4 WAYS TO SAVE MONEY AT THE STORE

Hi Friends!

As a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, I often hear that "eating healthy is expensive." It is a really common misconception. Eating healthfully doesn't have to be expensive. Today, I'm sharing tips on how you can eat nutrient dense foods on  budget. 

1

buy in bulk

Now, I don't mean the super size pack of toilet paper you can get at the big box store. I'm talking about the bulk food section that you can now find at many major grocery stores. Buying in bulk is a great way to try out a new ingredient or get a certain amount of an ingredient that your recipe calls for. Bulk foods also save on the packaging which reduces costs. Items such as spices, nuts, seeds, and grains are great foods to buy in bulk. This is a great place to create your own trail mix combinations for a quick and nutritious snack on the go. 

2

check out the unit price

Read the fine print; not just the price or sale price that is marked. It has happened many times that an item is on sale so I will go to grab it only to realize another brand's unit price is less making that one the cheaper option. Let's look at the image below from choosemyplate.gov. This graphic is comparing two yogurts. One is 32 oz from $1.62 and the other is 6 oz for $0.72. If you are trying to save money, you may automatically grab the 6 oz because it is cheaper. But wait! Check out that unit price. The 32 oz is $0.05 per oz whereas the 6 oz is $0.12 per oz. The 32 oz yogurt is the better value. Plus you'd have to buy at lead 5 of the 6 oz yogurts to equal the same amount which would end up being $3.60. Twice as much as the 32 oz yogurt. 

(Source: choosemyplate.gov)

3

what's on sale?

Keeping the previous tip in mind, do check out the store sales and BOGOs. This can be a great way to get items your family eats often at a great cost. Buy what you normally eat. Don't just buy items because they are on sale. Buy pantry staples that you will use such as chicken stock, pasta, canned goods, frozen fruits and vegetables. 

4

meal plan + grocery list

Meal planning can save you money. By planning out the meals and snacks you plan to eat throughout the week and creating a list of the items you needs, you will cut down on the time spent at the store and the amount you spend. It is so easy to run into the store for just one thing and walk out with 15 items because "they were on sale" or "they looked good" or fill in the blank. Having a list, you are less likely to buy things you may not need for that week, which can lead to food waste. ​

What are your favorite ways to save money at the grocery store? Share with us by commenting below or by using #MealPlanningMethod. 

christy