9 Money-Saving Tips to Slash Your Grocery Bill (Without Eating Like a Uni Student Again)

As a dad trying to feed my family without taking out a second mortgage, I’ve had to get smart. Saving money on groceries isn’t just about buying less — it’s about buying smarter. So, if you’re sick of feeling ripped off every time you shop, here are nine money-saving tips that actually work.

1. Make a Meal Plan (Yes, It’s Worth It)

If you wing it at the supermarket, you will lose. Going in without a plan is like sending a toddler into a toy store and expecting them to stick to one aisle.

Every Sunday, sit down, plan five to seven meals, and write down the exact ingredients you need. This prevents:

• Buying unnecessary items (goodbye, random $8 gourmet sauce you’ll never use)

• Multiple trips to the store (because every “quick run” somehow costs $50)

• Wasting food (because who actually eats that second bag of lettuce?)

Dad Hack: Use apps like Mealime or SuperCook to plan meals based on what’s already in your fridge.

2. Shop Once a Week (Or Less!)

The more you go to the supermarket, the more you spend. Supermarkets love impulse shoppers – it’s why they put lollies near the checkout and why my kids suddenly “need” a Kinder Surprise.

Set a rule: one big grocery shop per week and a strict budget. If you run out of something mid-week? Get creative, make do, or raid the pantry because we all have that emergency can of baked beans.

3. Buy in Bulk (But Not Like a Doomsday Prepper)

Buying in bulk saves money – if you do it right. Stick to:

• Non-perishables (rice, pasta, oats, canned goods etc)

• Meat (buy in bulk, portion it out, and freeze)

• Cleaning products (why pay full price for dishwashing tablets when you can get 100 for the price of 50?)

Avoid bulk-buying fresh produce unless you’re 100 percent sure you’ll eat it. Otherwise, you just spent extra money on a bin full of expired veggies.

If you happen to live near a Costco, consider grabbing yourself a membership and enjoy some ridiculous savings (but do your math, as not all items are actually cheaper per unit).

4. Ditch Brand Loyalty (Seriously, You’ll Survive)

We all have our favorite brands, but those fancy labels come at a price. The next time you shop, do a blind taste test with your family:

• Swap name-brand milk for supermarket home brand

• Try budget-brand bread (spoiler: your sandwich will taste the same)

• Grab the generic cereal (unless your kids stage a riot – then, negotiate)

Supermarket home brands are often made by the same companies as the pricier versions, just without the flashy packaging.

5. Use Your Freezer Like a Boss

Your freezer is your secret weapon against food waste and overpriced last-minute dinners. We actually got a chest freezer because of how much this saves!

• Freeze leftovers (future-you will thank you)

• Freeze bread and milk (so you don’t pay extra when you run out mid-week)

• Freeze herbs (because no one ever finishes a whole bunch of coriander)

And if you see a massive discount on meat, stock up, portion it, and freeze.

Consider making a big bulk meal you can freeze as well. Curries are a great way to produce a lot of food very quickly, very affordably – and if anything, they taste better after being reheated.

6. Check Unit Prices (The Sneaky Supermarket Trick They Hope You Ignore)

Ever notice how some products are technically cheaper but come in smaller packaging? That’s because supermarkets play mind games with pricing. Instead of looking at the total cost, check the unit price (usually price per 100g/ml).

Example:

• A 500g bag of rice for $2 vs. a 1kg bag for $3.50.

• The 1kg bag is cheaper per gram, even though it costs more upfront.

Buying big bottles of soft drink will always be cheaper than buying packs of cans. Not as convenient, and you might prefer the taste from an aluminium can, but so, so much cheaper. Always check the tiny numbers on the shelf tag.

7. Go Discount Hunting (Without Becoming That Coupon Guy)

You don’t have to be a full-blown coupon collector to save big. You probably couldn’t even if you wanted to, to be honest, as it’s not a big thing in Australia. Here’s how to snag discounts like a pro:

• Use supermarket apps (Woolies and Coles always have online-only specials)

• Shop at the right time (late afternoons for markdowns, Tuesday/Wednesday for best deals)

• Join loyalty programs (points = free groceries)

8. Eat Less Meat (Or Fake It With Half-Half Dishes)

Meat is expensive. Even cheap bulk meat will bulk up your shopping bill quickly. Try “half-half” meals:

• Mix mince with lentils or beans in spaghetti or tacos

• Bulk up stir-fries with tofu or chickpeas

• Try one meat-free meal a week (your wallet will thank you)

Even if you’re a die-hard carnivore, swapping out some meat adds up to huge savings – and helps save the planet, too!

9. Stop Paying for Pre-Cut Convenience

Pre-chopped veggies, shredded cheese, and pre-marinated meats? You’re paying extra for someone else to do what takes two minutes at home.

Instead:

• Buy whole veggies and chop them yourself (bonus: they last longer)

• Get a block of cheese and grate it yourself (it's cheaper and tastes fresher)

• Marinate your own meats in bulk and freeze them for later

Convenience is great, but not when it’s draining your grocery budget.

Fight Back Against the Rising Grocery Bill

Grocery shopping is a battle against sneaky pricing, marketing tricks, and our own bad habits. But with these nine money-saving hacks, you can keep your fridge full without sacrificing your savings.

So, next time you hit the supermarket, go in with a plan, a budget, and zero brand loyalty. Big corporations will survive, and you will be one step closer to thriving.