. Or, make some of them yourself using my recipes 😜
Uff, that was a lot! If I think of anything else, I’ll keep adding them here. I really hope these tips help you, they’re not your typical advice, but just give them a try! Let me know if you have any tips I should know about.