Grocery shopping has gone from expensive to crazy expensive. If you’re leaving the supermarket each week thinking, “what on earth did I just spend $200 on?”, we’ve prepared some tips and tricks for you to cut expenses without compromising on the quality and integrity of your family meals. 

The knock-on effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, strong consumer demand and the war in Ukraine are driving record levels of inflation in Australia and globally. The increased prices of goods and services, particularly mortgage rates, fuel, and fruit and vegetables, are putting pressure on consumers' everyday spending. So if you feel like your grocery bill is ever-rising, we have some helpful pointers to save you money.

How to buy smarter

• Buy your pantry staples and cleaning products in bulk. Stocking up on pantry staples will allow you to purchase better quality options much cheaper than running in and out of the supermarket on the daily. Part and Parcel is a great online marketplace to buy organic canned goods, jarred foods, grains and pastas etc., or if you have a bulk store nearby, such as The Source, that’s even better as you can go plastic-free shopping.
• Buy seasonal and local. Fruit and veggies that are in season will usually be cheaper because there’s a higher volume available, and they are grown locally. Local stands at the farmers market may not be certified organic, but you can find out if they’re spray-free or use fewer pesticides than supermarkets suppliers. Plus, it’s always better for the environment to support local

• Choose what to compromise. If you can afford to buy everything organic, check out the dirty dozen and aim to at least get those from organic sources. For all the non-organic fruits and vegetables, you can soak and rinse them with water, bicarb soda and a dash of apple cider vinegar to help remove any residue from pesticides. 
• Buy cheaper meat cuts from the local butcher. Did someone say liver? Rethink the meat cuts you usually eat and instead get what's on special or buy cheaper cuts that can be used in slow-cooked meals, stews, etc. Plus, it's always better to support local businesses and better for the environment because the meat has travelled less to its destination.

Planning & Organising

• Use what you already have. When was the last time you checked the back of your busy pantry shelves? Check product expiry dates and make sure you use any nearly out-of-date things.
• Meal plan and prep. Choose one day of the week (usually Sunday works well) to prepare your essentials for the week. A batch of pasta sauce, curry, fried rice, or any meal lasting between 2-4 days in the fridge is ideal for cooking in advance. Having dinner ready will make your routine a lot easier during a busy week and even better if you have leftovers to take for lunch the next day. 

• Create your shopping list and stick to it. An extra mini shop mid-week will only make you want to buy things you don’t really need. Also, remember to never shop when you’re hungry. You know what they say - don’t eat with your eyes. Grabbing a little snack here and there is most likely unhealthy and expensive.

Change Your Habits

• Store your produce properly. Don’t let that head of lettuce go off because you don’t eat it all. Storing your greens in big silicone pouches or wrapped in a wet cloth will help them last longer. Other vegetables like celery and carrots are best preserved in water in the fridge. 
• Reduce your meat, chicken and fish consumption to fewer times per week and add more beans, lentils and protein-high grains (quinoa) to your meals. This will benefit your health as well as your wallet. 
• Make your own. Have you tried making a sourdough starter, your own kombucha or ferments? This can be a nice family project, and it’s good value for kids to learn unique cooking skills.

• Save on Certified Organic skincare with our original range SALE. We recently had a makeover, and we still have some products in original packaging that we're discounting. While it's an older look, it's still the same outstanding skincare made with 100% Natural and Certified Organic ingredients. Follow us on social media and keep an eye out for our monthly promos. 

We all want to feed our families with nutritious, wholesome, and possibly organic meals, and it's no surprise we're concerned about overspending at supermarkets. We hope these ideas help you buy smarter and without having to sacrifice all of your favourite things.