Supermarket shopping tips to beat the cost of living crisis

With the prices of food and general costs of living skyrocketing, it can be overwhelming trying to provide you or your family with healthy meals on a budget.  

Shopping for groceries shouldn’t be a stressful experience. But we know finding the balance between purchasing healthy ingredients and sticking to a budget can be tricky!

Here are some tips for food shopping on a budget that will help you get the most out of your dollar! 

1.Plan your meals in advance

Planning prevents aimless wandering around supermarkets which can lead to spontaneous purchases. By knowing what you want and looking for those items, you’ll be more likely to walk past products that might tempt your tastebuds – it’ll also save you time in the supermarket! And let’s be honest, we all want to be in and out of the supermarket as quickly as possible right? 

2. Eat before you shop 

Shopping on an empty stomach can leave you tempted to purchase foods and snacks that you otherwise might not have purchased. When you’re fuelled with hunger, it’s very easy to overload your shopping cart as well as your budget. Aim to eat something before you head to the supermarket, and you’ll be more likely to stick to buying things on your list!

3. Check what’s in your pantry, fridge, and freezer before you go

Before heading to the supermarket, brainstorm a list of all the different meals and snacks you can make using foods already in your fridge, freezer, and pantry. It can save you from doubling up on ingredients, or you may even realise you’ve got more ingredients than you think, you don’t even need to make the trip!  

4. Purchase foods when they are in season.

Consuming foods seasonally, especially fruit and vegetables, comes with a whole range of benefits. In-season produce is often affordable because it’s in supply. Produce outside of the seasonal period is often imported which leads to increased prices. Purchasing seasonal produce can support local farmers. 

5. Substitute expensive meat and dairy with plant-based alternatives.

Meat and dairy in the supermarket can often be expensive. Substituting these products for plant-based alternatives in a few meals each week can save you money in your grocery shop! Plant-based alternatives can include eggs, beans, and chickpeas are great options, that often keep longer in your pantry. 

6. Opt for frozen, or tinned fruit and vegetables (when not in season!)

Frozen or tinned fruit and vegetables are just as nutritious as fresh. They are not only convenient and can be stored for longer, but are also often cheaper than fresh produce (especially if you are looking for a particular fruit or vegetable out that’s not in season).