Five ways you can save money on food

So far into 2023, it's clear that everything has become more expensive. We're paying more for basic necessities, and it won't come as a surprise if one day we're charged for the very air we breathe.

This situation has put so much pressure on people that some are unsure of their next meal. More and more people have no choice but to learn how to survive in any way they can.

One smart way that can help you live a little more comfortably is to learn different ways to save on food. It's an everyday necessity that we can't take a break from, so it's useful to learn small strategies for saving money.

With that in mind, here are five suggestions for simple things you can start doing:

You can start by doing your own price comparisons in the shops you visit. You will find that some places offer lower prices as compared to others and when you add up, you will realize how much money you can actually save.

This might mean changing where you shop for the sake of your budget if it makes sense financially to do so.

Online shopping is both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, you can get what you need without lifting a finger, but on the other, you’re paying heavily for that.

The other problem is that you might not get exactly what you want because some shoppers won’t always pick the freshest options. You might get produce that is wilted and almost expiring, which is a waste.

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Buying prepackaged and chopped vegetables from the supermarket is almost similar to online shopping. It’s very convenient but more expensive.

This is because you’re paying extra money for the labour and packaging, which you can skip if you buy whole vegetables. Often, this produce is less than what you would get if you bought them whole, plus they tend to have a shorter shelf life.

Going with a list to the supermarket might sound ancient and outdated but trust us, it is a game changer. Supermarkets have been designed to put pressure on customers to buy more things they don’t need and a list can help you steer clear of these spending pitfalls.

With a list, you will be more focused on the goals you have rather than wandering around and picking extra items that could stress your monthly food budget. Try to do it the old-school way and write down what you need so you’re less likely to impulse buy.

Shopping when you’ve eaten is another secret way to keep you on track. When you’re hungry, it is almost a guarantee that you will have a harder time resisting the urge to reward yourself with a pricey snack or meal at the restaurant right next to the supermarket.

When you’ve eaten already, you will be able to skip the extras or at least just buy a cheaper snack rather than indulge in whole meals and snacks you can’t afford.