How you can save on your food expenses and have delicious, nutritious meals

Start by looking up the seasons for which fruits and vegetables have been in the market. Find recipes that use these ingredients.

Switch fresh vegetables and fruits for canned or frozen versions, or substitute expensive products for less costly alternatives.

Take a meat-free lunch every week, at a minimum.

Read more: Health Check: five must-have foods for your shopping trolley

Next, create a grocery list. This helps save money by reducing in-store impulse buys. Look at what you already have in the pantry, fridge, and freezer, and only buy what you need. This will reduce food waste.

Browse online catalogs for discounts prior to visiting the shops. In the store, you can compare prices and select the more affordable brands. This can make nutritious food items less expensive.

What is the average amount households pay for groceries?

A survey for 2021 discovered that the average cost of groceries was $98 per week for one person, $145 for two or three, $168 for three, $187 for four people, and $55 when you have five or more.

An older study from 2016 revealed that the average household (2.6 people) paid $269 a week for every food item ($237) as well as liquor ($32) purchases at the grocery store as well as other stores.

Around half of the money used for ” discretionary” items like fast food or meals out ($80) 20 dollars was for lollies, chocolate snack foods, savory snacks, and potato crisps. The other $10 was spent on biscuits, cakes, and puddings. At the grocery store, there was a total of $26 spent in a week on fruits and vegetables.

Following a list of items to buy is a sure way to save money and spend less. Shutterstock

A survey from 2019 revealed that the average person paid $300 per week for all meals and drinks. This includes groceries ($135) and eating out ($52), alcohol ($31) Take-away food ($22), coffee or tea baristas ($13), catering services ($12), and supplementation ($12) along with health food ($11).

The research shows that it is common to spend more money on food and drinks taken away from home than groceries, as well as more money on unhealthful foods than those that are healthy.