10 Simple Tips to Save Money on Summer Groceries While the Kids Are Home
Summer is here and the kids are home! If you’re reading this you’ve probably noticed how quickly the grocery bill can skyrocket when everyone’s eating at-home all day. Let me guess, you just filled the pantry yesterday, but the kids are already saying there’s nothing to eat. At the same time groceries are INSANELY expensive these days – just one bag seems to run $50.
But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. With a little planning and some budget-friendly strategies, you can keep everyone fed and happy without blowing your budget.
Here are ten tried-and-true tips to help you save money on your summer grocery bill.
Be sure to check out my genius mom-hack bonus tip #11
to learn how I stretch my budget even further!
Plan, Prep, and Save
1. Meal Plan Like a Pro
Meal planning is a lifesaver when it comes to saving money and reducing stress. Before your weekly grocery trip, sit down and plan out meals for the week. Focus on recipes that use ingredients you already have at home or plan multiple meals around similar ingredients.
For example, if chicken’s on sale, you could toss breasts or thighs in the crockpot and make BBQ chicken sandwiches, chicken taco spaghetti and a chicken burritos throughout the week.
Not sure where to start? Check out my Beginner Guide to Meal Planning
2. Shop Your Pantry
Before heading to the store, take inventory of what you already have at home.
It’s easy to forget about that bag of rice tucked in the back of the pantry or the frozen veggies you bought a while ago. Create your weekly meal plan around the items you already have on hand.
This not only saves money but also reduces food waste. Win-win!
Get Smart at the Grocery Store
3. Stick to a Grocery List
Impulse buys can wreak havoc on your grocery budget, especially when the kids tag along.
Create a list based on your meal plan and stick to it.
Pro tip? Keep a master grocery list on your fridge or phone to easily update when you notice you’re running low on staples like milk or bread.
Grab your FREE Printable Grocery List Here
4. Buy in Bulk (But Be Strategic)
Snacks seem to vanish during the summer, right? Stock up on items that your family goes through quickly, like cereal, pasta, or granola bars, by buying in bulk from warehouse stores like Costco or Sam’s Club.
Just be cautious with bulk perishables. Unless you’re confident you’ll use all that produce before it spoils, stick to non-perishables or freeze leftovers when possible.
5. Swap Fresh for Frozen
Frozen fruits and vegetables can save you a ton of money, especially when your favorite fresh produce isn’t in season.
They’re just as nutritious as fresh and can be a lifesaver for quick smoothies, stir-fry dinners, or side dishes.
Check out your local Grocery Outlet or discount stores for the lowest prices.
6. Shop Seasonal and Local
Seasonal produce is typically more affordable, fresher, and tastier than imported, out-of-season options.
In the winter I can pay up to $5 per head of corn where I live, but in the summer the price drops to 5 for one dollar! Avoid buying out of season produce and you’ll save a ton of money.
Stretch Your Groceries Further
7. Get Into Batch Cooking and Freezing
Preparing larger portions of meals and freezing leftovers is a game changer for saving time and money.
Make big batches of kid-friendly favorites like spaghetti sauce, casseroles, or chili, and freeze individual portions for easy reheating.
Not only does this keep everyone fed without resorting to takeout on busy days, but it also cuts down on food waste.
My Favorite (Family-Friendly) Freezer Meals
8. DIY Snacks and Treats
Pre-packaged snacks are convenient, but they can add up quickly.
Save money by making your own snacks at home. Try baking granola bars, making homemade popcorn, or cutting up fresh fruits and veggies for easy grab-and-go options.
For a summer treat, freeze yogurt into popsicle molds or make your own fruit-infused ice pops with juice and fresh fruit! The kids will love helping out, too.
Bonus Tips for Cash Savings
9. Use Grocery Rewards and Cashback Apps
Take advantage of loyalty programs, store rewards, and cashback apps like Ibotta or BeFrugal. These tools give you cash back or discounts on items you’re already going to purchase.
Some apps even allow you to upload receipts or link your store loyalty card for automatic savings. It’s free money with almost no effort!
10. Go Plant-Based (Even Occasionally)
Meat tends to be one of the most expensive items on a grocery list.
Try incorporating a couple of meatless meals into your weekly menu to save money. Think pasta with marinara sauce, veggie stir-fry, or hearty bean-based soups and tacos.
You don’t need to go entirely vegetarian, just swap meat out occasionally for cost-effective alternatives like beans or big salads.
11. Bonus Mom-Hack
Ok, I’m SUPER excited to share this with you!
I have been doing this for over a year (since the cost of groceries has skyrocketed). Not only does this help to extend my budget, but it also helps to sneak more super-healthy cruciferous vegetables into our meals.
This hack works with ground beef, turkey, chicken or pork. I’ve used it to make tacos, burritos, spaghetti, Sloppy Joes, Egg Roll in a Bowl and so many more of my family’s favorite meals.
Here’s what you do – buy a bag of riced cauliflower in your produce section and add it to any ground meat recipe. Simply saute the riced cauliflower in some olive oil until soft and slightly browned, then add your ground meat and cook and season as usual.
The end result is that you will have almost double the amount of “meat” and you will be providing your family with a super healthy vegetable.
Even my super-picky husband hasn’t figured out my trick 🙂
Take Control of Your Summer Grocery Budget
So, there you have it! With these 10 tips, you’ll find that saving money on summer groceries while keeping your family happy and well-fed isn’t as hard as it seems. A little planning, creativity, and resourcefulness go a long way in keeping costs down without sacrificing quantity or quality.
