Most people immediately assume that being a Vegetarian means lower grocery bills. That’s actually not the case, though. Some Vegetarian foods cost more money than regular groceries, especially if you’re trying to stick with organic food choices. Plus, a good chunk of a Vegetarian’s grocery budget goes towards the purchase of produce, which can be pretty pricey at times.
I’ve been a couponer as a meat-eater, and now as a Vegetarian for a couple of years. I can promise you that the elimination of meat does not necessarily lower the grocery bill. In fact, I’ve found my grocery bill to be higher at times.
No need to despair, though! There are always ways to save. If you follow a Vegetarian diet, here are some general tips to help you save on groceries:
1. Buy local produce from the Farmer’s Market. Produce prices are often lower at the Farmer’s Market, because you’re buying in-season and cutting out the middle man. Plus, it’s healthier and better for the environment.
2. E-mail companies for coupons. Some of the specialty Vegetarian brands rarely release coupons. If you contact them to compliment them on their product and let them know how much it improves the quality of your life, they will often send you coupons. Sometimes they’re for freebie products!
3. Menu plan, menu plan, menu plan. This is one of the absolute best ways to save money on groceries, regardless of specialty diet preferences. You have a list and you stick to it. It eliminates impulse buying and food waste. You can also plan meals around what’s on sale or in-season. If you need help with menu planning, check out my step-by-step video here.
4. Stack coupons. Check with your local store to see if they have store coupons that can be stacked with manufacturer coupons. Whole foods, Earth Fare, Target, and many grocery stores allow stacked coupons. Some grocery stores even take competitor store coupons that can be stacked with manufacturer coupons. Great way to maximize savings.
5. Price compare. It pays to do a little bit of research on some of those favorite brands. Amazon and Costco actually have great prices on organic and Vegetarian-friendly foods. Before you pay an arm and a leg at the local grocery store, find out if you can get a better price online or in bulk.
6. Get creative. Use what you have on hand at home. Don’t let anything go to waste. You won’t have to buy as much if you use up what you already have.
7. Check out some organic coupon sites. Mambo Sprouts is a fabulous website that releases all kinds of great coupons each month.
8. Cook beans from scratch. Vegetarians use beans as a base for many meals. If you have the patience, learn to cook beans from scratch rather than buying canned beans. It does take more time, but it’s significantly cheaper.
9. Try making snack foods yourself. Some of the boxed organic foods are extremely expensive. Think power bars, pita chips, tortilla chips, dried fruit mixes, etc. Spend an afternoon once a month making these foods from scratch and dividing them into snack-sized portions. It actually saves a good chunk of money. You’d be surprised.
10. Soups are your best friend. They are super cheap to make, so filling, and nutrient-dense. You’ll also save yourself some time in the kitchen. Double the recipe and freeze half of it to heat up later.
These tips should get you started saving money as a Vegetarian, but this is only a handful of suggestions. What ways do you save money on groceries?
Me and my husband Kyle in front of our Christmas tree in our new home
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