13 Ways to Cut Your Grocery Bill in Half

Last updated on October 2nd, 2025 at 10:34 pm

If you’ve noticed your grocery bill creeping higher and higher, you’re not imagining things. Food prices have been one of the hardest-hit areas of family budgets lately, and it can feel overwhelming to try to feed everyone without blowing through your paycheck.

But here’s the good news: you’re not stuck. With a little planning and a few smart swaps, you can trim your grocery spending in a big way. These 13 strategies are practical, doable, and designed with real moms in mind. Even if you start with just one or two, the savings add up fast.

And here’s why that matters: every dollar you save at the grocery store is a dollar you can redirect toward something that really matters for your family. That could be putting extra payments toward debt, finally building an emergency fund, or taking steps toward a bigger financial goal you’ve been dreaming about. Groceries are one of the easiest places to start because small changes make a noticeable difference.

If your goal this year is to get control of your finances, reduce stress, and feel more confident about where your money is going, cutting down your grocery bill is one of the most powerful first steps you can take.

How Grocery Savings Fit Into Your Bigger Financial Goals

When you’re in the thick of raising kids, it can feel like money just slips through your fingers. Groceries, sports fees, school supplies, birthdays — it all adds up so quickly. That’s why groceries are one of the best places to start when you want to get serious about financial goals.

The money you free up at the checkout line doesn’t just disappear. It becomes fuel for whatever your family needs most. That might be:

• Making extra payments toward debt so you can finally see those balances go down
• Building an emergency fund so the next car repair or medical bill doesn’t derail your budget
• Saving for something meaningful, like a family trip, holiday expenses, or a long-term dream

Whatever your “why” is, trimming your grocery bill makes those goals a little more reachable. It’s not about living on beans and rice forever. It’s about being intentional so your money has room to support your family’s future instead of getting eaten up by weekly shopping trips.

13 Ways to Cut Your Grocery Bill in Half

1. Meal Plan Like It Matters (Because It Does)

I know meal planning gets repeated in every money-saving article, but the reason it comes up so often is simple: it works. Spending just 10–15 minutes planning meals for the week can save you hundreds over the course of a year.

In our house, my husband and I do this together when we go over our weekly schedule. We check what’s left in the pantry, what meals we’ll need on busy nights, and what leftovers we can stretch. From there, we make a list of what to buy. It takes the stress out of figuring out dinner every night and keeps us from making last-minute store runs or grabbing takeout.

2. Limit Yourself to One Grocery Trip Per Week

Once you’ve planned your meals and made your list, aim to get everything in a single grocery run. Every extra trip to the store is another chance to spend on things you didn’t plan for. Even small “just one thing” stops often turn into extra snacks, drinks, or treats slipping into the cart.

Keeping it to one trip a week forces you to plan ahead, and it cuts down on temptation. If this feels tough at first, consider ordering groceries online for pickup or delivery. Sticking to your list is much easier when you’re not walking past every display in the store.

3. Stick to Your List

This one is by far the hardest since I’ve had kids. Once you’ve made your list, treat it like gold. The list is what keeps you on budget. Before you add something that isn’t on it, pause and ask:

• Does this fit into our meals this week?

• Will it get eaten before it goes bad?

• Can I swap something out instead of adding more?

Sometimes the answer is yes, and that’s fine. But most of the time, sticking to the list is what keeps your spending uncontrol and avoid unnecessary purchases.

4. Buy in Bulk (When It Makes Sense)

One budget grocery shopping trick is to buy certain items in bulk when you can. Look closely at your recent meals. Do you have recurring ingredients such as rice, beans, or potatoes?

Consider purchasing some of the non-perishable items of your meals in bulk. You can find these at discount stores, large warehouse stores, or even just stocking up when items go on sale.

Buying in bulk can significantly lower you overall food expenses because the unit price of each item is way less than if you purchased them in standard amounts.

5. Use Cash Back Apps

Have you heard of companies that actually pay you to shop? There are many cash back apps out that that will give you money back on purchases that you already make every day simply by signing up for their program.

This post goes into more detail of some of my favorite cash back apps, many of which will work in your local grocery store. I end up saving around $100 each month using these apps and using the rewards towards other purchases with gift cards for places like Amazon, Walmart, and Target.

6. Don’t Forget Coupons

It sounds like the most basic way to save money, but so many people forget about the amazing value of coupons! Growing up my mom would rarely buy anything without taking advantage of sales or using coupons. She always said if you are paying the sticker price, you are doing it wrong.

