How I Save 40% On My Food Bill (Money Saving Hacks)

Summary

In this video, the creator shares practical tips to help save 30-50% on grocery bills, emphasizing the importance of choosing the right store, buying generic brands, avoiding pre-packaged foods, and planning meals. Key advice includes shopping smarter by paying attention to unit prices, using grocery apps, and stocking up on sales. The video also covers strategies like cooking from scratch, using leftovers creatively, and experimenting with mystery meals to reduce waste. The creator encourages viewers to rethink their shopping habits and share their own money-saving tips.

Takeaways

• 😀 Choose your grocery store wisely: Opt for discount stores like Aldi or Market Basket to save significantly on your grocery budget.
• 😀 Go generic: Many generic brands are made in the same facilities as name brands, and often have the same or similar ingredients.
• 😀 Avoid prepackaged food: Cooking from scratch with basic ingredients like rice, potatoes, and meats is usually more filling and cost-effective in the long run.
• 😀 Plan your meals: Create a weekly meal plan and shopping list to avoid impulse buys and ensure that all food is used efficiently.
• 😀 Pay attention to unit prices: Buying in bulk isn't always the cheapest option; compare unit prices to determine the best deal.
• 😀 Use grocery apps: For some, having groceries delivered might be cheaper and save time compared to going to the store.
• 😀 Stock up on sale items: When you see a good deal, buy extra and store it for later to save money in the future.
• 😀 Shop at cheaper restaurants: Consider affordable local spots like California Burrito for meals that are cheaper than dining at sit-down restaurants.
• 😀 Shop the bottom shelves: The cheaper, off-brand products are often placed on lower shelves, so be mindful of this while shopping.
• 😀 Cook from scratch: Homemade meals are generally more affordable than meal kits, and preparing food yourself can help you save money.
• 😀 Use leftovers creatively: Turn leftovers into new meals, reducing food waste and making the most of what you already have.
• 😀 Shred and slice your own cheese: Pre-cut and packaged foods are often more expensive, so save money by doing the prep yourself.
• 😀 Try recreating your favorite meals at home: Instead of ordering food out, recreate popular dishes yourself for more food at a lower price.
• 😀 Batch cook and freeze meals: Save time and money by preparing larger quantities of food that you can freeze and eat later.
• 😀 Try a mystery meal once a month: Challenge yourself to create a meal using only what you already have in your pantry and fridge, reducing waste and using up older ingredients.

Q & A

What is the main reason food prices feel higher than they actually are?

The main reason food prices feel higher than the reported 28% increase over the last 5 years is the constant rise in prices across various food categories, combined with personal spending habits and inflation in general.

What is the biggest change to make when trying to save money on groceries?

The biggest change is choosing the right grocery store. Switching to discount stores like Aldi or Market Basket, or even checking out restaurant supply stores can significantly reduce your food costs.

How does going generic help in saving money?

Generic products are often made in the same facilities as name-brand items, with minimal difference in quality. By switching to generic options, you can save money without sacrificing much in terms of product effectiveness or taste.

What is the issue with prepackaged foods when trying to save money?

Prepackaged foods are often more expensive than buying whole ingredients, and they tend to offer smaller portions that don’t provide the same nutritional value or satiety, making them less cost-effective in the long run.

Why should you meal plan before going to the store?

Meal planning ensures that you buy only what you need for the week, reducing food waste and impulse buys. It helps you create a grocery list, making sure everything you purchase has a purpose in your planned meals.

How can unit prices affect your grocery shopping decisions?

Unit prices allow you to compare the cost of products based on size or weight, helping you determine if buying in bulk is truly cheaper or if smaller quantities offer a better deal. Not all bulk purchases are the most economical option.

How does grocery delivery help with saving money?

Grocery delivery can save money by reducing impulse purchases, saving time, and cutting out unnecessary trips to the store. While there may be a small delivery fee, it can sometimes end up being cheaper than shopping in person when considering other costs like gas and time.

What are the benefits of stocking up on sale items?

Stocking up on sale items allows you to take advantage of lower prices and save money over time. If you buy extra when items are on sale, you can store them for future use and avoid paying full price later.

Why should you shop the bottom shelf in grocery stores?

Stores often place more expensive products at eye level to increase sales. By shopping the bottom shelf, you may find cheaper, off-brand alternatives or better deals on products, helping you save money.

What is the 61 rule and how does it help with grocery shopping?

The 61 rule suggests you buy six veggies, five fruits, four proteins, three starches, two spreads, and one fun treat. This strategy helps ensure a balanced diet while sticking to essential items, making it easier to manage grocery expenses.

How can cooking from scratch help reduce food costs?

Cooking from scratch is generally much cheaper than buying pre-made meal kits or processed food. You have more control over ingredients and portion sizes, allowing you to create more affordable and healthy meals.

What is the value of creatively using leftovers?

Using leftovers creatively allows you to avoid waste while transforming yesterday’s meal into something new. This reduces the need to cook from scratch every day and helps stretch food supplies further.

How can shredding your own cheese save you money?

Pre-shredded cheese is more expensive due to the added convenience. By buying a block of cheese and shredding it yourself, you can save money and get more cheese for the same price.

What is the benefit of recreating restaurant meals at home?

Recreating restaurant meals at home allows you to enjoy the same dishes for a fraction of the price. Homemade versions also tend to be healthier and provide more food than restaurant portions.

What is batch cooking and how does it save time and money?

Batch cooking involves preparing large quantities of food in advance, which you can freeze and use throughout the week. It saves time by reducing the number of times you need to cook and can help lower grocery costs by buying ingredients in bulk.

Why should you try a mystery meal once a month?

A mystery meal helps use up ingredients you already have, reducing food waste. It also encourages creativity in cooking and allows you to make meals with what you already own, cutting down on the need for extra grocery shopping.