You swing past the supermarket on your way home to stock up on bread, milk and eggs, throwing in a few snacks, but somehow your total comes to over $60. How did that happen?!
Groceries can quickly eat up a big chunk of your budget, especially when you’re new to Australia and still learning where to shop.
The good news is, there are a few small ways you can change how you shop that can make a real difference to how much you’re spending on groceries each week.
Here are our top ten ways to save on groceries in Australia.
1. Check the unit price
The big print price on the shelf label can be misleading. The smaller number is called the ‘unit price’, and it shows what an item costs per 100 grams, per litre or per item, and it’s mandatory for shops to display this price. Comparing unit prices is the easiest way to see which product, or which pack size, is actually cheaper.
2. Join supermarket rewards programs
Woolworths Everyday Rewards and Coles Flybuys are free to join, and both will earn you points and provide bonus offers when you shop. Add both cards to your phone and make sure to scan them when you check out. Even if you don’t shop at these supermarkets regularly, the points will eventually add up!
3. Download Too Good to Go
Too Good to Go is an app that lets you buy surprise bags of unsold food from cafes, bakeries and shops, often for up to half off of their original value. What’s inside is a mystery, but that’s part of the fun! You’ll get to try some new things, and you’ll definitely go home with a bargain. Keep your eyes out for your favourite restaurants on the app too - they might have full meals to give away for cheap at the end of the night.
4. Grab free or discounted food on campus
Some universities run food pantries or give out vouchers for on-campus shops, and anyone can take part. Foodbank has also run free markets for international students at university campuses, where you can pick up fruit, vegetables and pantry staples. Get in touch with your student services or student union to find out what’s available at your university.
5. Visit fresh produce markets and specialty grocers
Local markets and Asian, Indian and Middle Eastern grocers can be a great place for fruit, vegetables, spices, rice and noodles, and they often stock the foods you grew up with and might not be able to find in Aussie supermarkets. Fresh fruit and veg from local markets can be cheaper than the supermarkets, and if you go at the end of the day, you might be able to grab a bargain.
6. Plan your meals
Before you shop, decide what you’ll cook for the week and write a list. This will make sure you only buy what you need and don’t end up with any wasted food at the end of the week.
7. Cook in bulk and freeze extra meals
If you’re already cooking a curry, soup or pasta, why not double the amount and save the rest? Freeze it in portions and you’ll always have a cheap dinner ready, which beats paying for takeaway when you’re tired and can’t be bothered cooking.
8. Try Aldi
If there’s an ALDI near your home or campus and you don’t already shop there, it might be time to check out Australia’s cheapest supermarket. Students usually find that their regular items, especially pasta, rice, cheese and cereal, cost less at Aldi. Do a test run with your usual list and see what you save.
9. Share bulk items with housemates
Rice, cooking oil, spices and cleaning products often come in big packs that cost less per unit. If you’re living with housemates, why not try splitting the cost? Everyone will get a better price, and you’ll probably find yourself
10. Buy home brand
Supermarket’s home brand products are often much cheaper than well-known brands. For basics like flour, canned tomatoes, oats and frozen vegetables, you probably won’t taste the difference, but you’ll definitely see the difference in your budget!
There are plenty of ways to save if you know where to look. Download the apps, check out what’s on offer at your campus, and your wallet will thank you!
