How to save money on groceries

Groceries are a flexible category: you buy them often, so small habits add up, and you can adjust them next week. This guide starts with a benchmark, then moves to practical steps. It does not promise a saving, because that depends on where you shop and what you eat.

Work out a benchmark for your household · How much should I spend on food?

1. Know what you spend now

Add up a month of grocery purchases from your statements, separate from restaurants and takeout. Compare the total to the USDA benchmark for your household size (USDA August 2026 figures in the calculator). If you are well above it, there may be room; if you are below, check you are not skimping on food you need.

2. Plan before you shop

• Check the fridge, freezer and pantry first and plan meals that use what is there.
• Write a list from the plan and stick to it.
• Plan one or two “use it up” meals each week for items that will spoil soon.

3. Compare unit prices

The shelf label usually shows a price per ounce, pound or count. Use it to compare sizes and brands. Larger sizes are not always cheaper per unit, and bulk only helps if you use it before it spoils.

4. Cut waste

• Store food so it lasts: freeze bread, meat portions and leftovers you will not eat soon.
• Cook once and eat twice. Leftovers are a lunch you did not have to buy.
• Keep a short list of what gets thrown out each week and buy less of it.

5. Use what stores offer

Store brands, loyalty prices, weekly flyers and clearance sections can lower the cost of the same items. Only count a saving if you were going to buy the item anyway.

6. Set a number and track it

Choose a monthly grocery budget and put it in the budget planner. Review it after a month and adjust. When a change lowers the bill, enter the new amount in the dated savings plan to see the date it brings forward.