Whether you’re picking up vegetables, atta, or a bottle of oil, prices seem to creep up every week. But that doesn’t mean you have to keep stretching your wallet every time you walk into a store.
A few small habits can make a big difference to your monthly food budget. And you don’t need to overhaul your entire lifestyle or give up your favourite foods.
Small, smart changes in how you shop and plan can help you save without feeling restricted.
1. Make a loose plan before you shop
You don’t need a spreadsheet or a colour-coded menu chart. But walking in with zero idea of what you need is where overspending begins. Take a few minutes before heading out to note what’s already in your kitchen and what you actually need. Having a rough idea of meals for the week helps avoid buying items you already have, or random things that don’t go together. A little planning goes a long way in avoiding waste and last-minute takeout.
2. Pay attention to unit pricing
This one’s a quiet hero. That tiny price tag on the shelf often lists the cost per kilo, per 100 grams, or per litre. That’s the unit price. It helps you compare two brands or sizes even if their packs look completely different. You’ll be surprised how often the bigger pack isn’t the better deal, or how store brands are much cheaper per unit for the exact same product. Once you get the hang of reading it, it becomes second nature and can save you more than you’d expect.
3. Buy in bulk, but only for what you actually use
It’s tempting to go for those giant family packs, but only if you’re sure they won’t sit in the back of a shelf for months. Items like rice, lentils, nuts, spices, and cleaning supplies usually make sense to buy in bulk. You get better value and fewer trips to the store. But perishable items or “just-in-case” buys? Not worth it. Buying in bulk works best when you’re confident the item is a regular part of your kitchen routine.
4. Time your shopping around sales and offers
There’s a reason stores run sales on rotation, and smart shoppers use that to their advantage. While you don’t need to become obsessed with every single deal, keeping an eye out for discounts on essentials or big-ticket items can really help. Some people like browsing apps, while others still prefer the good old printed flyer. Whatever your method, it’s helpful to stock up on basics when they’re cheaper. Just make sure it’s something you’d buy anyway.
5. Avoid shopping when you’re hungry or distracted
It might sound minor, but it makes a big difference. Walking into a grocery store hungry almost always leads to impulse buys like snacks, extras, and “just in case” items that weren’t even on your mind before. The same goes for shopping in a rush or while distracted. You’re more likely to miss deals, forget essentials, and end up making a second trip later. A calm, focused shop usually leads to smarter choices.
6. Switch to store brands when possible
Not everything has to be a big-name brand. In many cases, store brands offer the same quality at a lower price. This works especially well for basics like salt, sugar, flour, pulses, and cleaning products. If the ingredients match and the quality is consistent, switching even a few items to store brands can cut your bill without changing anything else.
7. Use what you have before buying more
Sometimes the best way to save money is to simply pause and look at what’s already in your kitchen. Forgotten dals, half-used spice packs, and that last bit of pasta hiding in a jar can easily be turned into a meal. Doing a quick kitchen inventory once a week helps avoid duplicate buys and keeps food from going to waste. It’s not just good for your budget, it’s also a great habit for cleaner eating and less clutter.