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Food costs have increased by an average of 3.2% each year and are the third highest expense for American households behind housing and transportation. This means that a trip to the grocery store can be a source of stress, especially for individuals and families living on a limited income. Preparing meals at home is typically less expensive than eating out, making grocery shopping a natural way to save money. This is especially the case when combined with other strategies that make each food dollar go further.

Here are some useful ways to save money when shopping for food.

Plan meals in advance

A meal plan is a schedule of specific meals and snacks that will be prepared at home, often over a period of one or two weeks. Having a meal plan makes it easier to avoid impulse purchases and reduce food waste. Creating a meal plan includes choosing recipes, building a meal schedule, estimating portions, and writing a grocery list. To learn more about this initial step to saving food dollars, read How to Master Meal Planning.

Use unit prices to compare products

When comparing products of different sizes or brands, check the unit price. The unit price is listed on the shelf price tag and tells how much the food costs per unit, such as ounces, pounds, or the number of items in the container.

To figure out the unit price, divide the price of the product, or the retail price, by the quantity in the product, or the product size. For example, imagine you are comparing yogurt containers – which is the better value?

• $3.99 for 32 ounces (Unit price = 12.4¢/ounce)
• $.89 for 5.3 ounces (Unit price = 16.7¢/ounce)

In this example, the 32-ounce option offers the best value per ounce.

Keep in mind that unit price is one thing to consider when choosing between products. The brand, ingredients, and size of the product may matter, too.

Choose in-season produce

Compare the prices of frozen, canned, and fresh fruits and vegetables. During the growing season, Michigan-grown produce is often the most affordable, especially when paired with food assistance benefits that cover fresh produce, like Double Up Food Bucks, Senior Project Fresh, or WIC Produce Connection. Use the Michigan Availability Guide to see what fresh fruits and vegetables are available during the year, and find a farmers market near you.

Shop sales wisely

Look for weekly sales and specials in newspaper ads, store flyers, websites, and apps, and sign up for your store’s loyalty rewards program, which is often free and provides additional savings. Avoid buying items simply because they're on sale or because a coupon is available. While sales can offer good value, they only save money if the food fits your meal plan and will be eaten. If a sale item you are planning to buy sells out, ask for a rain check to purchase it at the sale price once restocked.

Include plant-based proteins

Beans, lentils, tofu, and other plant-based proteins tend to cost less than meat and poultry. The USDA’s MyPlate guide suggests varying your proteins during the week between animal-based and plant-based options. Try a recipe from MSU Extension or MyPlate Kitchen to find vegetarian-based dishes that use affordable ingredients. Find the amount of protein that’s right for you by using the MyPlate Plan calculator.

Buy in bulk (When it makes sense)

Bulk items often cost less per unit. While the upfront cost may be higher, buying in bulk offers long-term savings when the bulk purchases are foods that will get eaten. Savings only happen if the food is consumed, frozen, or preserved before it spoils. If the bulk quantity is more than what you need, choose a smaller option that costs more per unit to avoid waste.

Plan for leftovers

One way to make the most of bulk purchases is by planning for leftovers. You can cook once and eat twice by intentionally making extra food that can be enjoyed again later, such as for lunch the next day or for dinner the following night. Or freeze portions for eating in the coming weeks or months.

Consider these additional tips for budget-friendly shopping

• Shop during store specials and off-peak hours for better deals.
• Avoid food shopping on an empty stomach to reduce impulse purchases.
• Opt for lower-grade ingredients for cost savings when they will be blended with other foods, such as using day-old bread for stuffing or croutons.
• If not planning for leftovers, freezing, or preservation, buy the correct amount of food for the planned meal to eliminate waste and save money.

Grocery shopping on a budget isn’t always easy but practicing these tips can result in both nutritious and affordable meals. Stretching food dollars does not look the same for everyone. Discover the combination of strategies that works best for you!