How to Save Money Food Shopping: My Real-Life Tips

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Feeding your family well doesn't have to drain your wallet. With a few smart habits and easy swaps, you can lower your grocery bill and still serve up plenty of delicious, home-cooked meals.

These tips come straight from my own kitchen - the same tricks that kept my busy household of six fed without blowing the budget. I hope they help make your weekly shopping trips a little less stressful, too!

1. Join Your Store's Loyalty Program

Most grocery stores offer free rewards programs with instant discounts, freebies, or gas savings. If you shop the same store every week, those perks really add up.

button mushrooms in a saute pan — Finding a good deal on produce means cooking up delicious sides like these button mushrooms.

2. Pick the Best Store for the Job

I adore Publix for most things, but for fresh produce? ALDI wins every time. International markets can surprise you with great deals too. Try a few stores and see which ones make your dollar stretch furthest.

perfectly cooked honey glazed pork chops sliced on a cutting board with dripping glaze — Local farmer's markets are great for finding local honey at a bargain price - perfect for making honey glazed pork chops.

3. Shop at Farmer's Markets

Nothing beats fresh, local produce at a fair price - plus you're supporting your neighbors! The taste is usually better than store-bought, too.

finished scrambled eggs added to toast — Farm-fresh eggs are unmatched for creamy scrambled eggs in the morning.

4. Visit Local Farms

When I'm up in the Georgia mountains, I love picking up eggs and veggies right from the farm. It's often cheaper than the grocery store and supports your local community.

a plate of cooked corn with elote seasonings — Amazing deals on corn in the summertime means plenty of opportunities to make elote.

5. Shop What's in Season

Even if you can't make it to a farm, plan meals around in-season produce. Summer corn and zucchini, winter squash, sweet potatoes - all delicious and budget-friendly.

chicken bites on a platter — Poultry has a lower cost per pound compared to other meats - that's why I love making these low carb chicken bites with ground chicken.

6. Always Check Unit Prices

Every price tag at the store includes a "unit price," which tells you the cost per ounce, pound, or item. Always compare cost per ounce or pound. Bigger isn't always cheaper - that tiny tag can save you more than you'd expect.

cream cheese frosting being piped on to a cupcake — For recipes like no-butter cream cheese frosting, you can use store-brand cream cheese.

7. Give Store Brands a Chance

Store-brand products are often just as good as name brands and much more affordable. In many cases, they are made by the same manufacturers, just packaged differently (hint: look for labels that say "compare to" a well-known product). Items like canned goods, crackers, snacks, and sauces are especially good choices in the store-brand aisle!

Lifting slow cooker lasagna out of the crockpot with a serving spoon — Lasagna is the perfect example of a frozen meal you can make for less - in greater quantities - at home!

8. Make Your Own Frozen Meals

Instead of buying pre-packaged frozen meals, take note of your favorites and try making your own in big batches. Freeze them in individual containers for quick meals later. They cost less, taste better, and you control the ingredients!

close up of grilled ham on a serving platter — You can find incredible sales on meats like ham directly after the holidays!

9. Look for Sales and Coupons Before You Shop

Check your grocery store's weekly ad before heading out. You can plan your meals based on what's on sale and save money on both essentials and occasional splurges.

sliced sous vide prime rib arranged on a white plate — Saving throughout the year makes it easier to splurge on prime rib for the holidays!

10. Leave Room for Treats

It's okay to treat yourself now and then, especially if it helps you stay motivated to cook at home. I personally have one brand of yogurt I do not compromise on. It keeps me happy and guarantees I'll actually eat the yogurt!

gravy being poured over the air fryer chuck roast — Chuck roast makes for amazing family meals year-round - but is much more budget-friendly than other cuts.

11. Be Smart About Buying Meat

I'm a big fan of red meat, but I also like saving money. Budget-friendly cuts like chuck steak or flank steak work wonderfully when marinated. You can still enjoy the flavor and texture without paying ribeye prices!

using a knife and meat tongs to slice air fryer chicken — Roasting a whole chicken is a great way to meal prep for the whole week while saving. You can use rotisserie chicken, too!

12. Use Chicken or Pork for Budget Meals

Chicken and pork frequently go on sale. They have a reputation for being dry, but if you cook them right, they're just as delicious and juicy as any other protein! Check out my chicken breast and pork chop recipes if you need inspiration.

slow cooker chicken parm on top of spaghetti on a plate — Frozen chicken breasts can save you money - and taste just as good in budget-friendly recipes like chicken parm.

13. Match Your Meat Purchases to Your Recipe

When you're meal planning, think about how you can make the most with more budget-friendly purchases. Frozen chicken breasts are usually cheaper, taste just as good as fresh once thawed, and work well in most dishes. For shredded chicken, drumsticks are a smart option. Cook them in bulk, pull the meat off the bones, and freeze it for later use. Save the bones to make homemade broth!

a pan of fajita veggies with salsa and tomatoes — A simple blend of vegetables for fajitas can make the most amazing meal without any meat!

14. Replace Meat with Vegetables When You Can

Vegetables are very inexpensive and often overlooked as the star of the meal. Try skipping meat in dishes like lasagna, and use veggies like frozen spinach and zucchini instead! The flavor is great, and the cost is even better.

A bowl of Mexican chili with beans toppedw ith sour cream and tortilla strips — You can make an amazing version of your favorite chili recipe using only beans!

15. Or, Use Beans as a Meat Substitute

Beans are a fantastic replacement for meat in many recipes. Use them in tacos, chilis, nachos, and even burgers! Try black beans or kidney beans instead of beef, or use white beans like cannellini in place of chicken or pork. You'll be surprised at how versatile they are!

lamb chops in marinade — Freezing meat in a marinade is a game changer for meal prep.

