How to Get the Most Bang for Your Tight Grocery Budget

Being on a very restricted budget can be tough. I often find myself feeling a little down when I'm strolling the grocery aisles and realizing it's another week of Ramen for lunch. Take heart though, being on a shoestring budget doesn't mean you can't enjoy a little variety, and it doesn't mean you can't afford to be healthy. A few tips will have you well on your way.

1. Eat what's in season.

This sounds like the most obvious tip in the world... because it is. Our ancestors ate whatever was growing in season, and it's an easy money-saving tip for you to do so as well. Produce is much less expensive when in season, because it does not need to be shipped as far, nor does it need special help to grow. So grab those ears of corn when they're 10 for a dollar, but leave the oranges for later in the year.

2. Peanut butter is your friend.

Yes, our good friend peanut butter is making an appearance in this list. Everyone knows that peanut butter sandwiches are great when you're on a tight budget. But if you're not the kind of person who wants to be in PB&J exile, you can still use this inexpensive and protein packed food in lots of different ways, including whipping up your own peanut sauce when you've got a craving for thai. Reproducing your own versions of take-out favorites can be much less expensive, and you won't even have to tip the driver.

3. Don't be afraid of that brand you've never heard of before.

...Or that brand you can't quite pronounce, for that matter. If you're like me, even though you're on a budget, you still want to cut out some of the bad stuff. I always look for bread that doesn't contain high-fructose corn syrup, for example. There are a surprising number of options if you're looking for a bread without HFCS, including some great whole-grain white bread options. But I've also found that shopping in areas catering to larger hispanic populations increases the options of foods made with sugar instead of HFCS. So the next time you pass by that small, ethnic grocery, you might want to stop in. Ethnic grocers also frequently have amazing deals on some pretty nice produce too!

4. Yogurt.

Enough said. Yogurt comes in ten million different flavors, it's high in calcium, and it's insanely cheap. If you're like me, and can't afford anything more expensive than a brick of Ramen, then yogurt is an excellent way to get variety into your diet.

5. Skip the megamart.

Sometimes this is easier said than done. Everyone wants the convenience of a one-stop shop, but too often we end up paying the price. Megamarts often have high prices for mediocre produce. So skip the one-stop shop, and head to your local produce store. You'll find much better prices on produce, and, depending on the size of the store, you can frequently get better deals on dairy, eggs, and even meat too. In addition, the produce you find in these smaller, specialty stores is of infinitely better quality.

There you have it. Five simple tips to get the most out of your grocery dollar. Good luck, and happy eating!