How to Save Money on Food
Spending on food can sneak up on you. One too many coffee runs, last-minute takeout, and unplanned Target trips, and suddenly, your budget is out the window. Americans spend an average of $832 a month on food, adding up to about $9,985 over the full year.
With grocery prices rising thanks to inflation, keeping food costs in check isn't getting any easier. But that doesn't mean you have to cut out the good stuff. Whether you’re stocking up for the family or just trying to spend less on takeout, a few small changes can help. Here's how to save money on food shopping without giving up the meals you love.
Plan your meals
Meal planning doesn't mean prepping a week's worth of identical meals in Tupperware. It's just about having a plan so you don't waste money on impulse purchases or last-minute takeout.
- Check your fridge before shopping. The average American household throws away $1,866 worth of food per year.
- Stock up on versatile staples. Rice, eggs, tortillas, pasta, and canned beans can turn into a bunch of different meals with minimal effort.
- Cook in batches: Make a big pot of chili, soup, or pasta, and freeze portions for later.
- Have a backup "lazy meal. Frozen dumplings, ramen, chicken nuggets, or even just PBandJ can save you from spending $20 on delivery.
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- Purchase snacks in bulk. Buying larger quantities of your favorite snacks can reduce the cost per serving compared to single purchases.
- Try meal kit promotions: HelloFresh and Dinnerly offer discounts for new users.
Spend less on groceries
Groceries can take a big bite out of your budget, but knowing where your money goes can help you make better choices. Here's a breakdown of the average monthly food spending and how to cut costs.
| Category | Average Monthly Cost | Ways to Save |
| Groceries | $469 | Stick to a shopping list, never shop hungry, compare unit prices, buy store brands, use coupons, and shop at discount stores. |
| Dining Out | $273 | Opt for lunch specials, skip appetizers and desserts, sign up for restaurant loyalty programs, check GrabOn for coupons, and take advantage of happy hours! |
| Takeout/Delivery | $231 | Pick up orders to avoid delivery fees, use new user promo codes, order family meals/combos instead of individual items, and order directly from restaurants to avoid third-party charges. Check out our hacks to save money on DoorDash, and order directly from restaurants to dodge third-party upcharges. |
- Use a grocery list. Impulse buys make up 60% of grocery spending.
- Compare unit prices. The cheapest-looking option isn't always the best deal – check the price per ounce or pound.
- Shop at discount stores. Aldi, Costco, and local markets often have better prices. GrabOn offers both Aldi coupons and Costco promo codes to save even more.
- Buy store brands. Generic brands can save you up to 30% compared to name brands. Staples like rice, pasta, canned goods, and even snacks often taste just as good as their pricier counterparts.
- Avoid pre-packaged items. Pre-cut fruit and pre-marinated meats cost significantly more than buying whole ingredients and prepping them yourself.
- Use student and military discounts. Target and Sam's Club offer student discounts, while Costco provides discounts for military members. Always ask at checkout.
Check out our full guide on how to save on groceries for more tips, tricks, and tools that'll help you trim your grocery bill without sacrificing your favorites.
Be mindful of your beverage expenses
Drinks are one of the sneakiest ways food costs add up. Here's how to cut back without feeling deprived.
- Make coffee at home. The average American spends $1,476 a year on coffee shop drinks. Investing in a coffee maker and using a travel mug can save you hundreds.
- Buy in bulk: A 12-pack of soda costs up to 60% less than buying individual bottles. Stock up at warehouse clubs like Sam's Club or Costco for the best deals.
- Get a reusable water bottle. Bottled water costs nearly 2000 times more than tap water. A reusable bottle with a built-in filter is a one-time investment that saves money long-term.
- Skip overpriced cocktails. Restaurant cocktails can cost $15+ each. Pre-game at home or look for happy hour deals.
Cut down on food waste
A huge amount of food goes straight into the trash. In the U.S., the average household wastes about 30% of the food they buy, meaning nearly one out of every three grocery bags goes straight into the trash. Here's how to make your groceries last longer.
- Store food properly. Keep herbs fresh in water, store onions and potatoes separately, and use airtight containers for dry goods.
- Freeze leftovers. Instead of throwing out half a casserole, portion it into freezer bags for quick meals later.
- Revive aging produce. Wilted greens can be crisped up in ice water, and stale bread can be turned into croutons.
- Use a "first in, first out system. Put older items at the front of the fridge and newer ones at the back so you use them up in time.
- Repurpose leftovers into new meals: Last night's roasted chicken can become chicken tacos, soup, or a stir-fry.
