With the cost of living higher than ever, many families are looking for ways to cut down on expenses. One of the largest parts of any household budget is the grocery bill. However, it’s important not to sacrifice nutrition and food safety just to save a bit of money. With some planning and smart shopping, you can trim your food budget without giving up quality.
Choose Generics
Opting for store-brand or generic items is one of the easiest ways to cut costs. Generic brands from discount supermarkets like Lidl and Aldi are typically just as nutritious as name brands like Heinz. Canned vegetables, dried beans, pasta, rice and other staples can all be purchased generically without sacrificing quality. Only choose generic items that look and smell fresh. Check expiration dates, and don’t purchase anything that’s been sitting on the shelf too long.
Buy Seasonal Produce
Sticking with fruits and vegetables that are in season will help you get the best price. Produce flown in from the other side of the world costs more. Try shopping at local farmer’s markets to get freshly harvested produce at good value. Berries, stone fruits and salad greens are affordable in summer, while root veggies, squash and apples are budget-friendly in autumn.
Cook from Scratch
Avoid costly pre-packaged and ready-made meals by cooking at home. Building meals around economical whole foods like beans, lentils, rice, potatoes and inexpensive cuts of meat helps keep costs low. Basic pantry ingredients stretch further and leave room in your budget for fresh produce. With a little practice, cooking is faster and healthier than takeaway.
Stick to a List
Impulse purchases burden budgets. Make a list before shopping and stick to it. Avoid venturing down aisles with tempting snack foods and impulse items. Focus on getting in and out efficiently. Don’t shop hungry and avoid distractions so you can focus on your list. If you are fostering with Fosterplus, meal plan for the week ahead so you only buy what you need. Skipping unnecessary purchases is an easy way to pare down spending.
Shop at the End of the Day
Many grocery stores discount their perishable items like meats, dairy, and baked goods at the end of the day as closing time approaches. Going shopping later in the evening can help you score deals on foods that need to be sold. You can often find large markdowns on items that are nearing their expiration dates. Shopping just before closing allows you to browse the clearance sections and snag food for the next day or two at reduced prices. Even if you freeze or cook some of the items right away, getting fresh produce, eggs, cheese, yoghurt, chicken, and more at a steep discount makes it worthwhile to shop later. With careful planning, you can shop the sales, reap the savings, and enjoy tasty meals without wasting food.
Trimming your household food budget is a balancing act. Look for legitimate ways to save through generics, sales and scratch cooking. However, don’t let prices compromise quality or safety. Protect yourself and your family by using discernment in food choices.
