5 ways to save on groceries
The cost of living is hitting hard across Australia and we’re feeling it at the checkout.
It’s even spawned the tongue-in-cheek term, ‘cozzie livs’, which Macquarie Dictionary named its 2023 Word of the Year. If you’ve checked your supermarket receipt lately, you’ll know groceries are taking an ever-bigger bite from your household budget. The good news is there are some simple ways to save on your weekly shop.
1. Plan, plan, and plan again
Instead of wandering the aisles aimlessly, come prepared with a list of groceries you need for the next week or fortnight. It’ll help you resist impulse buys and keep your fridge and pantry stocked with essentials. Your smartphone will have a native or downloadable app or do it the old-fashioned way with pen and paper.
Planning your weekly meals is another way to limit costs. If you’re making a stir fry and have leftover chicken or vegetables, use them in a soup or stew. Think about when you and your family will be home and what meals you’ll need on those nights. Meal plans keep costs and waste down and reduce the temptation to order takeaway if you’re stuck for things to cook.
2. Get to know home brands
You might be a stickler for SA’s own Mahalia coffee or refuse to eat any biscuits other than Arnott’s but for basic groceries like sugar, flour, canned goods, and even tea bags and ice cream, home brands are cheaper and every bit as good as (or better than) the heavily marketed alternatives. Home brands have come a long way and it’s worth trying a few to see if you like them enough to stick with them permanently.
3. Stock up on specials
When you see specials on non-perishable products, such as toilet paper, canned vegetables and cleaning products, buy a few extra and save paying full price next time. Shop later in the day for discounts on certain items like baked goods that can’t be sold the next day, or meat that’s close to the expiry date. Pay the cheaper price, put them in the freezer and count the savings. Some supermarkets also have special ‘market days’ where fresh produce is cheaper, so shop on those days for bargains.
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4. Buy cheaper cuts of meat
Meat prices have skyrocketed in recent years and unfortunately cuts like lamb shanks and osso buco aren’t as cheap as they once were. To save money on meat when shopping for groceries, you don’t have to convince yourself that tripe and liver aren’t so bad, but you can look for good-value cuts like pork shoulder, chuck steak and beef short ribs, which are perfect for slow cooking. Do your prep the night before, put the slow cooker on in the morning and come home to a ready-made dinner (and a delicious-smelling house). Slow cooker meals are great for leftovers and freeze well. Another way to save is to reduce your meat consumption. Search online for recipes with your favourite vegetarian ingredients and find some new favourites. It’s better for your wallet and the planet.
5. Get DIYing in the kitchen
These days, it’s hard to turn around without seeing the latest cookbook from a TV chef or internet personality, so take advantage. Modern cookbooks are tailored to our busy lives and have simple, easy-to-follow recipes with everyday ingredients. If your cooking ability is rusty, jump online. The internet is overflowing with how-to videos, so it’s never been easier to upgrade your culinary skills. Invest the time and practice and you’ll soon be filling your pantry or kids’ lunch boxes with homemade cheese and sweetcorn muffins and banana bread – cheaper to make and with no nasty additives. Yum!
