Plan your meals for the week and make a grocery list. Only buy what you’re sure you will use, and check out what you already have in your cupboards first.
Stick to your grocery list
Stick to your grocery list when you’re shopping. Shop the perimeter of the store first, since this is where the whole foods are generally located.
Cook at home
Cooking at home can be much less expensive than eating out. Some find it best to cook for the entire week on weekends, while others like to cook one meal at a time.
Cook large portions and use your leftovers
Cook large meals from inexpensive ingredients, and use your leftovers during the following days.
Don’t shop when you’re hungry
Shopping while hungry can lead to impulsive buying. If you’re hungry, have a snack before you go grocery shopping.
Buy whole foods
Whole foods are often less expensive than their processed counterparts. You can also buy them in larger quantities.
Buy generic brands
Most stores offer generic brands for many products. These are often of the same quality as more expensive national brands.
Avoid buying highly processed foods. Not only are they expensive, they often contain lots of sodium or sugar, with little to no nutritional value.