5 Ways To Save Money On Your Food Shop

One of the single biggest expenses that you will ever have to spend money on is your food shopping. You can’t avoid it, but you can take steps to help bring it down. And when you are trying to feed a family of 4 or 5 plus each week, every little bit of money saved is a god send, So what are the best tips and tricks to save money on your food shopping?

1. Make a meal plan

Making a meal plan before you start rushing out and buying food left and right is the best way to help stop impulse buying. Knowing exactly what you are eating and when helps you budget your food and money better in the long term. Have fun with it. Sit down with the kids and plan out your meals. Maybe throw something new in there every now and again that the whole family can get involved in making it. Just know your plan before you get to the shops and stick to your list.

2. Buy in bulk

Shopping around for bulk buy deals is another great way to save money. Especially on the more expensive items such as red meats. If you want the best chance of being able to save as much as possible, try out local farmers markets and butchers. They are your best bet for bulk buying options. Supermarkets will often have larger packets of items priced at better value than smaller ones. It may make a single shop more expensive but will save money long term as you won’t have to go back as often. Freeze or put into storage your extra food, for a later date. Shopping for babies can be expensive so buy formula or milk in bulk where you can. Try looking online as well as there are plenty of companies out there that can provide a good deal on baby food. For example have a look at tastyganics.com for some bulk buy savings on formula.

3. Downgrade your brands

Big name brands are an expense that can be cut down almost immediately. You don’t need to be spending such a high amount on brands, when you can pay a fraction for effectively the same thing elsewhere. Swap your big brands for store brand items, or better yet, swap your big supermarket for something smaller like ALDI. You’ll be happy to know pretty much all the food tastes the same and costs a fraction of what you would spend elsewhere.

4. Avoid ready meals and convenience food

Ready meals and convenience foods are expensive. They may seem cheap but considering how few meals you may get out of any specific one item the expense can add up quickly. Instead of buying convenience food, learn to make your own versions of them from cheaper and healthier whole foods. It may be a bit messier to make, but the kids will have fun making them.

5. Use coupons where possible

If all else fails, don’t be afraid to use whatever coupons you have lying around. Take them from family and friends who don’t want them (ask first obviously) and use them to save as much money as possible. While coupons aren’t what they used to be in terms of value, every now and then they can save you little bits here and there. And the money you save is much better off in your pocket surely?