- Get creative with scraps. Veggie peels make great stock, and overripe bananas are perfect for baking.
Make the most of warehouse clubs
Big-box stores like Costco, Sam's Club, and BJ's can lead to major savings, provided you shop strategically. For instance, shopping at Sam's Club can result in savings of approximately 10 to 40% compared to traditional grocery stores.
- Bulk up on staples. Rice, pasta, oats, and canned goods stay fresh for months and can cost 30-50% less per pound when you buy in bulk.
- Split large packs with friends or family. A warehouse-sized pack of chicken breasts is too much for one household, but splitting the costs with others can help everyone save money.
- Look for membership discounts: Some employers, student programs, and credit cards offer discounted or free memberships to warehouse clubs. For instance, BJ's is currently offering a 1-year membership for $20, which includes a $20 reward after your first $60 purchase – essentially making the membership pay for itself.
Save on eating out
Dining out can get expensive fast. The average American spends over $2500 annually on dining out. But you don't have to cut it out completely – just be smarter about it.
- Skip the soda. Restaurants mark up drinks by 300-500%. If you eat out once a week, swapping a $3 soda for free water could save you $150 per year.
- Use gift card deals. Many places like Applebee's and Starbucks offer "buy $50, get $10 free promos during the holidays. Stock up when these deals drop.
- Choose lunch over dinner. Lunch portions are usually 20-40% cheaper, even for the same meals.
- Sign up for birthday freebies. Restaurants like Starbucks, Red Robin, and IHOP give out free food on your birthday.
- Explore local deals: Platforms like GrabOn provide discounts ranging from 20-70% at various restaurants, helping you enjoy meals at reduced prices.
More ways to save money on food shopping
- Join grocery store loyalty programs to earn cashback, discounts, and exclusive coupons.
- Use cashback apps like Fetch Rewards and Rakuten to get money back on grocery purchases. You can also install a good coupon extension for Chrome. These handy tools automatically apply promo codes at checkout, so you save money without even trying.
- Use GrabOn's food coupons and restaurant promo codes to enjoy extra savings. Also, don't forget to check out our meat coupons for even more delicious deals.
- Shop in-season produce since fruits and veggies are cheaper and fresher when they're in season.
- Use credit cards with dining rewards to earn cashback or points on restaurant purchases.
- Sign up for restaurant newsletters for exclusive promo codes and special offers.
- Look for BOGO (Buy One, Get One) deals at fast-food chains and casual dining restaurants. We also offer a wide range of fast food coupons.
- Look for all-you-can-eat specials – some places offer unlimited sushi, wings, or pancakes at a set price.
- Try "ugly produce services like Misfits Market and Imperfect Foods, which offer discounts on slightly misshapen fruits and vegetables.
- Pack your own lunches instead of buying overpriced meals at work or school.
- Dine out on off-peak days. Some restaurants offer discounts on slower nights, like Mondays or Tuesdays.
- Look for clearance sections in grocery stores for steep discounts on overstocked or seasonal items.
- Sign up for free food samples and giveaways from brands testing new products.
- Make your own snacks like granola bars, popcorn, or trail mix instead of buying expensive packaged versions.
FAQs
1) How do I start meal planning without getting overwhelmed?
The key to starting meal planning without feeling overwhelmed is to keep things simple. Begin by choosing 3 to 4 familiar meals that you can rotate throughout the week. Don't stress about planning every single meal – focus on dinners first and build from there.
A great trick is to use a "fill-in-the-blank formula where you pick a protein, a vegetable, and a carb. For example, grilled chicken with broccoli and rice can easily be swapped for salmon with asparagus and quinoa. To save money and time, plan your meals based on what's on sale at your local grocery and consider batch cooking so you can prep once and eat multiple times.
2) How can I reduce impulse buys while grocery shopping?
Impulse buys can add 20-25% to your grocery bill. The best way to avoid them is to stick to a list and avoid shopping when you're hungry. Research shows that shopping on an empty stomach increases impulse purchases by up to 64%.
Another tip is to use curbside pickup or online delivery services, which eliminate the temptation of grabbing unnecessary items. Set a time limit for in-store visits and stick to the outer aisles, where the freshest and least processed foods are usually located.
3) What's the cheapest supermarket?
Aldi is consistently ranked as one of the cheapest grocery stores in the US, offering prices that are up to 30% lower than competitors. Walmart follows closely, especially for pantry staples, dairy, and household items. WinCo Foods is another budget-friendly option, especially for bulk purchases.
