Top Ten Ways to Save on Groceries Part 1

Need to save on groceries? Use these tips

Make a Menu

One of the best ways to save money on groceries is to make a written menu plan. Having a plan helps you avoid:

making extra trips to the store to pick up a missing ingredient

throwing out food because you forgot about it

going to the drive through because you have no idea what to fix for dinner

To save the most money, make your menu plan based on the grocery store sale items each week and what you have in your pantry and freezer.

Use a List

You have heard it before, but did you know that failing to use a list can add up to 40% to your grocery total? Grocery store executives are counting on impulse buys to put more money in their registers. Disappoint them and buy only what you need.

It is helpful to organize your list by categories such as Dairy, Meat, etc. You can also organize the list according to your store’s lay out.

Check the Pantry

Before you go to the store, check the contents of your pantry, freezer and refrigerator. Make a list of meals that you can make from those items. Make note of missing ingredients, so you can add them to your grocery list.

Using what you already have saves you money by avoiding food waste and reducing your expenditures for new groceries.

Mind Your Milk

There are several strategies for cutting your spending on milk:

Stock Up Milk can be purchased on sale and frozen for up to three months. Simply pour a little out of the container to make room for expansion and place upright in your freezer. Thaw milk in the refrigerator 1-2 days before you need it or overnight on the counter. Be sure to shake before using because the fat separates from the water content.

Add Water For baking you can use half the amount of milk called for in the recipe, plus half the amount of water without a noticeable difference. For sauces, use less water to maintain the best flavor.

Use Less Substituting cereal with another breakfast food (like eggs) two to three times a week can dramatically reduce your milk usage and your budget. Limit children to drinking one glass per day. Serve other calcium sources such as raw or lightly cooked green vegetables, broths made from chicken or turkey bones and even oranges.

Use Everything

No one wants to throw away the money spent on food. Try these strategies for avoiding food waste:

Check the Date When shopping check the dates on perishable items like milk and cheese. Usually the foods with the latest dates are in the back, but not always. Choosing food items with later dates means fresher food and less food spoilage.

Clean the Fridge Mark your calendar for a weekly refrigerator recon to find unused goodies. Make a smorgasbord for dinner. Present everything in a pleasing display and invite your family to enjoy their favorites.

Contain Leftovers Place uneaten vegetables and meat in a freezer container for soup later. Take leftovers for lunch. Make popsicles form leftover yogurt and fruit.

Wisely using what you have makes the best use of your grocery money.

You can go here to read the Top Ten Ways to Save on Groceries Part 2.