This is how I approach my grocery list for two weeks and end up shopping only 2x per month. It’s my simple 3-step routine for my family of 3 (we are on a tight budget!) and how I save money on groceries without coupons.
(This post probably contains affiliate links. My full disclosure policy is quite boring, but you can read it here if you’d like!)
Yes, you can save money on groceries without coupons!
There was a time when I coupon to save money and drove all over creation to get the best sale. (p.s. I DO NOT advocate extreme couponing, I whole-heartedly believe you could spend your time elsewhere earning more money!).
My mantra lately is: SIMPLIFY
Taking things OUT of our lives so we can spend more time doing the things we love. It’s not about turning grocery shopping into an all-day-road-trip – or even every weekend one – just to save a few bucks on sale items!
The need to make things simpler was never more apparent than when my youngest was diagnosed with multiple food allergies & sensitivities at 2 weeks old (and I was nursing). All of a sudden, I had to research everything I ate – I turned into a nutrition label ninja mom!
I had to cut out so many foods from my diet that it wasn’t even worth going to the grocery store! (If you’re a food allergy mama – you understand, and I salute you!)
My son doesn’t have those severe food restrictions anymore, thank goodness!
But I’ve kept my minimal grocery routine with a super simple 1-2-3 routine.
- I first go to my Wholesale store with my produce & cheap grocery list for the entire month,
- then I add a grocery list for two weeks at my favorite frugal grocery stores,
- and then I get everything else with online grocery shopping.
(Again, I don’t use coupons on a regular basis. I definitely don’t believe in extreme couponing, but I do have a very simple and intentional couponing system that I use only when I have time, and only when I find coupons for things that are already on the list!)
RELATED: Why Extreme Couponing is a Waste of Time + Money
My super simple budget grocery list for family
1. Perishables and cheap grocery items: Wholesale Club 1x/mo
Yes, I have a membership to all 3 near me – BJ’s, Costco, and Sam’s Club (I share them with my mom, I don’t pay full price). This is my typical grocery list:
- Chicken breasts
- Chicken thighs
- Ground turkey
- Produce we go through a lot of (spinach, bananas, Love beets, mushrooms, onions, avocado)
- Chicken and beef broth concentrate (Better than Bouillon brand – best money saver ever!)
- Canned tomatoes
- Oil
- Vinegar
- Veggie sticks
- Gluten-free bread
- Almond milk
Get my entire grocery list in printable form! Here:
2. My favorite frugal living groceries stores – grocery list for two weeks
When you’re shopping for two weeks, the most important thing to consider is to produce spoiling. Other things like dairy or bread can be frozen. (I also find that organic dairy lasts a whole lot longer than regular).
TIP: when I’m making my meal plan on Trello, I always plan meals that use fresh produce in week one and then meals that use frozen or very shelf-stable produce (think: root vegetables, onions, peppers) in week two.
Produce and store favorites: Trader Joe’s/Aldi’s: every other week
- All other produce (if I can’t get it at either place, then it usually wasn’t on my list)
- Chips
- Salsa
- Dried fruit
- Almond butter
- Ghee
- Coconut aminos
- Cheeses
- Coconut milk yogurt
- Chicken sausage
- Ground beef
- Frozen fruit (check prices – sometimes it’s cheaper to buy fresh and freeze yourself)
RELATED: How to Figure Out the Best Meal Planning Method for You
3. Non-perishables: Online grocery stores
Online grocery shopping has really become popular lately. And with good reason:
Moms don’t have to bring their kids to the grocery store.
Save money by not “aisle-window-shopping”.
Availability of uncommon ingredients, especially for special diets (paleo, whole30, gluten-free, etc.).
Some even have an automatic shipment.
TIP: How cool would that automatic shipment be??? To create your shopping list and then have it automatically delivered at the beginning of the month!
Go here to read my reviews of The Best Online Grocery Stores [that will actually save you time + money!]
But before you do that, get a copy of my grocery list above and your own blank printable grocery lists here:
Did you notice? For 18 months, I literally did not step foot in a traditional grocery store at all and that has contributed to something I’ve learned about myself: I need fewer choices, not more.
So my 1-2-3 system is working!
1. Perishables and cheap grocery items: Wholesale Club 1x/mo
2. My favorite frugal living groceries stores – grocery list for two weeks
3. Non-perishables: Online grocery stores
And that keeps it super simple for me.
So, what do you think? Could you grocery shop less or shop online? What’s your grocery pitfall right now?
Don’t forget your copy of this grocery list and blank printable grocery lists for yourself!
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