One of the easiest ways to save on food shopping is to plan your meals for the week. When you know what you’re cooking, you can make a list and stick to it, avoiding impulse buys. I also like to base my meals around what’s on special that week—if chicken is cheap, it’s chicken for a few nights!

Cooking from scratch can also make a huge difference. Things like soups, stews, and pasta dishes are filling and budget-friendly, especially if you use seasonal veggies. Bulk cooking is another great trick—make extra and freeze portions for quick meals later on.

Bulk Shopping, Shopping at the end of the supermarkets “week” for example, Woolworths have new specials on Wednesday, so I go Monday or Tuesday, as they normally have things reduced further near use by date etc

Last year I was struggling financially and only ate what was already in my cardboard and freezer. As stocks went down I only brought things to make meals with remaining food at home.

Meal prep! I always make a list and freeze what we don’t eat

Meal plan is a must only buy what you will use I didn’t realise how much I used to waste or buy unnecessarily. Also add a meat free meal to your regulars.

Buy larger quantities, that should make the cost less expensive, and cook and freeze for later consumption. Grow your own veggies, herbs, etc – will take a little while to get going but you will save in the long run and they will be much tastier than shop bought. Plan your meals the week before and always write a list so you only buy what you need.

Great ideas. Thanks ladies.

Buy in bulk & freeze!

Meal plan and only buy what you really need, not that 1 peace extra just for “maybe i’ll need it”

Mince meat is cheap, high in protein and really versatile. Try bolognaise with zucchini noodles, chicken meatball butter chicken with brown rice, chilli con carne quesadillas, Bun Cha (Vietnamese meatballs) with vermicelli salad, or a classic burger.

Make sure you put your extra cash into a savings account the minute you get paid to avoid over spending!

I do a food plan each week, write out my shopping list and then go on the woolies website to see how much it comes to before I actually go shopping. That keeps me accountable and less likely to purchase extra items. Oh and don’t go up every aisle, skip the ones you know you don’t need anything from.

Growing home produce is also a good saving and making preserves.

Buying in bulk and menu planning saves our family money.
Cooking in batches and freezing meals is a good saver too.