Nowadays you don’t have to wait for the coupon circular to come in the newspaper each week. Thousands of coupons are available online through various websites or even through your preferred store’s rewards program.

The important thing to remember is that you should not buy and item JUST BECAUSE you have a coupon for it. Make sure to stick to your list and use coupons to help reduce your grocery bill even more.

7. Take Advantage of Sales

Sales are a must if you are trying to save on groceries. Most grocery stores have weekly ads you can access through the mail or online weekly. These sales tend to match what events are coming up or maybe what items are in season. Popular sales include 4^th of July, Christmas, Easter, and many other holidays. These can be a great time to stock up on some of those bulk items if they are popular during certain holidays.

As you become a savvier shopping, you will start to recognize what the pre-sale prices are for your most commonly purchased items. Use this knowledge to make sure the sales are actually a good deal!

8. Don’t Skip Clearance Sections

Usually, grocery stores offer good deals and slash prices on items that are expiring soon. This is especially true on items they make in house such as bakery good, deli meats, or pre-made meals. They mark down these items significantly to ensure they get sold and don’t need to be thrown out.

These items can be great additions to your meal planning for the week, especially if they were already on your list. I like to pick up bakery products such as rolls or bread and either use them that night for dinner or pop them in the freezer for a later meal.

I have also scored great cuts of meat at almost half the price and readymade meals to take for work lunches the next day. It is all still completely safe to consume, it just needs to be eaten at a quicker pace than the fresher items. Be sure to check these items carefully for signs they are going bad prior to the date listed.

9. Stick to Your Budget

Ok I know you’re probably rolling your eyes right now, but I must mention it! Sticking to a budget is so important when it comes to not overspending on groceries. Budgeting starts with my weekly planning with my husband.

I keep track of how much we spent the previous month on groceries, and we decide if that was an acceptable amount. A budget will vary depending on your family’s needs but pick something very comfortable and achievable to start with.

As you learn to be a savvy shopping you can challenge yourself to reduce your spending each month.

If you don’t know where to start with your budget, track your spending for one month to see where you are at. Then challenge yourself to lower that amount by maybe $50 to $100. Even small increments can add up when you are working towards other financial goals.

10. Eat Before You Go Grocery Shopping

This one may sound silly, but it has gotten me in trouble one too many times. Make sure you are not hungry before you go to the grocery store because everything will be tempting to you. And I mean EVERYTHING! You can kiss that list of yours goodbye if you are not prepared before going in the store.

11. Make a Few Things From Scratch

Cooking from scratch can sound intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Start small with things like salad dressing, salsa, chicken broth, or muffins. These items are often cheaper (and healthier) to make at home than to buy pre-packaged.

Even just having your own small garden outside or “kitchen garden” as I like to call it of fresh herbs in a windowsill can save you so much over time!

12. Be Choosy About Where You Shop

Some stores are simply more expensive. It’s worth experimenting to see where you can get the best deals. You don’t need to run to five different stores each week — that often backfires with impulse buys and wasted gas. Instead, settle into a routine with one or two stores where you consistently find good prices.

Walmart is typically my go to, but I know many people have amazing success at Aldi with sticking to a lower grocery budget. If you have one in your area it may be worth checking out!

13. Time Your Shopping Trips

It may sound weird but there definitely is a right time of day and even day of the week to shop. Late in the evening close to closing time there is a chance additional items the store is wanting to get rid of will be put on even more of a discount to clear merchandise.

This is especially true for perishable merchandise like produce and meats. Also many stores discount items right before their next shipment comes in. If you can figure out your store’s schedule, you can score big discounts on the foods you were already planning to buy anyways.

Final Thoughts on How to Reduce Your Grocery Budget

Cutting your grocery bill does not happen overnight, but even a few small changes can make a big difference. The more you stick to your plan and get comfortable with these little tricks, the easier it becomes.

The money you save does not just sit there. It can go straight toward something that matters more, whether that is paying down debt, building up a cushion for your family, or finally putting a little extra toward a goal you have been dreaming about.

Do not feel like you have to do all 13 tips at once. Pick a couple that feel doable this week and build from there. You will be surprised how quickly it adds up. Groceries may feel expensive right now, but you have more control than it seems, and every step you take is a step closer to less stress and more freedom with your money.