16. Freeze Food You Won't Use Right Away

If you stock up on meat or produce during sales, portion and freeze what you do not plan to use immediately. Label everything with the date so you can keep track of what's in your freezer. For extra convenience, you can freeze meat with a marinade so it marinates as it thaws!

ranch dressing in the middle of a plate with chicken wings around — Storing condiments like salad dressings upside-down will help you get every last drop out of the bottle.

18. Store Condiments Upside-Down

To get every last drop from your condiments, store them upside-down in the fridge. It is a simple trick you might already be doing, but it helps reduce waste and makes sure you're getting your money's worth.

chicken wing dipping inside blue cheese — I always make my own dressings and dips from scratch - like this amazing blue cheese dressing recipe.

19. Make Condiments and Sauces from Scratch

Homemade sauces taste so much better and cost less than the jarred versions! I like making my own ranch, blue cheese dressing, buffalo sauce, and Alfredo. Once you start making your own, it is hard to go back to store-bought.

See more Sauces →

water filter pitcher next to a glass of water

20. Filter Your Tap Water Instead of Buying Bottled

If your tap water is safe to drink, consider buying a filter pitcher! It saves money, reduces plastic waste, and frees up fridge space. Of course, I know this isn't possible for everyone - but if it works for you, it can make a big difference!

strawberry shortcake with homemade biscuits — Berry savers are amazing for preserving fresh strawberries. Pictured: Strawberry Shortcake

21. Use a Berry Saver to Extend Freshness

Storing berries properly can make them last much longer. If yours tend to spoil before you finish them, a berry saver container can help keep them fresh. It's a simple way to prevent waste and save money.

3 mangonadas in clear cups — Mangoes are a great example of a fruit you can buy frozen and enjoy any time of year - even when they're out of season. Pictured: Mangonadas

22. Buy Frozen Produce

Frozen vegetables, fruits, and berries are often picked at peak ripeness and preserved for flavor. If you find yourself throwing away spoiled produce, switching to frozen can help cut costs and reduce waste.

a closeup of a bowl of completed chorizo cream cheese dip — Grating your own cheese makes the best cheese sauces and dips, like chorizo cheese dip.

23. Grate Your Own Cheese

Pre-shredded cheese includes a powdered coating to prevent clumping, which also affects how it melts. Grating your own cheese saves money and results in better taste and texture, especially in recipes that rely on melty cheese!

garlic butter in a glass bowl with parsley and a butter knife — Fresh herbs are unbeatable for making garlic butter from scratch.

24. Grow Your Own Vegetables and Herbs

If you have the space, growing your own food is one of the best ways to save money. Herbs grow well indoors, while vegetables like tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers, and peppers thrive in a backyard garden (and taste amazing). Plus, you can share extras with neighbors.

Chick-fil-A chicken noodle soup in a bowl with a spoon — Homemade broth is incredible for soups and stews from scratch. Pictured: Chick-fil-A Chicken Noodle

25. Try Broth Cubes or Homemade Broth

Instead of buying boxed broth, use broth cubes or bouillon to portion out what you need. It's cheaper and creates less waste! You can also collect vegetable scraps in the freezer to make your own broth.

mixed pico de gallo with lime added — Chopping your own produce doesn't have to be a hassle. Pictured: Pico de Gallo

26. Avoid Pre-Chopped Produce

Pre-chopped fruits and vegetables are sold at a big markup. If you can, buy whole produce and chop it yourself. If you have disabilities that make chopping veggies difficult, a vegetable chopper or food processor can help make prep easier and still save money.

pan seared pork chops on a plate with green beans and orzo — An amazing dinner can be something as simple as pan-seared pork chops.

27. Keep Dinner Plans Simple

Dinner does not have to be a big production - simple meals are often the most realistic and budget-friendly option! Do what works best for your schedule and budget.

hamburger casserole in a baking dish with a serving spoon — Casseroles are perfect for meal planning - and using up leftover ingredients. Pictured: Low Carb Cheeseburger Casserole

28. Plan Meals Ahead of Time

Meal planning and prepping can save you both time and money. By deciding what you will make for the week, you can build a grocery list that avoids impulse buys and helps reduce food waste.

the inside of an organized fridge with containers — Keeping your fridge and pantry organized will help with avoiding unnecessary purchases.

29. Check Your Fridge and Pantry Before Shopping

This might sound obvious, but before heading to the store, always take a look at what you already have. It's easy to forget about items tucked away in the back of the fridge or pantry, and double-buying leads to waste. A quick check can prevent unnecessary purchases and help stretch your grocery budget!

pulled pork nachos baked with my favorite toppings — Pulled pork is inexpensive and great for making leftover meals. Pictured: Pulled Pork Nachos

30. Use Your Leftovers for New Meals

Last but not least - use your leftovers to make new meals! You can easily revitalize leftovers to make impressive new dinners everyone at the table will want to eat - even if they normally avoid eating leftovers. Start here:

Feeding your family well while saving money really comes down to a little extra planning and making smart swaps that work for you. These are the same grocery shopping habits that have helped me feed my own big family for decades without sacrificing the delicious, comforting meals we all love.

I hope these tips help you feel more confident heading to the store each week, knowing you have a few new ways to stretch your budget and still put amazing meals on the table. If you have your own favorite grocery tips, I'd love to hear about them - share in the comments and let's keep saving together!

Finally - see my Cheap Meals for Big Families for even more ideas!