The 7 Best Ways to Save Money on Groceries

The latest news circulating is that the cost of groceries—particularly fresh produce⁠—is predicted to rise between 50-70% until Christmas in light of the recent floods and world events affecting petrol prices. 

That's a pretty scary prospect, especially with the significant increases in the cost of petrol already hurting budgets.

So let's not waste any time. If you're looking to save some money on your grocery shopping, you're not alone. This article will look at seven ways to save money on groceries for current climatic circumstances.

**We've added the 1-5 Broccoli Effort Scale (🥦  nice and quick, to 🥦🥦🥦🥦🥦  takes planning) to help you choose strategies that work for you. 

Our top 7 Budget Grocery Shopping Hacks

When we were putting together our top list, in light of the current situation we assumed strategies like buying in bulk and buying frozen or canned veg as an alternative to fresh vegetables won't be overly helpful in the current circumstance, given already pressured budgets and hikes that impact packaged produce. That's okay, and if you can make these work for you that is fabulous! 

1. Start with a Grocery List

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Grocery lists are a fantastic way to help you avoid impulse buys and give you a list of items to shop for. They allow you to stay on track and are a great way to save money by limiting your spending. Choose a list that works best for you, paper and pen, or if you like getting a bit tech-savvy, try an app for your grocery list. 

2. Buy Local Produce (if you can) 

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Food transport costs are at their peak due to the recent floods and petrol increases. Higher transport costs mean that many groceries are now up to 50-70% more expensive, which will hurt food budgets. 

If you can seek out more local produce that has less to travel, this will help. See if there are any local food markets in your area. The good thing about market food shopping is that they generally only stock in-season produce, so that is another savings but helping you select abundant fruit and veg.  

3. Become a Food Preservation Master

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Many Australian households underestimate how much food waste we throw away. I can see how it happens, you buy that broccoli thinking you'll cook it up during the week, and it doesn't happen- life happens. It starts to yellow and gets tossed out. Food waste, budget waste. 

A better option might be to blanch it quickly and pop it in the freezer when you're ready. These techniques can work with lots of different fresh food and might take a little extra planning but so worth it for your wallet and the environment.

4. Try out Generic Brands

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With the increasing food prices, people are looking for cheaper alternatives. Generic brands are a great way to reduce your grocery bill. 

Generic brands are just like your branded products, only they don't usually carry a specific brand name, and their packaging has less fanfare. 

Most supermarkets now bring their generic brands, plus others. The no-frills aspect of these brands helps to bring the cost down, and their taste is often compared to their branded neighbours. 

5. Check for Sale Coupons

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Coupons are a great way to save money on groceries. They can be found in most grocery stores, printed on the back of receipts, or in catalogues published by supermarkets regularly. It takes a little extra planning to collect them and use them to your advantage when grocery shopping. But it's certainly worth the extra effort. 

6. Shop Around for Better Deals

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Looks can be deceiving when seeking out budget-friendly grocery options. 

A pro tip is to always look at the unit prices when comparing grocery items. Australian supermarkets must comply with specific standards for displaying unit pricing. Being a savvy shopper will pay dividends at the checkout! 

7. Switch-up Your Cooking Methods 

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Not all cooking methods are created equal when it comes to budget-friendly cooking. 

A rib-eye steak for your meat and 3-veg meal will cost you a pretty penny. But if you were to buy a different cut of meat, perhaps, and use it to create a delicious casserole. Even better, you might get enough leftovers for a second dinner.

Think about different cuts of meat or try out a meat-free Monday. Cooking with a good staple ingredient like rice, pasta, or potatoes is also an excellent way to get a filling meal on a budget and cut the grocery bill. 

Have you got any golden tips that have helped you save at on groceries? Don't be shy we'd love to hear them! 

Image Credit: Tara Clark