This Shopping List Always Saves Me Money at the Grocery Store
Saving money at the grocery store is easy on paper, but when I step out into the aisle, a new brain takes over. – Don’t you need chocolate? and “Oh, maybe some chicken strips?” — the word “budget” disappeared from my head. For me, the best way to save money is to create a proper checklist of ingredients that are inexpensive and ideally can be used for multiple meals. Below you’ll find my budget grocery shopping list that keeps me afloat during tough economic times—maybe it can help you too.
I’ve broken the list down into main sections to make it clearer how to create a shopping list. However, everyone has their own way of cooking and eating, so even if my list isn’t ideal for you (I’d be surprised if it was), you can still use these recommendations to save a few bucks. If you’re thinking, “Just give me the list!” Then here it is . I keep my checklist on my phone so I can easily check everything in the store. This keeps my eyes from wandering down the snack aisle. Feel free to make a copy and personalize it.
Starches
Starches are great belly fillers. They are often one of the cheapest items in our grocery stores because they can be dried and sold in bulk.
Cereals, etc. Rice, pasta, instant noodles, quinoa, oats – these dried foods are affordable and can be used to make several dishes. For example, a 16-ounce box of pasta contains eight servings. A 42-ounce can of oatmeal serves 30 servings. That’s a lot for $7.50 breakfast.
Beans and legumes. Another bulk buy, dry beans and legumes are shelf-stable, contain fiber, and can make many meals in one bag. I often buy rehydrated beans in cans, but if you get into the habit of soaking the beans ahead of time, you’ll save money by using dry beans.
Potato. Potatoes are an old friend of mine, but what still surprises me is how full they make me. Two red potatoes make a serving of this lentil soup for four people, and one large russet potato makes mashed potatoes for two.
Bread. Bread can transform a humble egg into an entire sandwich, or a handful of tomatoes and onions into a hearty panzanella salad. Break a loaf of bread into small pieces and use them as a topping for casseroles, soups and salads.
Cheap network
The main dish is often meat, and its price also increases sharply. Here are some ways to keep protein in your diet without breaking your budget.
Cheap meat. Instead of buying premium cuts of beef, choose sausage (here’s my sausage and beans recipe) or different cuts of pork. If you’re buying beef, look for cheaper cuts by looking at the unit price on the package. You can see the difference in the picture above. Don’t sleep on canned meats like tuna and SPAM either.
Seafood . Frozen shrimp is one of my favorite money-saving proteins. Look for medium-sized shrimp and add them to rice dishes, soups or pasta.
Cheese. You may think of cheese as a topping, but an ounce or two of cheese can make a hearty main component to a dish. Try pan-frying some for your next salad or sandwich.
Fats and flavors
If there’s one lesson that cauliflower steak taught me, it’s that if you have enough seasoning and enough fat, anything can be delicious. Increasing your budget may mean you buy less bougie food, but it doesn’t necessarily mean your food is lacking in flavor.
Vegetable oil. At some point, we got carried away with olive oil and forgot that there are other cooking oils. Olive oil and butter are more expensive now, so buy a bottle of canola, corn or vegetable oil for a much lower price. In any case, they are better suited to higher cooking temperatures. Save the extra virgin olive oil for the finishing touches.
Ingot flavoring. This winter I’m eating soups and stews. Not only is it soothing, but it also fills up that whole broth. Instead of buying one container of chicken broth for every pot of soup, buy some concentrated broth or a can of Better Than Bullion (they also have a whole line of meatless options) so you can make nine or 10 pots of soup for almost the same price.
Fruits and vegetables
There’s no doubt that eating fruits and vegetables is key to a balanced diet, and fresh produce is often affordable. The problem in my house is garbage. If I buy too much, it’s a waste of money. Avoid buying fresh food in bulk unless you have a plan, such as an actual meal, that you will be preparing in the next few days.
Fresh and seasonal. Seasonal or local fruits and vegetables are often cheaper than out-of-season produce or food shipped long distances. Buy asparagus and berries in the summer, and zucchini in the winter. Stick to your year-round allies when you’re at a loss, like apples, cucumbers, potatoes, carrots, broccoli and peppers.
Canned and frozen. If it’s not berry season or the price of fresh spinach upsets you, check out the frozen food section. Not only will you be able to get a decent variety of fruits or vegetables, but you can also keep them frozen and not have to worry about waste. Also check out the canned goods section. You can often find cheaper gems there, like dollar jars of sliced mushrooms, canned beets, crushed tomatoes, and even potatoes. (By the way, canned mushrooms and potatoes are great for air frying.)
Choosing branded options can also save you a few dollars. If you’re looking for recipes that will save money and inspire your next grocery store, try these .