Cutting down on certain groceries can make a noticeable dent in your monthly budget. Sometimes, it’s not about buying less food but about deciding what’s truly worth your money.
By choosing to stop buying a handful of specific items, you can save a solid amount without feeling deprived. This article shares how skipping just ten groceries saved me $90 this month, and it might inspire you to rethink your own shopping list.
Pre-cut salad mixes
Pre-cut salad mixes might save you time, but they often cost more than buying the ingredients individually. You’ll also find they don’t stay fresh as long and sometimes include preservatives.
Making your own salad means fresher greens and better control over what you eat. Plus, it’s usually easier on your wallet. For more tips on why to skip bagged salads, check out 8 Foods You Should Never Buy Pre-Packaged.
Flavored yogurt cups
Flavored yogurt cups might seem like an easy snack, but they often cost more than you realize. You’re paying extra for added sugars and convenience, which can add up quickly.
Switching to plain Greek yogurt and adding your own fruit or sweetener can save you money. It’s a simple change that cuts costs without losing the taste you enjoy.
You can also buy larger tubs instead of individual cups to reduce waste and spend less over time. For more on saving, check out this guide on overpaying for groceries.
Bottled salad dressings
You might not realize how much bottled salad dressings add up. They often contain unhealthy oils, sugars, and preservatives that don’t do your wallet or body any favors.
Switching to homemade dressings or cutting them out saved me around $20 a month. Plus, you get fresher taste and control over ingredients.
If you want store-bought options, look for clean dressings without seed oils or additives to avoid waste and stay healthier. Check out some better bottled salad dressings for ideas.
Pre-packaged deli meats
You might want to skip pre-packaged deli meats to save some cash. They often cost more than buying fresh cuts or cooking your own chicken breast at home.
Besides price, these meats can be less fresh and sometimes include extra preservatives.
If convenience is key, consider slicing your own deli meat or choosing whole cuts instead. Avoiding certain brands, like Aldi’s house deli meats, can also help you save and eat better.
Check out more on why to be cautious with pre-packaged options at this deli meat guide.
Single-serve frozen meals
You might think single-serve frozen meals are a quick and easy option, but they often cost more than cooking fresh. These meals can add up fast, especially if you rely on them regularly.
Skipping these saves you about $40 a month. Instead, try planning simple meals that you can make ahead. This way, you spend less and eat healthier. For ideas, check frozen single serve meals at places like Kroger or Walmart but consider alternatives to save money.
Organic snack bars
If you buy organic snack bars regularly, cutting them out can save you quite a bit each month. They often cost more than regular snacks, especially brands focusing on organic and sustainable ingredients.
Making your own simple bars at home or choosing cheaper snacks can help you keep your budget in check. You don’t lose much on convenience but gain savings this way. Check out some options for healthy organic snack bars if you want ideas.
Gourmet coffee pods
If you love coffee, those single-use gourmet pods probably add up fast. They’re super convenient but cost way more per cup than buying ground coffee.
Switching to a regular coffee maker or a French press saves you money and reduces waste. You can even get reusable pods to keep enjoying different flavors without the high cost.
Cutting these out of your grocery list helped me save about $20 this month alone. For more on this, see 10 things people quit buying because they’re a waste of money.
Pre-sliced cheese
You might think pre-sliced cheese is a time-saver, but it usually costs more than buying a block. The slices come with additives to keep them from sticking, which can mess with the taste and texture.
Cutting cheese yourself also means you get fresher flavor and better control over portion sizes. Plus, blocks last longer and often save you money in the long run. Check out why skipping pre-sliced cheese helps your wallet and taste buds here.
Bottled fruit juices
You might think bottled fruit juices are convenient, but they often cost more than making your own. Most store-bought juices come from concentrate and don’t have the same freshness as whole fruit.
Switching to frozen juice concentrate or making smoothies with frozen fruits saves money and usually tastes better. You get more servings and avoid added sugars found in many bottled options.
Check out ways to save by skipping bottled drinks that helped me save about $50 a month. You can do the same!
10 Groceries I Stopped Buying That Saved Me $50 a Month
Microwave popcorn bags
You can save a good chunk by skipping those pre-packaged microwave popcorn bags. They often cost much more than buying kernels in bulk.
Make your own popcorn with just kernels and a brown paper bag. It’s simple, cheaper, and you control what goes on it.
This switch can cut your popcorn costs from around $3 a bag to just a few cents per batch. Plus, it avoids extra chemicals found in store brands.
Learn more about this hack at this microwave popcorn savings guide.
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