29 Ways to Save Money at the Grocery Store

| Laura Jones

Here we are in October! With upcoming tournaments, the holidays, and a schedule full of away games, it’s going to be a busy couple months. These are the times when finances can get tight, especially for those of us who have multiple kids traveling. Staying ahead can seem overwhelming!

Over the past few years I have found ways to cut a nice chunk out of the grocery bill during the busiest times of the season. Every dollar helps!

For additional tips, see the previous blog article on Weekly Meal Planning as well.

29 ways to save money at the grocery store

  1. Buy fruits and veggies that are in season. Check local ads for what is on sale, and freeze what you can’t use now for winter.
  2. Looking for veggies that aren’t in season? Buy frozen!
  3. Plan your meals in advance. See our previous blog on Meal Planning.
  4. Use up what you have at home. For recipe ideas, I like to go on Pinterest and type in the ingredient I want to use. For example, if I have extra ground turkey in the freezer, I search Pinterest for a good recipe with turkey.
  5. Switch it up! Make a vegetarian dish one night a week, or do breakfast for dinner.
  6. Buy less alcohol. I know, bummer right? But it’s often the easiest way to shave those food and beverage expenses.
  7. Only buy meat that is on sale. Meat is by far the most expensive part of our budget, and this is a great easy way to save a few bucks each time we visit the store.
  8. Prep meals in advance. Lots of freezer meals can be made ahead of time and popped into the crockpot for the day.
  9. Make one night of pasta per week.
  10. Buy organic chicken thighs instead of breasts, they are cheaper.
  11. Plant your own garden! (This summer is gone, but there’s always next summer!) You’d be surprised at how much this can not only save, but be incredibly convenient.
  12. Shop the weekly sales. Pull a flyer when you go into the store, and buy a few extra items to put it in the freezer if it is a really good deal!
  13. Shop at stores like Aldi, Trader Joe’s and Costco. In my opinion, these stores have the best deals all year round.
  14. Shop farmer’s markets. It’s both healthier and cheaper.
  15. Don’t take the kids. (Or husband). Have you ever noticed this that you spend more if you shop with the kids or husband? Why do they want to buy 3 of everything?
  16. Don’t shop hungry.
  17. Know where to shop in the store. Notice that the healthy food is generally on the outside of the store as opposed to the center aisles. Shop these areas to buy healthier food.
  18. Order online. Harris Teeter has regular deals, and they waive the fee if you spend over a certain amount or if you purchase a certain item. That saves time and money!!
  19. Grow your own herbs.
  20. Plan out all snacks, before and after practice, road trips, etc. See our previous blog articles on Feeding before and after Practice.
  21. Shop generic. Even Whole Foods offers their 365 brand, and it has organics!
  22. Make your own desserts. They will cost less and they are healthier because you have total control over the ingredients in the dessert.
  23. Check Amazon. It’s amazing what you can find on there, especially if you have their 2-hour shopping in your area! I buy a sprouted pizza crust. I use for myself, but the kids will eat it too. This way I can have “legal” pizza! I load it with veggies, meat, organic sauce, and organic cheese. It’s delicious, and far cheaper than ordering delivery! Here is the link: https://www.amazon.com/Angelic-Bakehouse-Sprouted-Seven-Flatzza/dp/B00J13AGYW/ref=sr_1_sc_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1499270443&sr=8-1-spell&keywords=flatza+pizza+crust
  24. If you have leftovers from the night before, box them up for tomorrow’s lunch at work. Again, you won’t have to eat out during your lunch. I bought these meal prep containers that I use to pack for Dave and I. That way, we are both not eating out! Sometimes he does have lunch with clients, but this saves money when he otherwise would grab a quick to-go meal by himself! Here are the containers I use: https://www.amazon.com/Compartment-Containers-Bento-Plates-Microwave-Dishwasher/dp/B0140ZN2EQ/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1499270710&sr=8-3&keywords=meal+prep+containers. I can watch my diet as well. It’s a win, win!
  25. Make soup at home. You can make a whole pot of chili for super cheap.
  26. Use your left over ripe bananas to make banana bread. I like this as a snack as we travel as well! You can make a few loaves and place one in the freezer for later.
  27. Make your own salads. Buying the bagged salads is easier but isn’t as good, and also costs more.
  28. Use rice. It is cheap and a great side. For example, pair it with chicken stock and veggies to make a great side with a protein.
  29. And of course, be sure keep an eye on how much you are spending. Keep in mind that if you are avoiding eating out, you will be saving money!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Laura Jones
Founder of The Hockey Mommy




In the store:
Autumn is here and the temperatures are falling. We have our cable hats on sale now through Halloween! Get yours now for $29.99, regularly $34.99.


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Note: All information on The Hockey Mommy is for education purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, please consult your doctor.

Reference: http://simplyintentionallife.com, Pinterest

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