One vital area of focus to save money on when you’re trying to save up for a larger purchase is food and groceries. It’s a necessity to eat, but it doesn’t mean you have to break the bank each time you need a meal. With our tips on saving money on food and groceries in Chicago, you’re sure to save up for bigger and better things in no time!

7 Tips to Save Money on Groceries

1. Coupons

There’s no better way to save money than looking for coupons before heading out to the grocery store.

Check the back of your last grocery receipt, the local newspaper, and the grocery store website before you head in. There are so many digital coupons and discounts services available now, so a quick check online can save you a ton on groceries.

Additionally, coupons for new items can be a great incentive to try new foods and new recipes!

2. Write a List

The time you take before you leave your home can make all the difference.

Spend some time going through your pantry, refrigerator, and freezer. Take stock of everything you have at home. Once you know what you have, it will be easier to look at what you actually need. You won’t find yourself in the store searching and questioning if you already have a certain food back at your place.

Taking a few minutes to write out a list will help you shop more purposefully with less wasteful purchases.

3. Generic Brands

Look down low! On the shelves under the specialty brands of foods, you’ll see the generic alternatives.

Don’t let marketing fool you, the generic brands are often identical. Hold them up side by side and compare the ingredients and nutritional value. When you take price into account, generic brands will be a no-brainer.

4. Shop Alone

Shopping with a significant other, a roommate, or a group of people completely changes your experience in the grocery store.

You’re much more likely to splurge and get fun, spontaneous purchases. Remove the social element from the task and shop alone.

With only you and your list, there won’t be any conversation or distraction to throw you off your plan. Sure, it may be less fun, but that money you save can be used for something else.

5. Prepare Your Own Produce

Avoid the pre-packaged produce.

Although that fruit tray and pre-sliced veggie platter may seem too convenient to pass on, they’re not a great deal!

Buy the produce you actually need and cut it up at home. You can also store produce more efficiently with your own tupperware instead of the cheap plastic container it comes in, so your food will last longer as well.

6. Buy Frozen

When it makes sense, buy frozen!

Instead of over-shopping and realizing you won’t have time to cook everything you purchased, plan ahead by buying frozen. You’ll save so much on food that you’d normally throw away, it will be well worth it.

Plus, in between grocery trips it’s always good to have frozen food on hand.

7. Shop at Aldi

One bottom line that’s going to make a big difference is where you shop. Aldi is most likely your cheapest option.

Chicago has many other great options like Mariano’s, Jewel-Osco, and Whole Foods, but if you really want to save money, start shopping at Aldi. Get your favorite specialty foods from wherever you like best, but stock up on your essentials at Aldi.

Grocery shopping in Chicago doesn’t have to be expensive. Try out some of these money saving tips the next time you need to get groceries and see how much you can save.

When you’ve saved up enough money to take the leap into Chicago home ownership, LLCR can help you find a condo that fits your style and budgetary needs. Connect with a Luxury Living broker to start your search!