Five Foods that Will Drastically Cut Your Grocery Bill

Most of us are looking for ways to reduce costs. Whether you’ve started clipping coupons or you’ve cut back on eating out, food budgets are a good place to go when looking for breathing room in your budget. There are other ways to save at the grocery store, including stocking up on certain foods. Here are five foods that when implemented into your diet will drastically cut your grocery bill.

Wheat Kernels - For many people, meat is the most expensive thing they buy at the grocery store. Whether it’s beef, chicken, or fish, your main course is usually the priciest part of your meal. Next time you make a dish with ground beef, try adding a filler like whole wheat kernels, also known as wheat berries. When boiled, they have a nutty taste and a great texture that can be added to meat. Simply cut the meat in your recipe in half and add the same amount of boiled wheat kernels. You’ll have a great tasting meal for almost half the cost.

Beans - There are few foods cheaper than beans. Buy them uncooked and in bulk to save the most. If you end up buying them canned or already prepared, you’ll miss out on much of the savings. Beans can also be a nutritious addition to your meals because they are high in protein.

Rice - Rice is another very cheap item that will save you a lot of money at the grocery store. Look for bags of white or brown rice in bulk. Don’t buy flavored rice if you want to save as much money as possible. Simply add your own seasonings or ingredients to change up the flavor.

Produce - Fruits and veggies are an important part of our diet. And they can also be a great way to stretch your food budget. The key to finding cheap fruits and veggies is buying in season. Right now you’ll find great deals on grapes, tomatoes, peaches and melons. Bananas are typically less than a dollar a pound. You can also save money by shopping for fresh produce at your local farmer’s market.

Eggs - Eggs are a great source of protein and only about $.10 each. If you’re looking for a way to boost your protein intake without spending a lot of money on meat, eggs are a good alternative. Since eggs don’t last forever, buy only what you need to avoid waste.

By Alison Storm

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