5 Simple Tips to Save Money on Food and Beverages at Work

One of our biggest expenses during the work day is food and beverage. Combined with our household food budget, it becomes the highest monthly expense, second only to housing.

You may be spending more than you realize, having developed habits or rituals. By using these 5 simple tips, you'll save money on what you typically spend during your work day.

Skip the commuter breakfast

Running out the door without eating breakfast leads to a quick drive-through at fast food restaurants, or stopping in for a pastry and a latte.

Instead, get up 20 minutes early to fix a breakfast which will keep you satisfied until it's time for lunch.

For those days you are running late, make sure you have a box of instant oatmeal packets at work, along with some raw almonds and raisins, and you'll have a healthy, quick breakfast that will take only a couple of minutes in the microwave.

Pack your lunch

One of the biggest expenses for most working people is lunch. By making your lunch and bringing it from home, you can reduce your food budget considerably. Buying sandwiches or other lunches out is not only expensive, but we tend to eat larger portions, which are often less healthy.

By packing up leftovers from dinner to reheat in the microwave at work, or getting up 10 minutes earlier to make a sandwich or salad could potentially save you an average of $7 to $10 (or more) a day on lunch expenses, saving you $35 to $50 weekly.

Bring coffee for midday pick-up

Perhaps you are one who needs caffeine at midday to keep you going until quitting time. Unless your company supplies coffee or tea at the work site, bring a thermos filled with either from home. Or if the company has a water cooler/heater, bring your own tea bags or instant coffee to make your own.

At $2 for a large cup of drip coffee per day from the coffee stand, you will save $10 per week.

Buy snacks bulk

If you buy the odd apple or banana at the local corner store on your lunch break, you are likely paying a dollar for each piece of fruit. Buying a bag of fruit at the grocery store to have at work for the week is a thriftier option.

The same holds true if you buy the candy bar for 75 cents or a dollar from the vending machine. Buy the treat-sized candy in portions, exercise some willpower, and you'll not only save money, but calories, too!

If you are watching your waistline, however, skip the candy and have a bag of raw almonds or other nuts for a healthy snack. If your company has a refrigerator in the break room, then keep a bag of carrot or celery sticks handy for the week.

Bring an extra meal

If you get together after work to socialize, it often means buying dinner. Instead, have a cup of soup or noodles, or a frozen entree, and eat it before going out. It will curb your appetite enough that an appetizer or salad will be enough.

Suggest pubs, bars or restaurants that you know have a "happy hour" menu, or free appetizers during the same hours. Play up that they have great food, atmosphere or customer service and you would like to try it.

Once you arrive, your coworkers or friends won't think you are cheap. They will be surprised when they find they can save money, and you'll be a hit for the suggestion.

Sources

Personal experience