Food shopping with cash to spare

You’ve probably noticed that you’re paying more for food these days.1Although food prices are on the rise, there are smart ways to save when you shop. These tips and strategies may help you cut your grocery costs without sacrificing nutrition:

• Plan ahead. Create a weekly menu plan and then build your shopping list. Sign up online to receive coupons and email sale alerts from your favorite grocers. Use money-saving coupons. Don’t go food shopping hungry!
• Make healthy choices — avoid prepackaged items. Eating healthier keeps you away from processed and prepared foods that are typically more expensive. The cost of sodas, bakery items and chips can quickly add up and they are foods that add calories but little nutritional value.
• Buy produce in season, if available. Food in season is typically plentiful and less expensive. Shop local farmers’ markets for local produce and the prices won’t include shipping costs. If fresh local produce is not available, consider plain (not buttered or seasoned) frozen fruits and veggies because they’re picked when fresh and flash-frozen.
• Go generic. Many large grocery companies put their own label on national brand products made to their specifications. They are typically less expensive than their name-brand counterparts. Always read the ingredient label. Keep in mind that ingredients are listed in order by weight so be sure what you are buying, e.g., canned tomatoes, is listed first.
• Buy and cook in bulk. If you have the storage and freezer space, buying and cooking in bulk may save you both time and money.  
• Save on protein foods. When possible, and if your palate permits, try to substitute inexpensive vegetarian sources such as beans, eggs, tofu, and legumes for more expensive meat, fish, or poultry. When you do buy meat, choose smaller portions of lean cuts such as loin or round and marinate for tenderness. Buy a whole chicken and cut it up yourself instead of paying the butcher to do it. Save even more — buy the cheaper “family pack” portion and freeze.
• Plant a garden. Summer-fresh tomatoes can be yours with minimal effort. If you lack space, start small with a few herbs in containers. Tomatoes grow well in containers too. Consider freezing some of your harvest to use during the winter months.

Shop smart
Grocery shopping doesn’t have to leave you broke. With a little forethought and planning, you can learn how to save money on food and you can walk out of the grocery store with cash to stash.

1Source: http://www.worldwatch.org/global-food-prices-continue-rise-0