How to save money at the grocery store.

Sourcing quality ingredients doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Follow these smart grocery shopping tips and stay frugal.

One key strategy we like to use is to plan your meals around what’s in season and on sale. Check the weekly ads and look for produce, meats, and dairy products that are at their peak freshness and priced to sell. These are typically some of the most expensive items. Buying anything out of season will always cost more, or suffer in quality, even with our global supply chain.

Another way to save is to buy in bulk and stock up on non-perishable items like grains, beans, and spices, especially when on sale. Just be sure to store them properly to maintain their freshness and nutritional value. Typically, this means reusable airtight containers, which often ends up solving more problem than one. Organization is a key to not buy something you already have but didn’t see while making the grocery list. With nicely labeled and organized containers, you can take inventory of your pantry at a glance.

Next up, meal planning and grocery store strategy! Buying in bulk can be cost-effective, but it’s not always practical for smaller households. To make the most of family-sized products, plan your meals to incorporate ingredients that can be used in multiple dishes. This approach allows you to vary your meals while minimizing food waste and maximizing your savings. For example, you can use a large pack of chicken to make tacos, a chowder, and a stir-fry all in the same week. This keeps dinner feeling fresh while still getting the most bang for your buck.

Use the apps! Most major grocery stores have an app that will let you compare prices and make smart decisions when filling the cart. It will surprise you how many products have wildly different prices between a few stores. Also, stick to grocery pick-up now that you have the app, all of those little impulse buys go right out the window. You can still use coupons, or a shopper card with pick-up – every little bit helps when you’re trying to stretch your budget!

Finally, consider shopping at locally owned specialty markets for ingredients like spices, oils, and condiments. These stores often offer high-quality ingredients at a lower price point than traditional grocery stores. You can use them to add flavor and variety to your meals without breaking the bank. We haven’t purchased a spice from a chain grocery store in years, it’s just not a good value. With a little creativity and planning, you can shop frugally and still get the great ingredients you need to make delicious, healthy meals.

Once you’ve sourced the ingredients, keep cooking with compassion.