10 ways to save money on your Grocery shop

There is no denying the past year had everyone feeling the pinch when it came to the weekly grocery shop. Trying to work out what to cook every day is a challenge as it is but pairing it with a tight budget can sometimes feel impossible.

We are here to help! These are our favourite (and most cost-effective) tried and tested tips to help your dollar go further at the supermarket. 

Before you head to the shops, check the pantry. One of the quickest ways to waste money (and food) is by grabbing something ‘just in case’ you do not have it at home. By checking your fridge, freezer, and pantry you will know exactly what you do and do not have. Less waste, more money!

Planning your meals is a wonderful way to help stick to your budget. Take five minutes before you hit the shops to write down your weekly meals. Monday night might be meat-free, Tuesday taco night. Take some inspiration from our dinner recipes here.

If you plan your meals, you take the guesswork out of what you need to put in your shopping cart. 

Write a list and check it twice! When shopping on a budget, writing a list will save you time and money. When you check the pantry, fridge and freezer make a note of all the essential items you need to restock, and the items you need to purchase for the weekly meals.

Tip: For iPhone users, you can create a ‘collaborative note’ in the Notes app on your phone and add it to a list you can share with your family/partner or housemates. That way you can all contribute to one communal list and tick it off in real time at the shops! 

When it comes to savings, rewards cards become a staple in your wallet (or phone). A Woolworths Rewards card and/or a Flybuys card will give you access to exclusive savings and when you earn enough points, you are eligible for discounts!

To learn more about redeeming points be sure to check out:

• Flybuys
• Woolworths Everyday Rewards

If you want to make sure you are getting the most bang for your buck, we recommend taking some time to assess the different deals and discounts available at a range of supermarkets.  

Often local independent grocers have exclusive deals, while at Coles and Woolworths you can typically pick up deals on items that are close to their use-by-date towards the end of the day.

Need some meat, cheese or seafood for your meal but do not want to fork out for a huge portion? Head to the deli! You can grab smaller servings such as a cube of feta, 100 grams of ham or two chicken breasts for much less than the larger pre-packed portions. 

While it is common to have ride-or-die brands that you love, do not be afraid to venture out of your comfort zone in the name of a good deal. Often home brand options can be just as delicious and half the price.

Next time you are at the shops grab a home brand version and your big-name favourite to compare the nutritional panels. You might be surprised that the only difference is the price tag!

Heading to the weekend farmer’s markets is a fantastic way to spend quality time with your family and make your dollar go a long way. Markets are ideal for buying fresh produce in bulk, eggs straight from the farm, and homemade treats that are preservative-free and made with love.

When planning your meals at the start of the week try to make some similarities in your dishes (especially after buying in bulk). For example, if Tuesday is taco night, use the same mincemeat, tomato sauce, and onion for Bolognese night on Wednesday.

If cooking similar items is not an option for you, or you just want to cook in larger quantities, freezing leftovers is a wonderful way to save money and meal prep ahead of time.

For weight loss, prepping and freezing meals is a great way to stay on track and avoid eating additional or unnecessary snacks around mealtimes. If you know you have chicken tenders defrosting for dinner at 6 pm, you will be less likely to snack on crackers and cream cheese at 5:30 pm!