How to Save Money on Groceries in Australia

How to Save Money on Groceries in Australia

Australians are struggling to lower their groceries bills as the food prices spike up. Food is not something you can eliminate from your daily needs, but you can definitely overspend if you don’t have a plan.

To ensure this doesn’t happen, our guide will give you all the tips and tricks on how to save money on groceries in Australia. 

How Can I Spend Less on Groceries in Australia?

In order to start saving on your groceries list, you need to set realistic goals first. So, ask yourself: how much do you spend on groceries a week in Australia? Generally, Aussies spend around $153 per week on groceries. This means the average household in Australia spends $7,344 yearly. As for the elderly (aged 70 or above), they manage to spend less – only $129 a week.

You might be wondering ‘what is a reasonable grocery budget for 1?’ The average grocery bill for singles is $98 per week, which amounts to $392 a month. So if you decide to budget, a reasonable amount would be somewhere between $229 and $419. Of course, the exact sum will depend on your age and gender, your income, as well as your individual needs.

Money Saving Tips for Grocery Shopping

Make meal plans on a weekly basis

Meal planning for the entire week will save you money and food that would otherwise end up as waste. It’s also important to consider which food is in the season to get the tastiest and cheapest items.

Make a shopping list and stick to it

This is the best way to avoid making impulse purchases. You’ll know exactly what you need and cross the product off as soon as you buy it.

While making a shopping list, keep in mind the food that you will need for your meal planning and what your fridge lacks at the moment. 

Consider rewards and coupons

Supermarkets like Woolworths, Coles, and IGA offer rewards programs through which you can get discounts or get rewards for your purchases. You can then redeem the reward points for cash. However, you’ll have to spend a certain amount first in order to obtain those points.

If you want to start saving some money on food and use rewards and discounts, we’ve prepared a list of VIP and discount reward clubs in Australia.

Avoid meals that need unique ingredients

Some meals will need expensive ingredients which have a particular use. If you’re set on a particular meal, try to find a replacement in your kitchen and slightly alter the recipe.

Make meals from scratch

Making meals from scratch will not only save you money but will also boost your health. Premade or pre-processed foods cost a lot and tend to be unhealthy.

Always make more than you need

By making more than you need for one meal, you will have leftovers that can be used for another meal or create an entirely new meal.

Supermarket product placement hacks

Supermarkets implement various hacks with the placement of products to make shoppers buy more. For example, products for children are placed at their eye level, while the most expensive products are at yours. Cheaper products tend to be placed on the bottom shelves. In addition, certain products are grouped to get two items instead of one.

Check and clean your fridge, freezer, or pantry

There is no point in buying new items if you already have some unused in your fridge or pantry. Check their expiry date and use them before they go off. Of course, it goes without saying that you should get rid of food that went off.

Keep a food price diary

Note down the prices of the products you usually buy: eggs, dairy, bread, etc. As already mentioned, some fruits and veggies aren’t always in season, so it would be helpful to know their prices. Then you can look back in your food price diary and see whether you’re getting a good value for money.

Make and freeze your lunches

Ordering food when working from the office can hurt your wallet. Instead, making your lunch or breakfast at home can save you money, and you can stick to your healthy routine.

How to Live off $25 a Week in Australia

Yes, it’s possible! If you want to limit your budget to a $25 a week on groceries, here are some ways you can achieve that:

  • Make a plan about exactly how much you will spend and on which items
  • Go to a no-brand store that sells cheaper food or buy only store-brand products
  • Visit local markets to avoid travel costs and buy fresh produce at a lower price
  • Cut the bread for a healthier diet and lower costs
  • Buy vegetables in season and on promotion
  • Buy fruits and vegetables that aren’t certified organic

How to Live off $100 a Week in Australia

Maybe $25 a week seems too far-fetched for you. Don’t worry, you can also make it work with $100 a week for groceries if you follow these tips:

  • Limit grocery shopping to two times a month 
  • Eat fibre-rich food
  • Don’t shop when hungry/stressed
  • Practice intermittent fasting 
  • Use the leftovers before shopping
  • Go easy on the meat
  • Pick pasta as a cheap option
  • Limit pre-packed meals
  • Eliminate soda 

Bottom Line

Despite the sky-rocketing food prices, you can see there are ways you can spend less on groceries. Our guide laid out some practical tips on how to save money on groceries in Australia. Be sure to apply them and save yourself some bucks aside.

FAQs:

1. What are 3 strategies for saving money on groceries?

You can try buying items on sale or compare prices between stores before you go shopping. As we already mentioned, some supermarkets offer rewards programs, so you can use your grocery reward card to pay.

2. How can I drastically lower my grocery bill?

You can lower your grocery bill by planning meals, freezing food, or pre-cooking food.

3. How can I spend less on groceries in Australia?

There are numerous tips on saving money on groceries in Australia. Have a glance at our article that covers them,  including how to live off $25 and $100 a week if you’re on a budget.

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