17 Habits to SAVE MONEY on Groceries🥘Feed your Family on a Budget in 2025

[@barbarahughes6009]

I never bothered about all the research and effort that you have put in,I just halved the meat in almost everything I cooked and replaced it with,lentils,beans and/or vegetables.Even meatballs are half cabbage or some other veg chopped up small.I lost a lot of weight because I was always full and had no room for junk food.Your meal planning is brilliant nutritious and clearly tastes great AND it’s incredibly cheap!Why not give it a try?

[@JM.5387]

I try to make soup once a week. It's a great way to use up leftovers and bits of veg, and an easy way to incorporate legumes. During times when I was on a very tight budget, I ate mostly bean/vegetable soups and homemade whole wheat bread -- a very nutritious and inexpensive combination that still satisfies.

[@raisingwildflowers]

Soup is really one of my favorite meals 😋

[@char5477]

Ditto!​@@raisingwildflowers

[@frogmoonmama]

Yes! I do this too. Soup salad and homemade bread is a staple in our house

[@SydHalley]

When I was just starting to cook every meal from scratch to save money, I did meal plan - but it often didn’t work. I had two under 2, and hadn’t figured out how to work in the cooking with the child care (I was a SAHM). Or I was trying new recipes that were more involved than I thought. If it got too late, we’d end up eating out. I felt so defeated. I was trying to save money and ended up spending more! The solution (and the point of this post) is to plan for failure, especially if you’re new to all this. I started keeping “emergency” meals on hand (fish sticks, box Mac and cheese, jar of spaghetti sauce and pasta …) and always had bag salad or carrot sticks and apples on hand.) Then I learned a couple meals that took shelf stable ingredients or always on hand fresh things (like onions or celery) that I knew I could put together in 30 minutes. And I made sure we kept those things on hand, too. With those two steps, if my meal plan failed for whatever reason, I could always abort it and still feed us without resorting to the expense of eating out. Hope it helps. It worth the effort to learn to cook from scratch!

[@raisingwildflowers]

This is great advice! I remember when my teens were little and I was a way-too-busy single mom, those backup meals were a life saver. We had a lot of Totino pizzas, nuggets, Mac n cheese, potato fries, and fruit in those days 😆 Cooking is a learning process and failure WILL happen. I failed a lot at first too. For me, that also meant I was sometimes just too tired to cook. Planning realistically for your season of life is important. Thanks so much for sharing ❤️

[@Elle-1156]

We have a “clean out the fridge night “ every week and get rid of the leftovers.

[@GrannyLinn]

Great tips! For those of us who buy meat, buy a couple of family packs only when on sale. Package, label and date, put in freezer (be sure to rotate). Eventually you’ll have a pretty good supply and over time you’ll save a lot.

[@seekingtheminimumlevel1830]

It's amazing to me how much money people spend on food and how much food people waste. We are not vegan, and we are still able to spend well below the government's thrifty plan amount by following may of the principles you mention. We aim for zero food waste including we save scraps of veggies for broth and compost some scraps and peels along with egg shells and coffee grounds. Thank you for mentioning "best by" dates because I always tell people "best by" does not mean "bad by". I've used canned and dried goods well past these dates with no noticeable taste difference. We store rice, beans, oats, etc. in free food grade buckets obtained from the bakery department of a local grocery store.

[@janetbransdon3742]

When a vegetable is on sale I will make a recipe making that vegetable the star of that dish. I have a collection of delicious recipes that do just that, eg mushroom stroganoff or carrot and ginger soup etc ❤

[@audreywright3680]

Agree! I discovered our local store chain discounts mushrooms often. It is the only time I buy them now. Example: the regular price was over $5.00 for the fancy blend of fresh mushrooms. I got them for $1.26. Happens almost every week. If my meal plan doesn’t use them I cook as a side dish and eat them anyway.

[@donna-keithsmith3925]

I get a little chuckle when it's pointed out you don't buy meat and that's why your budget is so low. It may be partially true but it's mainly because you don't fill your pantry with junk like chips, pudding cups and soft drinks - all empty useless calories and expensive. Humans have been vegetarians and vegans for thousands of years, this is not a scary new concept. Even during the depression people had very little meat. Katie, I love all of your common sense ideas that we can all use no matter our diet preference or finances you are fab in my book! We also have a vegan soup cooked once per week and eat on it for two days! Cook once eat at least twice is something we always do, also cuts down on electric use.

