Stretching your grocery budget doesn't have to mean relying on clipping coupons. While they can help, there are plenty of other ways to shop for healthy, affordable foods. Here are some easy strategies to get the most nutrition for your money.
Shop with Intention
- Buy in bulk: Whole grains, dried beans, pasta, nuts and more are often cheaper in bulk. Stocking up on these staples saves money and provides long-lasting nutrition. Just be sure to properly store items so they last.
- Choose seasonal produce: Fruits and vegetables in season tend to be fresher and more affordable. They generally taste better, too. Check out this produce guide to see what's currently in season.
- Opt for store brands: Generic or store-brand items are often just as nutritious and tasty but cost less.
- Shop post-holiday sales: After holidays like Easter and Thanksgiving, hams and whole turkeys are often cheaper.
- Opt for affordable cuts of meat: The specific cut isn’t always important for slow-cooked dishes. Choosing a budget-friendly roast can save money, and with enough cooking time, it will be just as tender and flavorful.
- Plan your meals and make a list: Planning helps you avoid buying unnecessary items and reduces food waste.
- Get creative: Make a meal with items on sale—you might discover a new favorite!
Maximize Nutrition on a Budget
- Choose whole, minimally processed foods: Avoid paying extra for convenience—buy whole produce, blocks of cheese, and unprocessed grains instead of pre-cut, shredded, or instant varieties. A little prep at home can go a long way in saving money and maximizing nutrition.
- Use frozen & canned foods: Frozen fruits and veggies are just as nutritious as fresh and last longer. Opt for canned items without added salt or sugar, and consider freezing your own foods, too!
- Stretch ingredients: Make meals that use similar ingredients to reduce waste.
By incorporating these budget-friendly strategies into your grocery shopping routine, you can enjoy nutritious meals without breaking the bank. Happy shopping!
Lexi Wojcik-Kretchmer is the TOPS Communications Specialist and Writer/Editor for TOPS News. When she’s not working at TOPS, you can probably find her at the gym, listening to audiobooks on the treadmill, finding good-tasting ways to get her protein in or curled up in the evening with a good book and her cats, Chimi and Little Man, by her side.
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