11 Food Budgeting Tips to Religiously Follow

Trying to plan your food budget? It’s easy to side-tracked, so here are 11 food budgeting tips to religious follow. 

11 Food Budgeting Tips to Religiously Follow

It’s so easy to get off track when it comes to budgeting. However, no matter what kind of food budget you follow, there are some tips that you should follow religiously, so you stay on budget. Food is an essential part of a budget. It’s not usually something anyone can go without. Whether you have a large food budget or a small food budget, you can follow these tips!

Food Budget Tips

1. Always make a budget. Don’t go to the grocery store thinking you can create a budget as you go. You want to always have a budget set in stone. As I said, it doesn’t matter what the number is, what matters is sticking to it. Get tips on how to set-up a budget for your family. 

2. Make a grocery list. There’s no excuse for not making a grocery list these days. There are even apps that can help you create lists. A list can help you stay on target and on budget.

3. Always use up what’s in the pantry. In 2019, we tend to buy more than we need. If you have a pretty full pantry still, use it up. You’ll just keep on buying and stacking on top of what is already in the pantry Be sure to read 50+ Things EvWell-Stockedcked Pantry Should Have

4. Always have basic staples on hand. A food budgeting tip to religiously follow is to always have basic staples on hand. Most pantry staples are inexpensive and necessary. In case you don’t have a lot of food on hand, you can always whip up something delicious from the staples you have on hand. Flour, sugar, bread, butter, and eggs are always great staples to have on hand.

5. Use cash when possible. Another food budgeting tip to religiously follow is to use cash if you can. When you pay in cash, you’re eliminating a big headache. You know how much you have to spend and you don’t have to wait for the debit card or check to clear. Plus, you’re not tempted to spend more. You can also check How To Make A Envelope Budgeting System- which is a great system for using cash.

6. Always meal plan! Meal planning is like creating a plan for your food. You make a list, make a meal plan, and you execute that meal plan. Meal planning is how millions of people make food budgeting work. I look at the weekly ads for the stores we shop at and make a meal plan based on what’s on sale. Never pay full price for anything. This is an easy way to get off your food budget. I share weekly meal plans on the blog. You can find a list of them. Plus, if you have an Instant Pot or Slow Cooker, here are 20 meals you can purchase for $100. You can also check out our budget-friendly recipes that are super easy to make and light on your wallet. 

7. Use money saving apps. If you’re going great lengths to budget and save money on your food bill, you might as well use apps like Ibotta.

8. Look for marked downs. No one is above shopping for marked downs. Many of you know that Kroger and Meijer are two popular stores known for their marked downs. However, many other stores are starting to mark down their products more and more. Be sure to check the meat department. You can find amazing deals on meat that are marked down! 

9. Shop the Farmer’s Market. It’s going to be difficult to stay away from the fancy bread and mini donuts, but the farmer’s market is such a great place for staying on your food budget. Especially if you’re looking for fruits and vegetables! Pro-tip: 52 Week Money Challenge: Reasons To Shop At The Farmer’s Market

10. Only buy what your family will eat. Most people know what their family will eat. Experimenting can be costly for families. I try and stick to buying what I know my family will eat. However, if an item is on sale, I have been known to purchase it.

11. Always look for more ways to save money. Trying to save money can be hard, but you have to be willing to change with the times. You can’t stick to the same tips all the time. Always be on the lookout for ways to save money! Here are more tips on staying on track: 10 Cheap & Healthy Foods To Buy on a Tight Budget

These 11 food budgeting tips to religiously follow are serious. If you want to save money, you have to be willing to put in the work. Most people lose out on a lot of money with their food budget because they’re careless. What tips would you add to this list?