When you’re trying to save money on groceries, most people will suggest clipping coupons, and my eyes glaze right over. Not because I’m against saving extra money, but because it is time-consuming.
It’s a lot of work finding, clipping and collecting coupons, and then you have to remember to use them at the store??? No, ma’am.
So if you’re looking for easy ways to reduce your next grocery bill, even during inflation, I’ve got you covered!
Related: How to Plan Family Meals On A Budget
Saving Money On Groceries Without Coupons
I’ve been using these simple strategies for YEARS to feed my family of six on a budget and they still work even in this economy and inflation! So don’t think you have to becoming an extreme couponer (digital or paper) if you don’t want to — I know I have enough on my plate.
#1 We stick to store brands.
This tip is a no-brainer especially if you’re trying to save money on groceries without coupons. Everything you grab should be a generic or store brand—from bread to condiments.
The difference between name brands and generic brands can sometimes be more than a few dollars, which is AWESOME for stretching your grocery budget at checkout!
And most of the time you can’t even taste the difference. That’s why we buy EVERYTHING generic (groceries, toilet paper, even diapers!).
Plus, many store brands (like Walmart’s Great Value) have stepped their game up to provide better quality goods.
So, if you want to save money on groceries without coupons, then it’s time to break up with your favorite brands and give store brands a try!
#2 We shop at low-price grocery stores.
Grocery shopping at stores like Walmart or Aldi that provide rock-bottom prices on food makes it REALLY easy to save money on groceries without coupons.
Walmart is perfect for getting everything you need on your grocery list, including household items, at super affordable prices. But if you want to save even more money on your groceries, Aldi is your best bet!
At Aldi, you can buy organic fruits and vegetables for the same price or sometimes cheaper than Walmart’s non-organic produce.
With both stores, though, you’ll need to bring your own reusable grocery bag or prepare to bring your groceries home in large manufacturing boxes you find in the store. That’s how they’re able to keep costs low, by eliminating free grocery bags.
Related: 7 Things I Do Every Sunday That Makes My Week Better
#3 We shop frozen, not fresh.
By far, the cheapest way to add more fruits and vegetables into your diet without breaking the bank is to buy them frozen, instead of fresh. Because frozen veggies are still healthy for you, they will last longer and cost you way less too!
I love buying frozen bags of broccoli, green beans, corn to serve as simple side dishes at dinner, and it costs me no more than $2 a bag! Now that’s eating healthy on a budget.
#4 We only buy what we will consume.
When you’re trying to save without coupons to keep your grocery bill low, you can’t throw random ingredients in your cart. And buying items in bulk won’t always save you more money either.
So when you see those 10 for $10 sales, there’s no need to go crazy and reach for all 10 items—they’ll still ring up for $1 each no matter how many you grab! (By the way, this is just one of the ways grocery stores like to trick you into spending more money than you have.)
Plus, unless you consume a lot of what you’re buying, or if it’s a cut of meat you cook often that’s finally on sale, it’s not worth stocking up. You’ll just be wasting money on food that will expire before you get a chance to eat it.
Instead, head to the grocery store with a shopping list so you’ll know exactly what you need. You can use a piece of paper or the Notes app on your smartphone, but don’t rely on keeping your list in your head. It’s hard to remember what you need to grab when you’re distracted by the smell of the bakery aisle.
Related: 8 Proven Ways I Cope With Grocery Shopping Anxiety
#5 We plan all of our meals ahead.
You need to get into the habit of knowing exactly what your family is going to eat each and every week before you head to the grocery store. Because planning ahead will help you avoid impulse purchases so you can stay on budget and save more money on food.
It’s also cheaper if you plan to eat the same meals for breakfast and lunch so you can allow some breathing room in your grocery budget to splurge a little on dinner! If you need help with meal planning, read my tips for beginners.
Now it’s your turn!
The next time you go shopping, try implementing any one of these tips (or combine them all!) and see how much money you can save. Be sure to let me know in the comments below!
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