Like Saving Money On groceries?
Same! Here's Some Ideas...
There are several different methods that can be used to save money when it comes to food. Here are a few simple ways working professionals and parents can shop and prepare snacks on a budget.
Pack In Tupperware
This is one of the easiest ways to save money when preparing and taking your snacks to school or work. The cost of disposable zip-lock bags add up, where as these are a one time purchase that in turn are a great investment. Tupperware containers are sold at many different stores, including the grocery store, and can be used over and over again for snacks and storing leftovers. They can be found in value packs in different sizes to fit easily in backpacks and lunchboxes for convenience.
Shop The Season
Ever notice the cost of produce dramatically different throughout the year? Food grown in-season tends to be cheaper (and usually tastier!). Colorado Proud has a calendar like this one in most grocery stores. This calendar helps shoppers become aware of when produce is in season - See if you can find it during your next shopping trip!
Use The Freezer
The freezer is a tool that can really play a role in saving money when items are going to expire before you will eat them. It is also a way you can save (most) foods that won't be in season in the fall or winter! If buying in bulk, storing the extra food in the freezer and thawing before the next use is an easy way to stash snack ingredients on a budget.
Plan Ahead
Figuring out a grocery list ahead of time will help eliminate extra and unnecessary spending. Planning your assortment of snacks for the week before heading to the store will help prevent making an impulse purchase or trying to remember what you already have at home. Making a list ahead of time also helps to avoid second trips to the store because you forgot an item.
Go Generic
Buying the generic brand food items instead of the popular market brand is one of the easiest ways to save money at the grocery store and on weekly snack ingredients. Most items are comparable in taste and ingredients, but not so comparable in cost!
Be Realistic
It's great to be optimistic, but to avoid waste, being realistic is key. Buy what you know you will eat. If you think eating kale and beets for a snack will make you healthy, but you absolutely hate the taste of them and will just throw them away, do not waste your money on them. Be realistic in your snack planning and you will save money in the long run by limiting your waste.
