Frugal Cooking with a Smarter Grocery List

Whether you have a lot of hungry mouths to feed, or you are looking to simply spend less on your food shopping, get expert tips on minimizing your shopping expenses.

Prepare a list ahead of time.  Plan out what you will be eating from food shopping to food shopping.  Writing out a meal plan can be an easy way to visualize exactly what you will need.  Make a list of the items that you will need to stick with your meal plan.  It may be a good idea to go though the fridge and pantry to make sure you are not buying something you already have.  Make sure that you have the basics such as flour and eggs.

Choose recipes wisely.  Some recipes call for costly spices and extravagant ingredients.  If you are not limited to your grocery expenses, by all means treat yourself to the finest flavors.  If you are on a budget however, look for simpler alternatives to pricy recipes.  Some ingredients and spices can be left out with minimal effect on taste.  Keep the elaborate recipes on file for the time when your expenses are less limited.

Shopping with kids is a no-no.  While some parents do manage to manage the kids in a sea of sweets and temptations, most end up with at least a few extra snacks that they do not need and perhaps even a few spilled jars in the aisles.  Give yourself a chance for a relaxed shopping experience and concentrate on purchasing what your family really needs.

Avoid throwing away food.  There are many creative ways to re-use your leftovers.  A few spices or eggs and flour can transform yesterday's meal into a whole new creation.  Start a collection of recipes to broaden your options.  Throwing away less, means buying less.

Compare brands.  If you are shopping in a supermarket, you are likely to have a few choices of everything.  Choose cheaper brands or generic brands.  The savings do add up, and make a difference in the long run.

Convenience foods can be expensive.  Instead of purchasing frozen meal items, opt for the basics and prepare them at home yourself.  Most likely you will end up with a healthier and tastier version.  Some pre-made items are incredibly easy and quick to prepare, while others require complicated steps and loads of time.  A few extra hours at work can far outweigh the benefits of preparing a food from scratch, so decide what is most suitable for your schedule.  Sometimes a pricier frozen meal can actually be the best way to go.

Purchasing in bulk can save a great deal of money, but it is not suitable for everyone.  If you are the kind of person that uses up more of an item knowing you have lots of it, it is probably a good idea to avoid bulk shopping.  On the other hand, if you can handle using only what you really need, buying in bulk can be a life-saver, especially for large families.

Use your list and stick by it.  Supermarkets are arranged to tempt the shopper.  Be prepared and make it a point to stick to your list of necessary items.   Music and videos may be tempting, but your first priority is getting the basics to feed your family.  

Chlorine can be incredibly versatile.  If you are shopping on a tight budget, cleaning solutions can add a big weight to your shopping total.  Stick with the basics.  Chlorine can be used for most house cleaning projects.  Floors, bathrooms, baths, and stove tops can all be cleaned with this versatile chemical.  Chlorine is diluted with water, and a bottle can last a long time when mixed in the right proportions.  In addition, consider making your own cleaning solutions.  A 1/4 cup of white vinegar, 1 cup of water and half a teaspoon of liquid soap (without hand-cream moisturizers) make a time-tested window cleaner from what you already have in the house.

Are you a savvy shopper?  Share your advice with the community using the comment window below!