I'm a registered dietitian who helps low income families shop healthy, yet cheap. I'd like to get some input/other ideas I may have over looked to cut down to grocery bills.
Here are my suggestions I give my clients: Shop at grocers that are cheaper (aldi's, food lion, walmart, trader joes, lidel). The less name band promotions, the cheaper the food will be.
Shop at an international market/ethnic stores for meats, fish, and produce. A few in my area are called H-mart (korean/asian) and Best Way (Hispanic market) and Fresh Mart (all ethinc food). The prepackaged food typically cost more at these stores, but the basics are a high quality and affordable.
Buy meat on managers special. These meats usually have 2-3 days to be eaten or frozen and they're between 20-50% off. How else could I buy a leg of lamb for $11!! Check smaller grocers for these deals. You can also do family packs of meats which shouldnt take up too much room in the freezer. For fish, choose frozen instead of fresh since its usually cheaper.
Buy produce in season (aka dont buy berries in the winter). Frozen veggies/canned are an easy and cheap substitute for out of season veggies. Look up seasonal fruits and veggies in your region.
Download the stores app. Food Lion often has $10 off of $50, and other coupon deals thats easier than actual coupon clipping.
Find the clearance section of the grocery store. I've been able to get whole wheat pasta for 0.39. Other times shelf-stable foods are about 50% off. The products go on clearance because they arent popular or they purcased too much... Stores are not allowed to sell expired food.
Never buy anything on end-caps (the end of the isle). Its a marketing ploy and you probably dont need what they're selling.
Shop on the perimeter of the store first (produce, meats, deli/bakery, dairy, eggs), then head to the inside isles... This will cut down on the chances to buy junk/highly processed foods/impulse buys)
When inside the isles, the cheap items are on the bottom half of the shelf. Items at eye level are usually expensive.
Look at the unit price when comparing items. Its located on the price label. Usually the larger item is the best value, but make sure you'll use all of it if you choose a larger size.
October 26, 2017 at 08:13AM