[@CourtneyRobinson]

❤

[@kerrylennox7359]

I'm a Australian who flexitarian...we eat a lot of vegetarian and vegan meals, however we also consume meat. When we eat meat, I look for quality and value, a 1.5 kilo of blade beef can last a family of four 3 days. Roast it (the Australian way) slice a 3rd of it thinly and serve with the roast veggies and all the trimmings. Slice the next 3rd thinly and serve it cold with salad ( pasta salad goes great with this) Chop the final 3rd into cubes and add to your favourite curry recipe..😊

[@CountryLadyInBoots]

My family hunts their meat .. deer, turkey, coon, squirrel, rabbit ... Some eat frogs lol nyhoo, Lots of meat on our tables here 😋 Oops! Forgot about our seafood, fish, Shrimp, oysters, crawfish, snails ... Lots of free stuff!

[@melissaandjason]

I agree and I’m carnivore. Her tips work regardless. Yes those things are cheaper but for me I eat more volume when I eat carbs so it evens out I bet. There’s sooo many more tips that have zero to do with what they are eating.

[@lucialuciferion6720]

I hoard food , due to leftover eating disorder mentality, but I will never throw out food. Everything gets eaten, past-due-dates mean nothing, mostly it's fine still. I should go through my pantry, and see if I can cut back on hoarding, because I already have it etc.

[@NickiC-o4l]

Getting over ED is hard - you are courageous and strong for tackling this

[@michelleneubauer5099]

@@NickiC-o4li second your comment! Lucia you are doing amazing ❤

[@LovelyMrsLong]

Im doing IF i eat one large and one small meal a day. My adult son is USAF and says its been especially helpful to embrace when food is fuctional especially if its not tasty. Im doing so for health and i was excited to find a lot of stuff from dollar tree so much cheaper per ounce like ACv and Gf pasta.

[@DisneyRunner]

Enjoyed your video, love seeing a young person be so responsible... keep teaching your peers.

[@christinecatrambone964]

I just love all of your videos and I have learned so much watching them…regrading the topic of intermittent fasting….I am a little older than you😬but I developed terrible stomach issues….to make a long and painful story short….after many test…scopes down my throat….ultrasounds… over two years with no answers I came across an article about intermittent fasting… it has worked like a miracle for me. Turns out my body was just tired and needs more time to digest. I start eating around 11 and not another thing in my mouth after 7 o’clock at night no pain in my stomach no bloating, no reflux. It really is amazing how our bodies just trying to tell us something, wishing you a very happy holiday to you and yours

[@Nativewoman1]

I think I’ll try this but stop eating after 6pm. I older too LOL 😆

[@sagenozko9317]

Two whole food nutritious meals is all that we need as adults daily!!

[@SamaraYoung-r1r]

No idea how you would get the protein , fiber and nutrients you need in a day without 3 meals.

[@sagenozko9317]

@ my first meal of the day is protein powder, 1/2 avocado, spinach, walnuts, blueberries and coconut milk. That is protein, fat, complex carbs and greens. That keeps me full for four hours. Then my next meal four hours later is is a protein (lentil pasta with vegetables) and a desert of my choice that keeps me full for the rest of the day. I eat 11am and 3pm. I always eat when I am hungry so if I want something around 5pm I have a snack but normally two meals a day is enough for me. And I sleep like a baby and am in great shape.

[@katie7748]

Yep! Heck, even one proper meal can be enough. But everyone is different. Everyone's body, everyone's needs, is/are different. There is no one size fits all way to eat.

[@sagenozko9317]

@ exactly!!! Listen to your body and how you feel!!! it is very simple for me. If I’m not hungry I don’t eat if I am hungry I do eat and I try to add good food and not take anything away ever.

[@serenastorey3858]

These type of videos are my favorite ones that you do! Good advice, thank you!

[@petermanmom]

I love the idea of only eating one main meal and then snacks (whole food, of course). I think this will be especially helpful in the winter where I'm not as active working outside in the garden and I find it harder to keep my weight down. We also have a weekly frittata meal when our duck eggs start to build up in the basket.

[@TRuth.T]

Fasting can help with reducing costs. Often we skip 1 meal and don't snack. We raise our own beef, in the past buy milk and eggs from our neighbors...

