How to grocery shop within a budget

Buying groceries is a skill. To get better at it, you need to get good at planning.

This means writing a list, having a budget, and picking the right store or stores.

Being prepared helps you save money and time. And it means you buy only what you need (and nothing you don’t).

First, set a budget

Start by working out how much you have got to spend.

You might want to work out a percentage of your income. Or you can pick an amount that feels right.

Whatever you do, set an amount, and stay within it.

Just don’t set it too low. When you spend more on groceries, and spend less ordering takeaway, you will save more money in the long run.

How to stick within your budget

It helps to have a basic idea of how much you will spend.

Some of the major grocery stores have an online shopping option. Jump online before you go, pull out your list, and see how much things cost.

This will help you know exactly how much you are likely to spend.

Make a meal plan for the week

Have a think about the meals you might make this week: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. What will you need? Make a list.

If cooking isn’t something you do all the time, pick a few simple meals you can make at home. You could even search the internet for 'simple dinner recipes.' The more you cook at home, the more money you’ll save on takeaway.

Staple items are things you always need. You want to be able to make a quick meal just by adding a few extra ingredients. 

Fruit and vegetables are also part of an everyday diet. Because they are fresh (meaning they don't stay good for long) it helps to think about what you’ll get, and how much you’ll need, before buying them. 

Think about ‘bonus’ items

Write a list of things you’d like to buy but can do without. Things like chocolate, biscuits, and soft drinks. If you have money left over after buying the essentials, move to your bonus list. If not, then wait until next time.

Where to shop

Try to shop close to home. You don’t want to buy all your groceries far from where you live (unless your local shops are more expensive). You’ll either need to carry them all home or spend additional money on a rideshare.

If you do need to use a rideshare, it may be helpful to organise to go at the same time with a friend and split the cost, or consider shopping online.

How to shop

When you first start shopping, it can be confusing to know which aisle to walk down or how to choose between brands. Here are some tips for making good decisions when you’re shopping.

Home brands vs commercial brands

• Look for ‘no brand’ or supermarket brand items
• They can be a lot cheaper than the well-known brands
• Sometimes the food is the same, just with different packaging
• Think carefully about why you are picking a well-known brand – you might want to try the supermarket brand once and see if you like it

Frozen, canned, or fresh

• Canned and frozen food (especially vegetables) can be much cheaper than fresh food
• It’s easier to store and lasts longer
• Look for a Health Star Rating – anything above 3.5 is good
• Canned and frozen fruit and vegetables can be just as delicious as the fresh kind

Shop at a local fruit and vegetable grocer

• The big supermarkets are often the most expensive option when it comes to fruit and vegetables
• Try a small independent fruit and vegetable store or market
• You’ll be surprised how much cheaper they are (and how much fresher they are too)

Avoid expensive convenience food options

• Petrol stations and convenience stores often charge 2-3 times the price of a supermarket
• It’s ok to buy some milk at a petrol station, but you don’t want to be buying food or drink there regularly

Get loose produce instead of packaged

• Avoid packaged fruit and vegetables at the supermarket
• Plastic is bad for the environment and your fruit and vegetables don’t need it!
• Plus it’s easy to buy too much when fresh food is packaged
• If you pick loose fruit and vegetables, you have control over how much you buy (which will be cheaper in the long run)

Choose food in season

• When fruit and vegetables are in season, they are a lot cheaper (and tastier!)
• This is because food is in peak supply – there’s a lot of it, so the price is lower
• Eating seasonally means following the seasons: summer, autumn, winter, and spring
• For example, strawberries are much cheaper in summer. Next time you see some strawberries at the supermarket, have a look at the price, and note the season.

Swap out more expensive meats for cheaper meats

• If you eat meat, try buying ‘cheaper cuts’
• Instead of buying fillet steak or lamb chops, try skirt steak or mince
• They may not be as fancy, but they’re still delicious, and can be quite tender if you use a slow cooker

Bring reusable bags

• Most stores charge for plastic bags
• They can seem cheap and convenient, but over time the costs add up
• Think of it this way: taking bags is another way you can save more money and help the environment

Bigger shops, less often

Going to the grocery store takes time and transport money.

The less you go to the shops, the more money you will save. So plan ahead and consider any social plans you may have for the week so you don’t waste food.

It’s amazing how much you can save by doing one single shop, rather than lots of little shops throughout the week.

Use a calculator

You might like to add things up on your calculator as you shop, and if you are unsure once you get to the checkout, scan the most important items first.

That way, if you need to remove something at the end that doesn’t fit into your budget, you still have the most important things.

Avoid buying lots of expensive things

Organic and branded labels are great, but can be more expensive and may not fit into your budget. It always pays to have a look and see if you can get the same thing for less.