Eat well, spend less

Does it really cost more to eat well? 

It depends on how you compare foods:

• Price per calorie (discretionary foods cost less) 
• Price per typical serving (non-discretionary foods cost same or less)

Money-saving tips for grocery shopping

Before you shop

• Do a quick clean-out of old or expired foods. 
• Take inventory of what you already have on hand. 
• Make a list of what you know you need. 
• Plan for items to do double-duty. 
• Shop alone, when possible (more people = more spending). 
• Don't go hungry (or everything will look yummy!) 
• Shop online to cut back on impulse purchases.

While you shop

• Opt for generic products whenever possible.
• Use unit prices to help you compare costs of similar products. 
• Use a store savings card or app. 
• Use coupons wisely (they aren’t always a deal). 
• Buy in bulk with caution (it’s only a deal if you use all of it). 
• Check expiration dates to ensure you can use it in time. 

After you shop

• Store foods using the “first in, first out” method. 
• Store foods properly to minimize spoilage. 
• Repurpose leftover food. 
• Prep foods to ensure they get used (e.g. cut and wash produce, shred cheese, make snack packs). 
• Freeze almost-expired food. 
• Track what you didn’t use so you buy smarter next time.

Money-saving tips by food group

Grains

• Buy plain oats and flavor yourself (skip the packets). 
• Make your own baking mix (skip the boxed mixes). 
• Pop popcorn in the microwave using a brown paper lunch bag (skip the ready-to-microwave bags).

Fruits and vegetables

• Only buy fresh produce you will use (skip the “aspirational produce”). 
• Buy fresh produce in-season to minimize costs (and maximize taste). 
• Buy whole produce instead of pre-cut. 
• Buy larger bags instead of individual pieces. 
• Supplement fresh produce with canned and frozen produce (look for minimal added sodium and sugar). 
• Skip the microwave-in-bag frozen vegetables (they usually cost more).

Dairy and meat

• Try ultra-pasteurized milk, which has a longer shelf life (most organic and shelf-stable milks). 
• Get more protein with Greek or Skyr yogurt. 
• Buy larger containers of yogurt and cottage cheese instead of single cups. 
• Stretch meat with beans, vegetables or grains. 
• Try canned chicken, tuna or salmon. 
• Buy meats on sale and freeze for later.

Fats

• Buy larger bottles of oil. 
• Consider using a mix of more and less expensive oils, depending on the application. 
• Make your own salad dressings using oil and vinegar. 
• Stick with less expensive nuts and nut butters, such as peanuts and peanut butter. 
• Use fat sparingly – a little goes a long way!