The French are infamous for going to the market daily to shop fresh produce and then their meals are based on whatever is available at the store that day. While this may be healthier because they buy fresh produce, it's definitely not cheaper.

If you try shopping everyday you may well end up double buying which results in a lot of wastage of both product and money.

The frugal grocery shopper is much more organized than this.

Check the Pantry Before you Leave the House

Before you head out to the supermarket, it pays to have a look at the pantry. This ensures that you know what you have and avoids double buying.

Empty the Refrigerator

The theory here is that it makes sense to eat everything in the fridge before you go to the grocery again. Doing this means it is easier to pack your items away and it also gets rid of food that may have been tossed out to make room for fresher items.

Make a List

It is good practice to leave a notepad on the kitchen counter which can be used to jot down every time something runs out. This cuts down the time it takes to compile your monthly or weekly grocery list and it also takes the guess work out of grocery shopping which saves money in the long-run.

Stockpile on Non-Perishables When they are on Sale

If an item that you use often is on sale and it can be either stored safely or frozen it may be cheaper to stock up on it when it is on sale.

Buy in Bulk When it Makes Sense

Just because something is being sold in large quantities doesn't mean that it is cheaper. Take the time to compare the unit price in every bulk item before you gravitate towards the huge package simply assuming that you are getting a bargain.

Plan Your Meals

Meal planning saves time during the week, but it also saves cash. Setting a menu for the week ensures you know what you need and you can then shop around the menu. It also gives you the opportunity to monitor what you family is in-taking and you can then increase proteins or fiber if necessary.

Generally speaking, large superstores tend to be cheaper than smaller corner stores simply because of the advantages of economies of scale. This is why it is often cheaper to shop at the large dealer and avoid having to pop into the shop during the week. Another budget stretcher is to avoid all individually wrapped products as they are usually more expensive than their bulk bag counterparts.

It takes effort to be a frugal grocery shopper, but it is worth it if you manage to save a significant amount on your food bill every month.

Learn more about this author, Natalia Jones.
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