10 Ways to Save Money on Groceries

The grocery store is one of the last places I want to be at the end of the month. 

There is usually little left in my wallet and pantry. And hungry kids who don’t yet grasp the concept of savoring those $10 out-of-season berries.

As a single mom, I know firsthand how quickly grocery costs can spiral out of control. Between feeding growing kids, juggling meal prep, and trying to stick to a budget, it can feel impossible to save money while still putting healthy meals on the table. But the good news? You can cut your grocery bill without sacrificing quality or convenience!

I’ve rounded up my best money-saving grocery tips—ones that have truly made a difference for me. Plus, I’ll share a simple way to save even more with Modern Homesteads Food Budget Master Class.

Plan Your Meals for the Week

This one is definitely easier said than done, right? And if you’re not into full-on meal prep, no worries—you don’t have to go all-in. Start by picking 5 of your favorite meals. Keep them simple and use mostly the same ingredients, like chicken, pasta, rice, or a mix of in-season vegetables.

Also, think about recipes that will make great leftovers or can be easily transformed into something new the next night. For example, leftover taco fillings can be turned into a savory soup with rice, beans, and meat. Casseroles are also a win for picky eaters—they're easy to make and can last for multiple meals!

Once you’ve got your meals planned, make a list. Sticking to the list will help you avoid impulse buys, keep you on track, and get you in and out of the store as quickly as possible. Lingering in the aisles? Total time waster, am I right?

And don’t forget to organize your fridge so you don’t forget what’s hiding in the back. You’d be surprised how much food gets buried in there!

Over time, you’ll start to notice which meals are easiest to make and which ones your family loves most. Some meals will stretch further than others, and that's where the magic happens. After a little trial and error, you’ll be meal planning like a pro! Here’s how I personally like to plan my grocery trips.

Make a Shopping List and Stick to It!

Ever gone to the store without a list, only to walk out with a cart full of random stuff you didn’t need? Yep, I’ve been there too. It’s where I see the most spending and food waste happen.

Before you even step foot in the car (or on the bus) to get groceries, you need a list—a real list of things you’ll actually use. Use your meal plan to add ingredients that can be used across multiple meals. Opt for in-season fruits and veggies and proteins that can stretch between a few meals.

Here’s what works for me: I keep a cheap composition book. On one side, I write down our meals for the week, and on the other, I list the groceries I need. It keeps me focused, limits waste, and stops me from wandering the aisles aimlessly.

Take Your Food Budget to the Next Level

If you’re feeling like you’ve got the basics down but want to dive deeper into food budgeting, I’ve found a fantastic resource that can really help. The Food Budget Masterclass takes you through step-by-step strategies to maximize your grocery savings, reduce waste, and make the most out of every meal. It’s perfect for anyone who’s serious about cutting costs without sacrificing quality.

Buy in Bulk

Buying in bulk is a game-changer when it comes to saving on groceries, especially for single moms who are trying to stretch their budget. The best part? Bulk buying helps you stock up on staples you use often, so you won’t be running out of things and needing to make last-minute trips to the store.

Look for bulk options on items like rice, pasta, canned goods, oats, and beans. These pantry staples have a long shelf life and can be used in a variety of meals. Buying larger quantities often reduces the price per unit, so you’re getting more for your money.

But before you go off buying all the bulk items you see make sure they’re food you use all the time. You won’t be saving any money or space buying 10 or 15 of something that sits there for weeks (or even months).

If you’re short on space, many bulk items can be repackaged into smaller containers for easier storage and use. These are my favorite storage containers for my pantry!

You don’t need a huge pantry to buy in bulk, just some thoughtful organization! Plus, consider splitting bulk purchases with a friend or family member if you don’t have enough storage space for everything.

You’ll also save by cutting down on packaging waste, which is both good for your wallet and the environment!  As you plan meals and make your grocery list, think about which items you use regularly that could be bought in larger quantities to save more in the long run.

Use Coupons and Cashback Apps

If you’re not already using cashback apps and coupons, now’s the time to start! These simple tools can make a big difference in your grocery budget—sometimes saving you enough to treat yourself or your kids to something extra.

There are plenty of apps out there that offer cash back or rebates on your purchases, like Ibotta, Rakuten, and Fetch Rewards. All you have to do is scan your receipts or link your store loyalty cards, and the savings start adding up. You can use them at your favorite grocery stores, and some even offer cashback on products you buy online. It’s a no-brainer!

Don’t forget about traditional coupons, either. Yes, clipping them might feel old-school, but it’s still one of the easiest ways to save. There are websites and apps, like Coupons.com, that can help you find digital coupons for everything from dairy to snacks. Pair those with store sales, and you’ll see how quickly those savings add up.

The trick is to plan ahead. The next time  you’re meal planning, see if there are any coupons for the ingredients you need. I like to take a few minutes to check before heading out to the store. Even small discounts can make a big impact over time!

