.

8 Grocery Budgeting Tips to Help You Buy More Supplies

This post may contain affiliate links. Affiliate links means that sometimes if you click through to a website and register or purchase something, we may get a commission from that sale at no extra cost to you. Click here to learn more.

 The rising prices of basic commodities can make it more challenging for even the most thrifty individuals to stay within their household grocery budgets. Sometimes, they are forced to scrimp on their shopping lists and buy fewer items.

Although the amount you spend on groceries will depend on where you shop and what you buy, there are several methods you can do to ensure you buy enough supplies for your entire household. For example, you can get cash loans to supplement your weekly funds. You can also adjust how you shop and budget for your food shopping trips. If you want to learn more, here are some grocery budgeting tips to help you buy more without spending more:

Create a Shopping List and Stick to It

Before you head to the grocery store, list down all the ingredients and all the other supplies you need to buy. Then, make sure to only purchase the items on this list, so you don’t make unnecessary purchases and go over your budget. A purposeful list also ensures nothing you buy goes to waste or sits in your pantry unused.

To help you create a shopping list, plan out a weekly menu for your household and itemize the dishes you need to cook day to day. They don’t have to be too complex; you can start with a few simple recipes and look up recipes for them. Practice this habit and you’ll see incredible savings that can help you stretch your budget.

Purchase Generic Brands

Many supermarkets display higher-priced, name-brand products at eye level, which can tempt shoppers to spend more money on them. Instead of putting the first product your see in your shopping cart, explore what’s on the top and bottom shelves. There may be more affordable products available. Also, some supermarkets offer generic brands of staple pantry items that are cheaper and often taste just the same. The next time you go shopping, buy those generic brands instead and you might be able to buy more.

Buy in Bulk

Whenever you can, buy grocery items in bulk to help you save money. If you compare the unit prices of bulk products to the prices of products in single-use packages, you’ll notice the former costs less per serving. As such, whenever your budget allows, buy family-sized packs to save more money. It also keeps you from making the same purchases frequently.

Depending on what you typically cook at home, some of the foods that are best to buy in bulk are those that you cook often, like poultry, meat, and rice. You can also purchase staple household products like dishwashing soap, tissue rolls, and cleaning products in large quantities to increase your savings.  

Avoid Buying Pre-Packed Foods

While buying pre-cut vegetables and pre-sliced cheese can save you time when cooking and preparing meals, you need to pay more for the convenience. Instead of buying pre-packed foods, get whole items instead. This may mean buying fresh vegetables and a block of cheese. You may need to exert a bit more effort in preparing them, but it will help you save more money that you can use to buy other grocery items.

Look for Promos

If you want to purchase more groceries without going over your budget, always look for promos. Supermarkets often conduct various sales and offer promos that can help you save while filling your pantry. For example, if the store has a buy one take one promo of a product you usually get anyway, be sure to add them to your cart. Typically, these are placed in prominent locations throughout the store, such as by the entrance and at the end of the aisles. 

Sign Up For Rewards Program

Many grocery stores have rewards programs for their frequent shoppers. Some of the common benefits include member-only discounts, special promos, and accumulated points you can convert to purchases. Find out if the supermarket you often go to offers something similar. If you qualify for them, be sure to join so you can take advantage of the potential savings.

Pay Using Your Credit Card

Aside from the grocery rewards program, check if your credit card offers something similar. Many credit card issuers offer discounts and rebates from partner establishments like restaurants and supermarkets. Some credit card companies also let you earn cash back when making purchases. That said, keep an eye out for any special deals that can help you lower your grocery bill. Using the right form of payment at the checkout counter can help you save more money so you can purchase more without spending too much.

Compare Store Prices

If you live in an area with multiple grocery stores, shop at a few of them and compare their prices. You can find out which establishment offers the lowest prices for the items your household needs. You can also check out the sales and promotions they usually run. If it isn’t too much trouble for you, consider shopping at two stores for different items to optimize your savings.

With a few adjustments and smart shopping tips, you can stretch your grocery budget without sacrificing what your family needs. Consider the recommendations mentioned above. They can help you save more money on your purchases and allow you to buy more supplies for your household. 

Picture of Emma Drew

Emma Drew

Emma has spent over 15 years sharing her expertise in making and saving money, inspiring thousands to take control of their finances. After paying off £15,000 in credit card debt, she turned her side hustles into a full-time career in 2015. Her award-winning blog, recognized as the UK's best money-making blog for three years, has made her a trusted voice, with features on BBC TV, BBC radio, and more.

Well done