Whether it’s a weekly affair or you dash to the shops most days to pick up bits and pieces, shopping for groceries is that non-negotiable expense that makes budgeting hard. Or is it?
There are work arounds and clever ways to save money on these essential expenses and your nutrition will not suffer, in fact it will benefit.
1. Buy the ‘ugly’ fruits and vegetables
Whether you agree with the premise that foodstuff can be deemed ‘ugly’ or ‘attractive’ is up to you, but the fact is that there is a whole industry build around the concept.
Research shows that while the imperfect fruits and vegetables appear ugly on the outside they are packed with vitamins and minerals.
Organic fruit and veg is a classic example of food stock that often appears less than perfect, however literature from Cambridge University suggests these products actually contain higher levels of antioxidants and lower concentrations of cadmium.
Next time you see some freaky fruit and wacky veg in the cheap pile at the supermarket think of your wallet (and your health) and consider stocking up.
2. Buy seasonal produce
If mangoes where here year round they wouldn’t be as special right? The price of food depends on supply and demand and when produce is in season the price plummets as it is in peak supply.
Buying produce that is purchased and consumed around the time that it is harvested is also healthier because these foods are more nutritionally dense than their out of season counterparts. Minimising the amount of time from harvest to table is the best way to ensure you are absorbing all the necessary phytonutrients and minerals and these foods tend to taste better too.
3. Meal Plan
Whether you plan your meals a few hours before or you stick to a set plan for the week, meal planning is a sure-fire way to save money. Meal planning tends to reduce the desire to order takeaway and is also great when it comes to eating healthy.
In terms of saving money, meal planning lays the groundwork by eliminating the frustration of staring into an empty fridge or racing down supermarket aisles on an empty stomach (never do this!).
4. Stock up when items are on sale
This only applies to non-perishables, and they must be foods you regularly eat. It’s no good having a pantry full of pinto beans when your more of a chickpea kind of girl.
Often supermarkets will have two for one on toilet paper, dishwashing tablets, oil or canned goods. If the product is something you regularly buy anyway you will save time and money by stocking up when it’s on special.
5. Get a Wholesome Market Membership
Wholesome Market (WM) is a revolutionary concept that was born out of the belief that nutritious and natural high-quality products should not be exclusive. Therefore, WM provide discounts of 15-50% off all items in their online store to members, and they have over 3, 000 items that fall into wellness, sustainability, GMO free and more.
With average savings of $35 per order WM has seen Australians save approximately $385 per member, per year. WM also offers free memberships to Australians in need and donates 5 x meals to vulnerable Australians through OZ Harvest on behalf of every paid member.
Check out where Mama has been shopping!
This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase using the links there is no extra cost to you but MamaMag will be paid a small commission on your sales which helps us to keep MamaMag free!
