Top 3 Tips For Saving Money on Food
- Tips and How To's
- 10/22/14
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There's no way to get around going to the grocery store, but thankfully, there are many ways to save money before you embark on your mealtime mission. Depending on your desired dish or favorite food store, you may be able to cut costs by merely altering your ingredients. But for those looking for simple and effective ways to save money on food, consider the following tactics.
1. Buy in bulk
Whether you're purchasing fruits, vegetables or meats, buying in bulk may be one of the best ways to save money in the long run. Purchasing your products in large quantities is ideal if you know how to preserve these foods, as they can last for months when properly saved. Be sure to break out your vacuum sealer, which can provide airtight packaging that has been proven to extend the shelf life of various types of foods. Keeping your kitchen stockpiled with bulk products can reduce the number of trips you need to take to the store, as well as provide plenty of room for experimentation with your recipes.
2. Search for those sales
It's a good idea to search for foods when they are on sale, regardless of whether your recipe calls for this cut. After purchasing beef, chicken and seafood at reduced prices, use your vacuum sealer to keep them stored in your freezer. The source noted that to get the most from your meat purchases, you should purchase those that are on sale, regardless of their size or cut.
Sales are not limited to meats, however. Be sure to purchase seasonal fruits and vegetables in large quantities when they're on sale, as these can also be easily frozen and stored for later use. Cutting up your foods and storing them by the cup is a great way to further reduce both food and monetary waste, as you can thaw the correct amount of food as needed.
3. Shop less
A large portion of unnecessary and wasteful purchases happen when you haven't properly planned your grocery trip, according to the book "America's Cheapest Family Gets You Right on the Money." Author Steve Economides noted that six out of 10 grocery purchases are unplanned, a practice that leads to excess food in your house and fewer funds in your bank account. To reduce the number of unplanned purchases, create and stick to a grocery list - and shop less. Try to avoid quick trips to the grocery store and instead commit to visiting just once every week.