[@simplyfromscratchrecipes]

We are are currently moving and while I am trying to use up what we have because the move is out of state, I have noticed how many things I have purchased that really didn't have more than one purpose and so many things have gone to waste. Definitely an eye opener on how I need to be even more intentional about what I buy, which I thought I was doing, but clearly there is room for improvement. 🤔😀 Another great video, thanks for sharing.

[@alysonlaw6114]

Great tips!!! Very motivating for me as I need to work on meal planning and budgeting. Despite inflation, you have shown it is possible to save even with a family of five! And you helped me figure out a meal for this week:split pea soup!! 😂

[@lray7421]

I love your creative use of leftovers and using remaining bits from other recipes. I try not to throw anything away too cause that is money in the trash. I imagine what is driving the food prices is not fully economic but also greed by the small number of corporations that control our food supply & some of the large grocery chains. I support Aldi as much as I can. They seem to keep their prices down and things didn't seem to increase at the same pace as other chain stores.

[@brg2743]

Every little bit helps.

[@liliherren]

I spend on organic, grass fed, and all that. For a family of three including breakfast, lunch, and dinner costs me about $150 a week in groceries which is not bad according to that isda list. It's like $7,800 a year.

[@i2sky532]

As a meatless eater, I eat tons of produce. To avoid waste, I try to clean, peel (if needed), chop, etc, as soon as I get the groceries home. I store in food storage containers in the fridge.

[@erintannehill]

I would have never thought to use AI to help me meal plan! Great idea because meal planning is definitely overwhelming for me.

[@virginiakihne5007]

That soup looks good!

[@thehomespunwife]

I enjoy watching you cook! Thanks for this video.

[@janvas7690]

Love love love you and your family! You are all so very amazing! Would like more of your recipes because you maximize nutrition!

[@jennifermunn6898]

Another great video!! We have switched to eating 2 meals a day sometimes like on weekends just one, I also drink a lot of water as I am not wasting money on drinks, I will have tea at dinner and lunch if I eat both or coffee in morning, but mostly just drink water, might I just say I love how well spoken you are and I can tell you say things with caution like anything someone would try to turn against you, I just think your family is so interesting, thank you for sharing your ride with us ❤❤

[@raisingwildflowers]

Thank you! I really do try to not offend anyone, but I usually do anyway 😅

[@barbhopell1649]

Loved this video! Thank you!

[@lj2070]

I am in australia, I spent $2600 in the last 12 mths for groceries

[@4LuvOfGAIA]

Not bad at all. ❤

[@Shantelle6253]

How many people?

[@flutingaround]

great work

[@claudiavargas7900]

I shop weekly for eight days. That gives me fridge space and reduce food waste.

[@jamievanhorn5237]

Looks delish!

[@carolined3058]

Don't do strickt mealplanning , rather buy ingredients you can interchange to create a menu. And cut out the snacking , eat a handfull of nuts when you want to snack on something.

[@msdeenatural_3]

I love this idea, that’s what I do.

[@frogmoonmama]

I’ve been a prepper the past few years so my 2025 goal is to use up our pantry and only buy produce (winter, summer we grow a big garden) and milk. I have way too much rice, beans, lentils etc stored up. 🙈

[@noona514]

I have gone months without meat before. I have no problem with this.

[@claudiavargas7900]

I avoid food waste by cooking daily, only what is going to be eaten. No meal prep. Freezer meals are life saver.😊

[@ig4091]

Very good advice thank u!👍🏼

[@ClairenParkerontheRoad]

I have to cook in bulk. It's just the only way I will do it. Great episode

[@janeschade7875]

What do you think about what I’ve done I have spent $9180 for 2024 feeding 12 people and that includes meat

[@GrannyLinn]

😮😮😮

[@TheWhimsicalFamilyHomestead]

Coming in the new year were not grocery shopping, were eating out of the pantry for at least a month maybe two months. We will shop for milk and produce, but only $30 a week.

[@zanneizzo8113]

We are doing the same. 😊

[@marshamagic8551]

Rewatching

[@claudiavargas7900]

Our family is sugar-free, so we buy water and juices only. Which reduce food cost. Occasionally we had deserts.😅

[@marshamagic8551]

I do the fasting.

[@shaunaleessnackidies]

Great tips, thanks ❤

[@laurijohnson7754]

The other thing not known is does that budget include everything like pet food, toiletries and laundry supplies? I budget that as my total grocery bill

[@raisingwildflowers]

No, this is just food cost.

[@laurijohnson7754]

You or the study?

[@raisingwildflowers]

Both

[@JM.5387]

USDA numbers include food only, and assume all food is prepared at home (no restaurant meals).

