Free Grocery Budget Template to Save Money on Groceries

It’s no joke, y’all, how much money we have spent on groceries lately! I am sure you know exactly what I mean as you probably feel the pinch too. Thankfully we grow a lot of our own food, but even so, the staples we get from the grocery store have skyrocketed in price!

This is why sticking to a grocery budget is important. But it’s helpful to know where to start and how to keep within your budget. That’s where my free grocery budget template pages come in handy.

How to Save Money on Groceries

Let’s chat about how to keep that grocery bill from climbing sky-high.

One of the best ways is meal planning. If you plan your weekly meals, you’ll buy only what you need while saving money!

My free meal planning templates are great to help you with that.

You can get my meal planning templates for free with my grocery budget template when you sign up below.

Food Budget Spending

Managing your food spending might seem like a chore, but it doesn’t have to be!

A simple food budget template can help you keep track of your spending and make sure you’re not overspending on grocery items or dining out.

Grocery Budget Calculator

Using a grocery budget calculator is a good way to stay within your monthly food budget. To get an idea of what you should be spending based on the USDA’s Low-Cost Food Plan, use this handy tool.

You can also find grocery budget calculators online that will tell you what to spend on food based on your income instead.

10 Ways to Stick Your Grocery Store Budget

Sticking to your grocery store budget may require a lot of trial and error at first, but it’s worth it in the end!

Here are some helpful tips on sticking to your grocery budget:

Cash Envelope System

Y’all, this is a great way to control your grocery bill! Simply decide on your weekly grocery budget and put that amount in an envelope.

When you’re out shopping, only use the cash in the envelope – once it’s gone, it’s gone. No cheating!

Reloadable Store Gift Cards

Another handy tool to keep your spending in check is a reloadable store gift card.

Load it up with your monthly food budget at the start of the month and use it for all your grocery store trips.

Meal Planning

Plan your weekly meals ahead of time using a weekly meal planner. This can help you plan to use up leftovers and ensures you only buy what you need.

You’ll get access to my free meal planning printables when you sign up below!

Inventory Worksheets

Keep track of what you have at home to avoid buying duplicates. Freezer inventory or pantry staples inventory worksheets are a great place to start.

When you sign up to download my grocery budget template, I’ll also include my food inventory worksheets!

Shop Store Brands

Store brands can be just as tasty as name brands and come with a smaller price tag. Just compare the ingredients to see for yourself!

Buy in Bulk

For non-perishable items like paper towels or peanut butter, buying in bulk can save you money in the long run.

Use Coupons and Discounts

Keep an eye out for coupons and discounts on fresh produce and other grocery items. Every little bit helps!

I like to use the Southern Savers website to organize my coupons and grocery lists. If you live in the South like me, you should check it out (it’s FREE!).

Shop Seasonally

Shopping for seasonal produce can be a real blessing to your grocery bill. When fruits and veggies are in their prime season, they’re more affordable.

Track Your Spending

Finally, keep track of your spending on a monthly basis using a monthly grocery budget template or food budget template. This will give you a better idea of where your money is going and help you make adjustments as needed.

Most Affordable Grocery Stores in USA

Sometimes you can save money on groceries just by changing where you shop for them.

Here are the most affordable grocery stores in the U.S.

• Aldi – You’ll find Aldi at the top of any budget shopper’s list. It’s got low grocery prices on everything from fresh produce to pantry staples.
• Walmart – A household name, they offer store brands that’ll save you some pennies.
• WinCo Foods – An employee-owned store where bulk bins reign supreme.
• Food4Less – A subsidiary of Kroger, it offers great deals and accepts manufacturer coupons too!
• Costco – Yes, there’s a membership fee, but their bulk items can really reduce your food expenses.
• Trader Joe’s – They’ve got a fantastic selection of healthy food without breaking the bank.
• Market Basket – A regional favorite in New England with low prices and weekly specials.
• Sam’s Club – Another membership-based store, offering good deals on bulk grocery items.
• Fareway Stores – This Midwest chain prides itself on quality meat and produce at fair prices.
• Lidl – A European import with a growing presence in the U.S., known for its affordable private label products.
• Hy-Vee – This employee-owned chain offers value across a wide range of grocery items.
• H-E-B – Texans swear by this store for its quality and affordability.
• Fresh Thyme – Here’s where you’ll find natural and organic foods at great prices.
• ShopRite – Serving the Northeast, this chain offers weekly sales and digital coupons.
• Save-A-Lot – As the name suggests, you’ll save quite a bit on your shopping trips here.
• Grocery Outlet – Known for their Wow deals, this West Coast chain offers deep discounts.
• Meijer – This Midwest giant offers weekly deals on everything from food to household items.
• Smart & Final – A great spot for bulk buys without a membership fee.

If you have a Fresh Market near you, don’t misss their Chuck & Chicken sale on Tuesdays!

You can get quality ground chuck and boneless, skinless chicken breasts for just $3.99/lb. (It used to be $2.99/lb. before inflation).

Grocery Budgeting Tips

It’s a great idea to use my printable grocery list template to create a monthly budget and a master grocery list. If there are specific items that you are always buying, the master list can help you not forget things.

When you forget things that means an extra trip to the store (and we all know what happens when you go just for one thing!).

You can keep your meal costs down by shopping sales. If chicken is on sale, then guess what? It’s feels like chicken tonight! (Do you remember those commercials?)

Additionally, you can write your grocery shopping list on a weekly basis or as you go throughought the week (or a combination of both).

I have found the best way to stick to a routine is to sit down on Sunday nights and prepare my meals for the week. I glance through the sale ads first, of course!

Making meal planning and grocery budgeting a routine helps you to stay organized.

Free Grocery Budget Template PDF Printable

We’ve got a free printable for you! Our grocery budget worksheet by category will help you keep track of your monthly spending.

Plus, our food expense tracker and price comparison template will make sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck.

Download my free printable grocery lists and start saving today!

You’ll also get access to my free Meal Planning Templates. Sign up using the form below.