When comparison shopping, it is good to buy the foods that cost the least per pound/kilo. However, that should not be your only consideration. Another big issue for families on a tight budget is not just where to buy foods the cheapest, but what foods to buy. If you want to eat healthy and cheap, then buying foods that are both inexpensive and nutritious is really the best route.
In order to decide what foods are really the cheapest, we need to find out how to get the most nutrition for our food dollars, not the most food by volume. You don't want to compromise fresh and nutritious foods by loading up on discounted but normally high priced convenience foods filled with sugar, salt, empty calories, refined starches, chemical preservatives and hydrogenated oils, do you?
Ten tips to save money on food costs:
1. Draw a monthly & weekly shopping budget plan in advance and stick to it.
2. Chalk out your weekly menu plan in advance and then draw up your shopping list based on this menu.
3. Choose to pay cash for all your grocery shopping. It restricts impulse buying above your means.
4. If you choose to use your credit card at checkout, ensure you pay the card off every month before its due so you never incur any finance/interest charges.
5. Shop around to find which stores give you best value and quality for your money. Supermarkets are a good one-stop shop for all your shopping needs; however their pricing methods are complicated and you will certainly be paying more for certain goods like fresh produce and such if you compare with your local small time corner shop. The latest news on the telly last week commented on a 200-500% mark-up on fresh produce by popular supermarkets! A rock melon at the supermarket sells for $5 compared to $3 at the Asian vege shop around the corner.
6. Stock up on non-perishable items you normally use when they are on sale. Anyways, you should always buy non-perishables like toilet tissues, cleaning material etc in bulk for the whole month, or even for the next 2-3 months from wholesalers to avoid retailer mark-ups. This will also save you time so your weekly shopping is meant only for perishables and such. In the city where I live, there is a catering supplier/wholesaler who sell bulk items at wholesale prices to account-holders and if you are going to be a regular customer, that's not difficult to set up.
7. If you are fortunate enough to have a large freezer, you can also stock up in bulk on frozen meats, frozen veges and such.
8. If you like to garden, you can eat healthy and save money on vegetables by planting your own organic vegetable or at least a herb garden.
9. Send for free samples and coupons by visiting major food company web sites. You can often get free samples for new products, gift certificates in return for filling out product surveys, coupons, free sweepstakes entries and many more promotional offers just by registering on food company site. You may want to use a free email address when you register so your personal email address doesn't get filled up with advertising emails.
10. Shop to cook. Home cooked meals based on a carefully planned weekly menu are not only nutritious and wholesome but help you save money on unnecessary takeaways with doubtful quality and hygiene standards.
In order to decide what foods are really the cheapest, we need to find out how to get the most nutrition for our food dollars, not the most food by volume. You don't want to compromise fresh and nutritious foods by loading up on discounted but normally high priced convenience foods filled with sugar, salt, empty calories, refined starches, chemical preservatives and hydrogenated oils, do you?
Ten tips to save money on food costs:
1. Draw a monthly & weekly shopping budget plan in advance and stick to it.
2. Chalk out your weekly menu plan in advance and then draw up your shopping list based on this menu.
3. Choose to pay cash for all your grocery shopping. It restricts impulse buying above your means.
4. If you choose to use your credit card at checkout, ensure you pay the card off every month before its due so you never incur any finance/interest charges.
5. Shop around to find which stores give you best value and quality for your money. Supermarkets are a good one-stop shop for all your shopping needs; however their pricing methods are complicated and you will certainly be paying more for certain goods like fresh produce and such if you compare with your local small time corner shop. The latest news on the telly last week commented on a 200-500% mark-up on fresh produce by popular supermarkets! A rock melon at the supermarket sells for $5 compared to $3 at the Asian vege shop around the corner.
6. Stock up on non-perishable items you normally use when they are on sale. Anyways, you should always buy non-perishables like toilet tissues, cleaning material etc in bulk for the whole month, or even for the next 2-3 months from wholesalers to avoid retailer mark-ups. This will also save you time so your weekly shopping is meant only for perishables and such. In the city where I live, there is a catering supplier/wholesaler who sell bulk items at wholesale prices to account-holders and if you are going to be a regular customer, that's not difficult to set up.
7. If you are fortunate enough to have a large freezer, you can also stock up in bulk on frozen meats, frozen veges and such.
8. If you like to garden, you can eat healthy and save money on vegetables by planting your own organic vegetable or at least a herb garden.
9. Send for free samples and coupons by visiting major food company web sites. You can often get free samples for new products, gift certificates in return for filling out product surveys, coupons, free sweepstakes entries and many more promotional offers just by registering on food company site. You may want to use a free email address when you register so your personal email address doesn't get filled up with advertising emails.
10. Shop to cook. Home cooked meals based on a carefully planned weekly menu are not only nutritious and wholesome but help you save money on unnecessary takeaways with doubtful quality and hygiene standards.
Also See: How2 Save Time on Grocery Shopping
