How to Save Money on Groceries (Without Living on Beans and Rice)

Are your grocery bills giving you angst—no matter how carefully you shop?

For millions of Aussie families, the weekly supermarket trip has gone from a simple routine to a “Wait—how is it that much?” moment at the checkout.

With research showing households are spending an extra $3,000 a year on groceries—a 30% jump in just three years—it’s no wonder so many are feeling the pinch. 

Rising grocery costs are putting real pressure on household finances—and messing up financial goals. 

However, a change in perspective, a few intentional shifts in your everyday habits, can allow you to regain control on your grocery spending. 

The subtle ways supermarkets make you overspend

If you’ve ever walked into the supermarket for “just a few things”…and walked out $100 poorer, it’s by no accident. 

The big guys call it: smart retail strategy. Supermarkets are intentionally designed to maximise product exposure. The path you take through the store isn’t random. From the moment you walk in, the layout encourages you to see—and consider buying—more than what’s on your list.

Here’s what you’ll often see:

• Fresh produce at the entrance—to give you that feel-good “I’m making healthy choices” buzz
• Essentials scattered throughout the store—so you pass tempting snacks and new products
• Eye-level shelves reserved for higher-priced items
• End-of-aisle displays with products marked “on sale”—often driving much higher sales than standard shelf placements
• Slow music and bright signs, which make you linger and subconsciously pop that extra item into the trolley.

Being aware of all this is the first step in taking back control over your grocery spending. From there, it’s all about putting a few smart habits into play.

How to save money on groceries—5 simple strategies 

1. Master the unit price game

‘On sale’ doesn’t always mean cheaper. Compare unit prices (cost per 100g or ml) to see what’s actually better value. You’d be surprised how much money you can save over time by making this into a habit when you’re out grocery shopping. 

2. Stick to a list 

Sounds simple, but it works. Shoppers with a list are far less likely to make impulse purchases. Bonus tip: organise your list by aisle or store layout to help you stay focused and efficient.

3. Shop online

Want to avoid impulse buys altogether? Try online grocery shopping. Shopping online helps you track your total spend in real time, skip tempting aisles, and double-check what you already have at home. 

4. Shop at quiet times

Late afternoons or early evenings are often the best time to snap up markdowns—especially on meat and baked goods. If you can, time your trips to take advantage of those quiet, discounted hours.

5. Choose seasonal produce

In-season fruit and veg aren’t just cheaper—they’re fresher and taste better too. Head to your local greengrocer and compare prices. You might find they beat the big supermarkets, especially on fresh produce.

More ways to save

Already putting some of these above strategies into practice? You’re doing great!

But if you’re still looking for more ways to stretch your budget, here are a few extra save money tips —perfect for your next grocery run.

• Try generic brands – They’re often significantly cheaper than big-name labels, with similar quality and ingredients.
• Buy in bulk – Check your pantry first, then stock up on items you use regularly. For example, a 5kg bag of rice is much cheaper per kilo than a 500g pack.
• Compare prices at different stores – If time allows, explore discount outlets. They’re often goldmines for pantry staples and cleaning products.
• Embrace imperfect produce – Slightly misshapen fruit and veg are just as nutritious—and often much cheaper. Many supermarkets now even have a dedicated section for them, making it easier for budget-conscious shoppers to grab them.
• Wait for the sales – Supermarkets often run weekly promotions, including half-price sales. If you’re not in a rush, hold off until the discounts drop—then purchase in bulk. 

Ready to start your own save money challenge?

Start small. Pick just one money-saving tip. Maybe it’s sticking to a list. Maybe it’s switching to a generic brand.

Whatever it is, make it a habit—and then build from there.

Because when it comes to ‘how to save money on groceries’, the key isn’t doing everything at once. It’s staying intentional, instead of being reactive.

And the best way to save money is to start today.