In our current times, food prices are rising and many families are overwhelmed. However, a few tips show that you can save a lot of money on your weekly shopping and get by with just $30 a week.
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Write a shopping list and stick to it.
If you only buy the bare essentials, you will find that the bill will not be as high as if you were buying things that were not planned before the shopping trip. Create a weekly menu with the ingredients you already have and make a list of the missing ingredients.
Try not to shop when you are hungry. People who shop on an empty stomach are more likely to spend more, especially on less healthy foods like high-fat and high-sugar snacks.
Buy frozen foods
Frozen fruit and vegetables are underestimated. They are delivered pre-cut and ready to use, are just as good for you (avoid those with added salt, sugar or fat) and are often cheaper than fresh varieties.
Frozen vegetables are harvested at the peak of their freshness and then frozen to fix their nutrients.
And best of all, they are far cheaper than fresh fruits/vegetables and I even find that I am less wasteful with frozen ones.
Try to buy less brand name products
You could save money by buying brands that are cheaper than well-known brands. Many discounters now offer private labels that are even produced by the brand manufacturer, but are only packed in cheaper packaging and sold at a lower price than the discounters’ own brands.
There is not always a big difference between value and premium ranges. Try it out and let your palate decide, not the glossy label.
Try more legumes in your diet
Legumes such as beans, lentils and peas are among the cheapest foods on supermarket shelves.
These are low in calories and fat, but are high in fibre, vitamins and minerals..
Use them in dishes to replace part of the chicken or meat,
For example chili con carne con judías or curry chicken with chickpeas.
Buy cheaper pieces of meat
If you are willing to spend a little more time cooking, you can save money by buying cheaper cuts of meat.
Choosing a cheaper piece of meat such as a steak, shin or shoulder does not mean that you are giving up a delicious meal.
Slow cooking gradually breaks down the fibres of these cheaper, tougher pieces, giving you a delicious taste at a lower cost.
The cheapest way to buy a chicken is to buy a whole chicken. A whole chicken consists of two breasts, two thighs, legs and wings, and a carcass to make broth.
Consider using the deli counter for cheese and cold cuts. You can get the exact quantities, which is cheaper and less expensive.
Avoid luxury items that you don’t necessarily need
If your usual basket contains more soft drinks, potato chips, snacks, biscuits and cakes, you should try to reduce these unimportant things.
Many of them are high in sugar and fat, so do yourself a favour. They can also contain a lot of salt.
Think about cheaper and healthier alternatives, such as soda water and fruit juices instead of cola.
Look on the internet for special offers
Look for supermarket price comparisons that allow you to select a shopping cart and then choose the cheapest supplier. Price differences can be significant.
Unlike when you go to the shops yourself, you know how much you have spent before you go to the checkout, so it is easier to stay within your budget.
There are applications that allow you to see all discount brochures at a glance and mark them directly on your online shopping list. You can also search for discount coupons online and redeem them at the discount store in question.
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