Rising food costs, and how to spend less?

Question

2 weeks ago I went to the grocery store and spent almost 180 dollars for 2 people. All I bought was food, nothing else. I didn't buy anything expensive, not even a lot of food. Just basics mostly. I was amazed when I saw the bill. People keep telling me how they've learned to spend like 100 every 2 weeks, and they have kids! What can I change or buy differently to get our food bill down?

Answer 1

Clip coupons it may take you a while but in the long run you can save you some serious cash. I saw a report on T.V about a lady with a family of 4 who spends about a hour clipping coupons and spends about $10 a week at the grocery store. And she buys name brand items.

Answer 2

I buy what I need, but check sale prices first. If meat is on sale on a week that I need very little, I will stock up on meat on freeze it. For ground meat, I freeze it in one pound portions( as that is what most recipes all for), I also make up hamburger patties. If I buy chicken, I freeze each piece individually( then place in ziploc bags).

I make a list and stick to it. I also buy store brand items and get snacks for lunches at $ stores.

Answer 3

It costs more to eat healthy that it does to eat unhealthy.  That's why so many people on food stamps are overweight.  Either incorporate less healthy foods into your diet, go to less expensive stores like Aldi and Sav-a-lot or eat less.

Answer 4

Basically, eat more veggies, pasta and limiting but not omitting the amount of meat, fish and poultry. Hit the farmers market if you have one near by to get very fresh relatively inexpensive vegetables.  Try to stick to the outer limits or the U of the store where the meat, veggies, produce and bread is, and only visit the inner parts of the grocery store for pasta and toiletries etc.  Plan your meals for two weeks or one, this will save you loads of money when you shop. Bake your own desserts, cookies and cakes.  keep track of how much you eat out, think of how many groceries you could buy with that cash!  Just get organized and give yourself a grocery allowance and that's ALL you can spend! If you know you're paying cash you won't over spend.  Good luck!

Answer 5

Ramen noodles........

Answer 6

shopping cheap is a really hard chore that you need to devote time to.  look at your regular shopping list and then sift through the catelogues to find the best price... buy when things are on special.  look for when the supermarkets mark down bread and then freeze it.  and there is nothing wrong with the home brand foods

in terms of fresh fruit and veg we have changed to the markets and buy locally, its better quality and far cheaper.

we are a family of 3 and there is no way that i can shop for 100 a week.  my normal bill is around the 300 p/f

good luck

Answer 7

Stick to basics.  Toast or Cinnamon toast is as good a treat warm as anything you can buy at a French bakery.  There is a million ways to prepare an egg.  Oatmeal is much less expensive that the sugary, processed cereals.  House brands are as good as the well advertised national brands, the secrete is how you season them.  A can of tuna is as good as a pork chop when you can't afford a pork chop.

Think about the mountain men who came down into the settlement only biannually to buy beans, coffee and sugar. Consider how many things you bring home from the grocery that are NOT food.

Simplify, simplify.  

Answer 8

There are several things you could try. If you are shopping at at typically more expensive grocery store, switch to a different, they all carry the same things.  Other things you could try are clipping coupons, buying generics, buy in bulk and save money.  Watch the ads that come out in the papers about what is going to be on sale at the grocery and go there if most of what you want is there.