Living frugally doesn’t have to be a compromise of quality or flavor. It’s all about spending smart & knowing when to cut. Keeping unnecessary or expensive foods out of your grocery budget is always a great way to save. I’ve seen how some people manage to keep their grocery bills shockingly low & it often comes down to avoiding these 12 food items. Let’s see what budget shoppers skip to keep the buck flowing.
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Pre-Cut Fruits & Vegetables
Convenience is expensive. You can save time by getting those ready-sliced apples or packaged carrot sticks – but they are 2 or 3 times more expensive than the full version.
Brand-Name Products
Big brands usually add a markup on their label (even if it’s not much better than your generic version). The thrifty folks go for store brands – which tend to be just as good but at a fraction of the price.
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Single-Serve Snacks
Those little bags of chips or crackers are very convenient to pick up – but it’s expensive per ounce compared to bulk. Frugal people go for larger bags & portion them out at home. It’s a cheaper & an easier way to make more out of your money.
Bottled Water
Bottled water costs are just cash thrown out – tap water or a water filter is equally effective. Spending less, frugal families use reusable bottles and filtered water to stay hydrated and not spend any money.
Ready-Made Meals
Frozen dinners & pre-cooked meals are convenient but costly. Frugal people skip them and make home-cooked meals in batches. It’s more nutritious, cheaper & allows you to portion control.
Gourmet Coffee Drinks
Those expensive lattes & cold brews from the supermarket or coffee houses add up quickly. Budget-conscious individuals make their own coffee at home and avoid paying a fortune for ready-made coffee drinks.
Excessive Condiments
What about your fridge? How many empty bottles of sauces or dressings do you have? Budget shoppers buy only what they’ll use, so they don’t waste money on the fancy condiments that seem to be trendy every season.
Specialty Cheeses
Imported & handmade cheeses can be amazing but can cost a pretty penny. Cheap people limit themselves to simple cheeses or buy them only on occasion – leaving the exotics for special occasions.
Sugary Cereals
Frugal households stay away from sugar-laden cereals aimed at kids. They go for regular oats or other cheaper options that are more nutritious, versatile & far cheaper.
Pre-Made Smoothies & Juices
Store-bought smoothies & juices are often overpriced and full of added sugar. Frugal shoppers stick to fresh fruit & make their own juices at home for a fraction of the cost.
Expensive Cuts of Meat
You can love a filet mignon or ribeye, but it won’t be cheap. Frugal people buy lower-cost cuts such as chicken thighs, pork shoulder, or ground beef and flavor them with spices & marinades. Keep the top shelf cuts for special occasions.
Trendy Health Foods
Things such as acai bowls, collagen powders or plant protein bars are typically expensive. Budget eaters go for inexpensive, healthful foods — such as beans, rice, fresh fruits & vegetables that cost little but are nutritious.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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