Simple but Unique Ways to Save Money on Your Grocery Bill

Food is the third largest budget category, for most Americans, only behind housing and transportation costs. With inflation, tariffs, and the ever-present decision fatigue of what’s for dinner?, it’s no surprise that “how to save money on groceries” is such a frequently Googled phrase.

But if you’ve already checked the usual boxes—meal planning, making a list, clipping coupons, skipping the store when you’re hungry—you might be craving something more. Here are five simple and practical grocery savings tips that go beyond the basics.

5 Hacks to Save Money on Groceries That You Haven’t Tried Yet

1. Stock Up On Frozen Meals

Busy days happen. For me, the busier the day, the less likely I’m cooking. That usually leads to ordering food delivered or eating out at a restaurant, both of which can be pricey. 

But there’s a third option, that’s the happy medium, budget-friendly choice: Frozen meals.

Frozen meals are quicker, easier, and simpler than home-cooked meals, but also cheaper than getting restaurant food.  

2. Expand Your Food Storage Options

One of the easiest ways to save money on groceries is to reduce food waste. And to reduce waste, you need the right tools.

This can be a “Spend Money to Save Money” moment. If you have the flexibility in your budget, go ahead and purchase a set of food storage containers. These durable, non-toxic ones are my favorite.

Luckily, that’s not the only option. If investing in food containers isn’t on the table right now, wash and save plastic and glass containers as they come through your kitchen. I have a drawer full of glass jars and takeout containers at the ready.

3. Start a “Use First” Bin in Your Fridge

Forgotten food is something we’ve all experienced at least once. Move one item in your fridge and suddenly there’s a half eaten salsa and sad spinach in the corner. 

Dedicating a drawer or literally putting a bin labeled “Eat Me” in the fridge can help avoid this. Calling attention to food that is soon to go bad is a great way to avoid overpaying for produce or perishable items that may have otherwise gone bad.

4. Splurge on Luxury Ingredients

There’s a reason we’re willing to pay more for restaurant food. Towards the top of that list is that the food tastes amazing, almost luxurious! But what if you could recreate that at home?

I’d often skip the unique or expensive items on a recipe list, thinking I was saving money, but then wondered why I didn’t crave my food the way I crave my favorite ramen restaurant.

Spending a little extra on grocery items can make your food taste just as delicious at home for a fraction of the cost.

5. Track Food Waste

Start a list and add any food items that you throw out. My free Grocery Planner includes a waste tracker. You may start to see patterns that can tell you what needs to change on your grocery list. 

For me, like bananas but I always seem to throw out the last one of the bunch. This is something I didn’t notice until I started a list, but an easy fix once I saw the pattern just buy smaller bunches.  

Final Thoughts: Save on Groceries

Saving money on groceries can help you cut monthly expenses and stick to your budget. With a few simple grocery hacks, you can spend less, reduce food waste, and make your money go further. Let me know, what smart grocery shopping hack help you stay on track with your financial goals?

Craving More Financial Support?

I’d love to support you on your personal finance journey. Here’s where you can explore next:

💫 Free Discovery Call — let’s talk about your relationship with money

🌿 Money Coaching — gentle, intuitive 1:1 financial support

🥗 Grocery Planner — money saving food planner I use, free for you

📚 More Blog Posts — including how to build a nourishing budget and heal money shame