Shop Seasonal and Local Produce

I could say this all day: buy your produce in season! There’s nothing more expensive than paying for a box of strawberries in the middle of December, especially when they don’t taste half as good as they do in peak season. 

If you’re not familiar with which fruits and vegetables are in season, don’t feel embarrassed—it’s something we’ve all learned to overlook. Grocery stores have trained us to think that we can get anything we want, any time of year, but that’s simply not how nature works.

To make things easier, take a moment to do a quick Google search for what’s in season in your area for each time of year. You’d be surprised at how many fruits and vegetables are ripe and ready to eat, year round, even in winter! You might also stumble upon some new seasonal favorites you’ve never thought to try before.

One of the joys of eating seasonally is the anticipation. There’s something incredibly satisfying about waiting for the perfect time to enjoy that fresh, juicy watermelon or sweet, sun-ripened tomatoes. It’s like a little reward for sticking with nature’s rhythms. When you get your hands on that perfectly ripe fruit, it just tastes so much sweeter—and you’re not paying premium prices for it!

Want More Tips for Saving on Groceries and Managing Your Budget?

If you found these tips helpful, you’ll love my No-Spend Challenge! Join my free 5-day email series to learn simple, effective strategies to reduce your spending, save more, and take control of your financial goals. Each day, I’ll send you easy-to-follow steps, tips, and encouragement to help you tackle your budget and make the most of what you already have.

Sign up today and get started on your journey to financial freedom!

Freeze Leftovers

Almost anything can be frozen with the proper care. Your freezer is your best friend when it comes to saving on food waste and getting more out of your meals. If you’ve got leftovers from dinner but just aren’t in the mood for a repeat the next night, pop them in the freezer. That way, you’ve got a ready-made meal for a busy day when you don’t have time or energy to cook.

And it’s not just about big meals—veggie scraps can also be frozen and transformed into something useful. Save up your leftover carrot ends, onion skins, and celery leaves in a gallon freezer bag, and once you’ve got a good stash, you can turn them into homemade broth with little effort. It’s an easy way to make something out of what might otherwise be tossed.

Got kids? Use their leftovers to your advantage! If they insist on having the crusts cut off their sandwiches or they didn’t finish their veggies, don’t throw them away. Store those crusts in a gallon freezer bag to make a batch of homemade bread pudding or an easy French toast casserole down the line. Leftover vegetables can easily be repurposed into a hearty stew, stir-fry, or soup. It’s a perfect way to stretch your food and have something healthy on hand when you need a quick dinner.

This all takes a little creativity, but trust me, after a while, it’ll become second nature. Your freezer will become your go-to tool for saving time, money, and reducing waste!

Grocery Box Subscriptions: Convenience and Savings Delivered to Your Door

Grocery box subscriptions are an amazing way to save time, reduce impulse buying, and discover new ingredients—all while sticking to your budget. Whether you’re looking for fresh, organic produce, meal kits with everything you need, or even options that help reduce food waste, these services offer a variety of solutions to fit your lifestyle.

Services like HelloFresh, Sunbasket, and Misfits Market (which is one of my personal favorites) offer incredible flexibility. 

Misfits Market, for example, delivers affordable, organic produce right to your door while helping to reduce food waste. It’s a win-win for your budget and the planet. Misfits Market allows you to customize your box based on your preferences and dietary needs. Plus, they often have extra products like pantry staples, which can be a great way to try new items without leaving your home.

If you’ve been wanting to go organic, or maybe you’re already organic, and the prices in the stores just aren’t matching your budget give Misfits Market a try!

If you’re someone who loves meal kits, HelloFresh and EveryPlate are fantastic options that make dinner prep a breeze. They provide pre-measured ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes, so even if you don’t have a ton of time to cook, you can still enjoy home-cooked meals. Sunbasket also offers organic, clean ingredients, with options for gluten-free, paleo, and keto diets.

What I love about these subscriptions is their convenience—they come with everything you need. Often saving you the hassle of grocery shopping and reducing the amount of food waste in your kitchen. Plus, they allow you to try new meals and ingredients that you might not have thought to buy on your own.

If you want to try Misfits Market, I’ve included a link below to get a great discount on your first box. Trust me, once you get started, it’s hard to go back to regular grocery shopping!

[Insert affiliate link to Misfits Market]

Taking Control of Your Grocery Budget

By implementing these simple, yet effective strategies, you can start saving on groceries without compromising on the quality of your meals. From meal planning and shopping smart to using cashback apps and embracing seasonal produce, there are countless ways to cut down on costs while still feeding your family well. And with the convenience of grocery box subscriptions you can enjoy fresh, affordable ingredients delivered right to your door.

Remember, small changes add up over time, and the more you stay consistent with these tips, the more you'll see your grocery bill shrink. So, start today, stick with it, and watch your savings grow!

Talk soon,

Nicole