Smart Shopping Secrets: How to Save Money on Nutritious Meals

Good morning, thrifty Tripsiders! Today, I’m continuing my Financial Freedom Series by sharing practical tips on saving money and making smart grocery purchases. This post has been highly anticipated, and I’m excited to finally delve into it. While I enjoy sharing recipes, this post will specifically focus on getting the most value out of your grocery budget.

Easy Summer Meals to Make When Traveling

English Muffin Egg Breakfast Sandwich // onthetripside

Table of Contents

Smart Shopping Secrets: How to Save Money on Nutritious Meals

With grocery prices soaring and many advocating for lower prices through boycotting, being money-smart while shopping has become crucial. I am notorious for keeping my groceries low but my nutrition high. Bear in mind, I do not consume dairy so there are certain items I splurge on to make that work but my biggest secret is meal planning, shopping grocery sales, and meal prepping.

Building a Meal Plan

Meal planning is my secret weapon when it comes to smart grocery shopping. It’s a routine I stick to religiously every week.

Take stock of pantry items: Before hitting the store, I check what I already have on hand.
Use what you’ve got: I plan meals around what’s already in my pantry, minimizing the need for new ingredients.
Write it down: I jot down each meal using my trusty planner (I adore my undated papier planner, amazon has cute ones too)
Don’t forget snacks: Snacks are a must, so I make sure to include them in my plan.
Create your shopping list: Based on my meal plan, I make a list of ingredients I need to buy.

If you struggle with eating the same thing multiple days in a row or have a tough time building a plan, there are loads of examples on Pinterest and Budget Bytes has some great ones!

Shopping Grocery Sales

Yes, it takes a bit of effort, but as the saying goes, time is money. By investing time in planning and researching, I save a ton of money, especially with sales.

Get those savings cards: Sign up for your grocery store’s savings cards—stores like Safeway and Kroger offer them.
Subscribe to newsletters: I sign up for promotional sales newsletters to stay updated on the latest deals and coupons. They also note items specifically for you.
Flexibility is key: While I have my meal plan, I’m always open to changing it based on what’s on sale.

When to Change your Meal Plan

Many people do this step before building their meal plan. I do not. Sometimes I want pizza bread and nothing is going to stop me. However, I will change my meal plan depending on what’s on sale.

Example: Ground beef is $8 a pound but chicken thighs are on sale for $4 a pound. Instead of spaghetti and meatballs, I’ll make spaghetti and chicken.

Stock Up on Pantry & Freezer Staples

Stocking up on pantry and freezer staples is essential for those days when you need a quick meal or crave comfort food.

Identify favorites: I make a list of my favorite comfort meals and ensure I always have the basics for those dishes.
Watch for sales: I keep an eye out for sales and buy in bulk when items like canned goods and frozen products are discounted.

I try to buy 3-4 of each when on sale but sometimes my budget only allows for 1 extra and that’s okay! Future me will be so appreciative.

Meal Prep

Finally, it’s the part that is the most time-consuming. I tend to listen to an audiobook, call one of my best friends, or watch youtube videos while I’m cooking up a storm. Most of my meal prep takes plan on Sundays because I like to set myself up for a successful Monday.

Opt for Homemade over Packaged

When planning meals, I tend to steer clear of packaged items, which can be both unhealthy and pricey. For instance, cereal often contains added sugars and preservatives, whereas oatmeal or eggs tend to be more budget-friendly and nutritious breakfast options. Plus, homemade meals can be prepped in advance for grab-and-go convenience. For example, waffles freeze fantastically and can be popped into the toaster in the morning while you’re rushing out the door.

That said, no one is perfect and I’ve absolutely purchased donuts on sale for $1.50 (and I regret nothing).

Freezing Future Meals

I love making large batches of meals to put in the freezer for later. Last week I got 14 chicken drumsticks for $3! Knowing I couldn’t eat them all in a week, I froze 4 of them. Additionally, I cooked and froze 4 more for a busy day when I’m unprepared.

Freezing soups, chilis, and other dishes is a lifesaver for those days when you’re not feeling up to cooking or when you accidentally overindulge (we’ve all been there!). 😅

Easy Shopping Secrets:

Last but not least, a quick list of shopping secrets that I stand by!

Choose Generic Brands: Opting for store-brand or generic products can save you a ton of money compared to name brands. Many generic items offer the same quality at a lower price.
Shop Discount Stores: Explore discount grocery stores or warehouse clubs for discounted prices on bulk items, pantry staples, and fresh produce. These stores often offer huge savings since they tend to be in bulk.
Utilize Frozen Produce: Frozen fruits and vegetables tend to be cheaper than fresh options and just as nutritious. They have a longer shelf life too!
Compare Unit Prices: Compare the unit prices! Note the different sizes and quantities to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money.
Embrace Meatless Meals: Incorporating more plant-based meals into your diet can save money on groceries. Beans, lentils, and chickpeas are affordable sources of protein.
Stick to Your Budget: Use your calculator as you go. Keep an eye on the cashier’s total. It’s okay to ask them to take something off before running your card!

That’s it my darling wonderful friends! Stay tuned for my next post in the Financial Freedom Series. I’ll be sharing how to overcome loneliness while becoming debt-free. Until then, happy meal prepping and sale shopping!