Download a free grocery price book printable template, so you can get on your way to big grocery savings!
W ow! What a difference a year makes!
Over the past year, we have saved a total of $5,616 on groceries, just by making a few simple changes. And more importantly, we are now debt free!
If you asked me a year ago, I would not have thought it was possible.
And just in case, you’re thinking it’s all cupcakes and daisies over here, but it wouldn’t work in your real life, let me tell you, this has not been an easy year.
We had a baby, we moved, I started a new business, I’ve been struggling with some health issues, and somehow I think I wrote a couple books too.
There was really no margin for big changes or any extra time or energy this year. Yet, this really simple system of saving money on groceries allowed me to cut our grocery budget in half while still feeding my family mostly natural, organically grown, and grass fed foods.
Today, I’m just bursting to share one key ingredient to cutting our grocery budget so drastically: the Grocery Price List.
When people ask me how to save money on groceries, they’re often wondering what they need to buy. “I’m going to need some frugal recipes,” they say, expecting that they’re going to have to drastically change the way their family eats in order to save money.
Not surprisingly then, 35 Cheap and Healthy Recipes is one of the most visited posts here at GrowingSlower.
However, you can save a lot of money on the foods your family already enjoys eating. I find that this is a much more sustainable money saving system long term, and it will be much more popular with your kids and spouse too! You won’t be telling them, “sorry guys, it’s beans for breakfast, again!”
Here’s how to do it…
How to Save with the Grocery Price Book Printable
First, download the free printable Grocery Price List.
Click here to download my free Grocery Price Book printable.
The grocery price list is also sometimes called a grocery price book, but that makes it sound way more complicated than it actually is. I have designed this price list it so it fits on two sides of an 8 1/2 x 11 sheet of paper. Just be sure to print double sided. That way you don’t have more than one page to juggle while you’re shopping.
Step 1: Stores
Across the top, list the five stores or food sources where you normally shop or where you would like to do your cost comparison. Don’t worry, you won’t have to go to all of them every week!
After using a grocery price list for almost a year now, I’ve learned that the best way to consistently save money on the foods I buy most often is to stay out of the grocery store! I’ll be sharing much more on all that in my Grocery Savings Made Simple course. (Registration is open now.)
Step 2: Foods & Units
Next list the foods your family eats most often for each of the categories (meat, diary, grains and beans, vegetables, fruit, spices, household, and other).
In my experience, it’s pointless to save money on foods that your family doesn’t like to eat. The food will end up going bad before it gets eaten, and you’ll have wasted more money than if you just stuck with your normal diet.
Instead, try to stick with mostly foods your family loves, and just stick an extra-frugal meal in once in a while if you want. You really will save more money that way.
On my price list, I try to list foods in alphabetical order as much as possible, so they’re easy to find later. However, you don’t necessarily have to worry about this when you’re just getting started. You can make a prettier ‘final’ copy later if you really want.
For each food, list what units you’ll be using to compare prices. For instance, produce is most often measured in pounds, although some foods like kale may be priced per bunch, or per piece like Corn or Garlic. Whatever units you use, be consistent across the row for all of your stores.
Step 3: Price
As you shop at each store, note the prices for the items on your price list. You’ll soon have a complete price list that will help you compare prices and save money on the grocery items you buy the most. If you haven’t yet, don’t forget to snag your free printable grocery price list and start saving!
I love these tips! I spend a lot of money at the grocery store and it gets harder and harder to keep food in the house with older boys. They eat so much, lol. :)
Super helpful, I have done this before and it changed our shopping for sure
super helpful! I love those 35 recipes, too. We have used many of them in our home to help reduce our grocery budget!
This is so awesome! Thank you for this I will have to start trying to employ your ideas and save more money!
How do I get the free Printable grocery price list. I am already signed up to the website and just can’t figure out where to find the download. Thanks for your help.
Hi Tara! After you confirm your subscription, you will receive a Welcome email with a list of links to all our free downloads and printables.
the link just takes you to an error page, i keep trying and constantly get an error page! (by clicking the link that refers to the download above).
There is no link for the free grocery price list printable. Can you please email it to me?
These are great tips – I can’t wait to use your price list!