How to save $50 off your food bill and still eat tasty, nutritious meals
- Written by: Clare Collins, Laureate Professor in Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Newcastle
Grocery prices have taken a hike upwards for a host of reasons, including the rising costs of petrol, fertiliser and labour.
You could “shop around” for cheaper groceries, but that would cost you more in fuel or travel, not to mention time.
Research shows a healthy diet costs low-income households 20 to 30% of their disposable income. But a healthy diet remains cheaper than one dominated by highly processed foods and drinks.
Cutting your grocery bill takes planning and flexibility – and knowing your budget.
Read more: Yes, $5 for lettuce is too much. Government should act to stem the rising cost of healthy eating
So how do you do it?
Start by checking which vegetables and fruits are in season, and find recipes that include these.
Swap some fresh veggies and fruit with canned and frozen varieties, and substitute very expensive items for cheaper alternatives.
Have a meat-free meal at least once a week.
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.
Check online catalogues for specials before heading to the shops. Once in store, compare prices and choose brands that are cheaper. This makes nutritious meals more affordable.
How much do households spend on groceries?
A 2021 survey found the average supermarket grocery bill was A$98 per week for a single person, $145 for two, $168 for three, $187 for four and $255 for five or more people.
An older survey from 2016 found the average household (2.6 people) spent $269 per week across all food ($237) and alcohol ($32) purchases, both at the supermarket and other outlets.
About half the money was spent was on “discretionary” items such as meals out or fast food ($80), with $20 spent on lollies, chocolate, savoury snacks and potato crisps, and $10 on cakes, biscuits and puddings. At the supermarket, $26 was spent a week on fruit and vegetables.
A 2019 survey found the average person spent $300 a week for all food and drinks. This included groceries ($135), eating out ($52), alcohol ($31), take-aways ($22), barista coffee/tea ($13), food delivery services ($12), supplements ($12) and health foods ($11).
These surveys show it’s common to spend more on foods and drinks consumed away from home than on groceries and more on unhealthy items than healthy ones.
What about saving $50?
Daily Bulletin
