If you’re trying to save money on food but still want to eat well, you’re not alone. Grocery prices are still high, and meal delivery apps aren’t doing our wallets (or our health) any favors. The good news? You can eat nutritious, satisfying meals and save money on food with a few smart habits and a tiny bit of planning.
Let’s talk about some of my favorite money-saving hacks.
1. Plan Your Meals (But Keep It Simple)
Before you roll your eyes, hear me out. You don’t have to plan every bite you eat, but a bit of meal planning can help you save money on food by reducing impulse buys and takeout nights. Start by checking your calendar—if you know you’ll be working late one night, plan an easy meal or leftovers. Then, build your grocery list around that plan.
Pro tip: use what you already have before you buy more (which brings me to the next point…).
2. Shop Your Fridge, Pantry, and Freezer First
It’s wild how often we buy ingredients we already have. Before heading to the store, take stock of your fridge, pantry, and freezer. Those half-used bags of rice, random cans of beans, and frozen chicken breasts? That’s dinner waiting to happen. You’ll save money on food and clear out some space at the same time.
3. Buy Frozen Fruits and Veggies
Frozen produce is picked and flash-frozen at peak ripeness, meaning it’s just as nutritious as fresh—and usually a lot cheaper. You can save money on food and waste less by using only what you need. Bonus: no guilt over that bag of spinach that liquefied in your crisper drawer.
4. Shop the Bulk Aisle
Grains, nuts, seeds, and dried legumes are way cheaper when you buy them in bulk. Bring your own containers or bags to cut down on waste, and you’ll save money on food while feeling like a sustainability icon.
5. Look Up and Down in the Grocery Aisle
Most stores put the pricey, brand-name stuff right at eye level. Sneaky, right? Look at the top or bottom shelves to find store brands or budget-friendly alternatives. You’ll be shocked at how much you can save money on food just by shifting your gaze.
6. Invest in a Vacuum Food Saver
This one’s a game-changer. A vacuum food saver lets you buy meat in bulk when it’s on sale, then freeze it for later without worrying about freezer burn. Over time, that one gadget will more than pay for itself—and you’ll never again discover a sad, frostbitten pack of chicken thighs from 2021.
Let Us Help You Save Money on Food
Eating healthy on a budget doesn’t have to mean endless beans and rice (though those are both MVP ingredients). With a little planning and a few smart shopping habits, you can stretch your grocery budget and enjoy meals you actually look forward to.
Need help balancing healthy eating with your budget? I created a free training on how I automate my meal planning as a single mom of three, helping me save both time and money. Click here to grab it!
Kim Yawitz, RD, is a registered dietitian and the owner of Two Six Fitness.
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Updated: November 2025