6 Ways to Beat the Grocery Budget Blues this Winter
Are you experiencing the winter blues of a different kind? It’s easy to feel disheartened when grocery prices are on the rise and you’re having to cut back just to get by. The good news is that, with some savviness and smarts, grocery shopping needn’t be an unpleasantly expensive exercise. Put the joy back into your grocery trip and walk out with pennies to spare thanks to these six ideas for beating the grocery budget blues.
1. Have a plan
Once your budget has been set, we recommend planning out your meals for the week and then only adding their necessary ingredients to your shopping list, alongside some household essentials such as cleaning materials and toiletries.
By shopping off a set list, it’s easier to resist the temptation of buying something that really isn’t needed or that you otherwise would not have bought. That being said, it’s much easier to stick to a plan that isn’t too restrictive. Allowing yourself a treat or two will help you to stay committed and prevent a binge splurge.
Hands up if you’ve ever gone to the store for 5 items and, R500 later, walked out with two bags full? This is a reality for many of us which is why we also recommend lessening your trips to the store as much as possible. First prize would be to have one big grocery shop a month, with a weekly top-up of fresh produce as needed.
2. Shop the specials
Most stores have specials from time to time and, as convenient as it is to get all your goodies from the same place, it really does pay to shop around. If you aren’t already receiving promotional flyers in the mail or local newspaper, guzzle.co.za is a great place to start scouting for current specials.
Be sure to only support those specials which add real value like double-digit discounts or two-for-one offers and keep a critical eye on meat and fresh produce specials, especially with regards to the expiry dates. Unless you’re planning to use them immediately, pop what you can straight into the freezer to avoid any unnecessary wastage.
If the item regularly features on your grocery list, we also recommend stocking up a bit. The immediate grocery bill may be more but the long-term savings make it worth it.
3. Eat what’s in season
Few things are better than a generous serving of Kerrygold butter and avocado on toast in the morning. The only problem is, you’d probably have to outlay a small fortune for the avo if it’s out of season! This is one example why it’s important to plan your meals around the seasons.
Not only will seasonal produce be more bountiful and tasty, but it’s more likely to come from local farms, too. It also keeps mealtimes interesting thanks to the introduction of new dishes with each passing season. Take a look at crushmag-online.com’s awesome seasonal fruit and vegetable chart for South Africa.
4. Support farmer’s markets
Farmer’s markets are a great place to purchase all sorts of groceries from fresh fruit and veggies to homemade bread, jams and chutneys. And, because sales take place directly from farm to table, there’s a good chance you can pick up these goods at a reduced price. You may also consider supporting smaller retailers who specialise specifically in certain foodstuffs, such as your local greengrocer, butcher or bakery.
5. Grow your own
The best way to beat the grocery blues? For us, it has to be growing your own veggies and herbs! After all, seedlings cost so little that it really doesn’t make sense to buy what you could be producing yourself. In addition to being a big money saver, it can also serve as a fun, new hobby and rewarding pastime.
We recognise that it’s easier to start your own veggie patch if you have a garden but, with the right pots and a well-lit spot, you can put this into place even if you reside in apartment or flat. Wondering which crops will work best? Strawberries, green beans, peas, rhubarb and ginger are but a few.
6. Think veggies
Unless you’re leading a meat-free lifestyle, chances are that meat takes a big chunk out of your grocery budget. This is why we recommend supporting the #MeatlessMonday campaign, which encourages families to go meatless for one day a week. In addition to the obvious financial and environmental benefits, many veggie-laden dishes can really pack a flavourful, nutritious punch.
Some of our favourite recipes include these hearty Baked Aubergines or Spinach and Feta Pie. If meat is an absolute must-have, use it more as a garnish like we did in this Cheesy Potato Soup recipe or opt for smaller portions and ‘bulk’ them up with meaty-tasting, affordable alternatives like tofu, lentils or mushrooms.
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