Meal planning on a budget

Meal planning is a great way to save money on your grocery bills.

When you plan your meals ahead of time, you avoid spending too much on food you’d otherwise throw away. It helps prevent impulse buying and encourages you to make the most of the foods already in your kitchen.

Sticking to a meal plan can also make it easier to eat healthily. You’ll be able to plan dishes that are packed full of nutrients and meet your unique needs. You can customize your dishes to ensure you get a balance of carbs, fats, and protein in your diet.

Top tips to create a meal plan when you’re on a budget

As great as meal plans are, it’s not always easy planning them ahead of time, especially when you’re a busy adult. Here are some tips to help you create a great meal plan when you’re on a budget.

• Create a menu for the week ahead, so you know exactly what foods you need to buy at the grocery store.
• Plan meals with similar ingredients to avoid buying lots of different foods weekly.
• Plan dishes containing foods on sale or on offer at the grocery store. You can check discounts and sales on the websites of different grocery stores.
• Depending on sales and access, the prices of meat may be high. Reducing the amount of meat you purchase or being open to vegan or vegetarian alternatives may end up costing you less than their meat-heavy meals.
• Buy ingredients in bulk, as foods tend to cost less when bought as multipacks.
• Avoid planning meals that contain too many fresh ingredients that go off quickly.  Consider stocking up on frozen vegetables when they are on sale.
• Avoid planning dishes and using recipes that contain expensive or hard-to-get ingredients.
• Plan seasonal recipes that use ingredients that are easy to get at the grocery store and aren’t too costly.