10 Tips to Keep Food Spending Under $100 per Week

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Sticking to a food budget of $100 a week might feel like trying to squeeze a gallon of milk into a pint-sized jug, but it’s way easier than it sounds. It’s about being smarter with your choices. Plus, there’s something oddly satisfying about beating rising prices while still enjoying the food you love. Let’s make your wallet and your stomach happy with ten tips that keep the costs low and the flavor high!

Plan Your Meals

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Meal planning is your weapon against overspending. Take 15 minutes before shopping to map out your meals for the week. Stick to recipes with overlapping ingredients to avoid waste and make your groceries work harder. For example, a single rotisserie chicken can be turned into sandwiches, soup, and stir-fry.

Go Through Your Pantry

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Now that you have a menu, go through the pantry and take a look at what you already have. You’d be amazed at how many meals can come together with a little pantry digging. Use that half-empty bag of rice, forgotten can of beans, or frozen veggies to cut down on the number of items you need to buy.

Stick To Your Shopping List

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Impulse purchases can wreak havoc on your weekly budget. So, It’s better to write a list. Organize your list by categories (e.g., produce, dairy, proteins) to make your trip more efficient and reduce the temptation to browse. As you add items, estimate their cost. This way, you can easily adjust your list if you’re going over budget.

Shop The Sales

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Pay attention to unit prices and sales to get the best deals. Discount stores, wholesale clubs, or local ethnic markets often have lower prices on essentials. Keep track of prices over time so you can recognize when something is a good deal. Plus, some stores offer cashback rewards, which can give you even more savings!

Limit Dining Out And Snacks

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Eating out and snacking on impulse purchases can quickly eat away at your budget. Reserve dining out for special occasions and pack snacks for work or errands. Homemade granola bars or popcorn are much cheaper (and healthier) alternatives to buying pre-packaged options.

Stock Up During BOGO Sales

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BOGO (Buy One, Get One) sales are a goldmine for budget-conscious shoppers. These deals let you double up while slashing your overall spending. The trick is to focus on non-perishable or freezable items. Stocking up on things during these sales can significantly lower your grocery costs in the long run.

Shop Seasonal And Local Produce

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Seasonal fruits and veggies are fresh and also cheaper. A bundle of in-season spinach or apples will cost far less than an out-of-season option that’s been shipped across the world. Furthermore, farmers’ markets and local stores have better deals on produce than big chains.

Use Loyalty Programs And Rewards

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Most grocery stores offer free memberships that make you eligible for exclusive discounts and cashback rewards. Think of it as getting paid to shop smarter. Every time you swipe your loyalty card at checkout, those points add up, and before you know it, you’ll be enjoying serious savings on your next purchase.

Buy Frozen Instead Of Fresh

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Fresh fruits and veggies are great, but they can drain your wallet, especially when they’re out of season. Frozen produce, on the other hand, is often just as nutritious, way more affordable, and lasts months in your freezer. Plus, it’s already prepped—no peeling, chopping, or washing required.

Shop Late In The Day

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Did you know grocery stores often mark down fresh items at the end of the day? That’s when you’ll find discounted meats, produce, and bakery items that are perfectly good but need to sell quickly. These markdowns are usually labeled as “Manager’s Specials” or “Clearance,” and they can be a lifesaver.

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