[@raisingwildflowers]

Here is the source. www.fns.usda.gov/research/cnpp/usda-food-plans/cost-food-monthly-reports

[@tessramos8828]

Hey Katie n Family 🌻

[@raisingwildflowers]

Hi! ❤️

[@claudiavargas7900]

I spend $800 with buying whatever we want for a family of two. We spend $500 monthly, though, for affordability. My channel shows realistic spending in low income living.

[@sharenread8677]

I ate a Mac Casserole and there was mushroom soup flavour that tasted weird. That happened to me 3 x. Sharen

[@Lee_Proffit]

Great tips, thank you from across the pond 🙂

[@kmac5836]

I spend roughly 3,000 to 3,200 for my teen and I yearly. We don't get convenience food unless on serious markdown/clearance. We buy discounted meat but mostly eat a vegetarian diet. I work from home and homeschool my teen. So we can eat up leftovers from the night before for lunch etc. I also garden so that helps with the budget as well. I cook from scratch daily. I'm always looking for ways to save a little more. We no longer buy bread so I'm starting to make our own now. Great tips!

[@shannonkinneman6574]

I just love your channel ❤

[@angelanice]

I follow most of these tips, the exceptions being those which I need to accommodate my disability which involves lower energy levels. I eat one meal a day but snack frequently and rely on a lot of convenience foods. My kids (who are both teens now!) have learned how to shop frugally and are careful not to waste food because they know how precious it is. We've also faced eating disorders, so if splurging on a craving is something that keeps them eating, I'll happily do it. With all of those exceptions we still spend way below the national average at roughly 500-600 a month

[@ashleybosvik3031]

You do not buy meat so this is why your groceries are so low.

[@PegsGarden]

That is one of the reasons why they saved so much money, because they don't buy meat, we buy chicken and ground turkey which is still pricey.

[@tracidevault3976]

That was my thought also. We buy meat from a friend who has a processing business so we get it cheaper than a grocery store but it's still a big part of our grocery budget. You can't compare what this family spends to what those of us that buy meat spend.

[@MammaMiaworld]

You could reduce your meat consumption if that is your pricey purchase.

[@PegsGarden]

@@MammaMiaworld True, but I won't😀

[@tracidevault3976]

@@PegsGarden I won't either.

[@Whatsnewkittycat3]

Do you make fried potato skins with the peels? I found a recipe for it on a zero food waste site… they were good!

[@raisingwildflowers]

Oh, that sounds like a great idea! I will say, if we didn't have a toddler eating the soup, I would leave the skins on lol. Lots of nutrients in there!

[@barnrazedbyjesse6893]

I made a roaster full of mashed potatoes for Thanksgiving and had a large amount of potato skins left. I rinsed them well, dried them and tossed them in butter and spices. Then, I dry canned them. Talk about a convenient side!

[@rachaelw8738]

You are suggesting ideas for people, I don’t know why people always criticise, they can use some of your tips or none.

[@i2sky532]

Exactly. She is graciously sharing with us what works for her family. Not trying to evangelize anyone into any certain diet. Geez.

[@vicki900]

Are you utilizing any food from food banks etc great if you do but needs to be included towards food costs

[@raisingwildflowers]

We do not use food banks or anything like that.

[@Intentional-frugality]

Not the video bring the meat 🥩 controversy 😅😂 I love reading the comments 😂

[@raisingwildflowers]

😅

[@freedomexplorer360]

How do I find chat pt?

[@sabinekebelmann7525]

Asking AI is a good idea😊

[@allisonbeaty9004]

What baby carrier do you recommend?

[@raisingwildflowers]

I love the Happy Baby Carrier. It's pricy, but you can find used ones on FB Marketplace. Barely used ones ... the people who use Happy Baby are obsessed and collect them in all colors and only use them a few times before selling and getting the latest color lol. One carrier will work from newborn to preschooler, so you can get a lot of use out of it :)

[@reginafisher9919]

My first bit of advice, really think about if you want to have a child or not. Children are not meant for everybody, most people cannot take care of themselves right now financially. People are hanging on by a thread, most children cannot even leave home! They are doing good if they can afford car and car insurance to get them to and from a job to pay for the car and the car insurance! This society is becoming unsustainable for anyone!!! Human beings need meat! Are we heading into another depression or what?! Save yourselves! It's been going downhill for 30 years in this country and it's not getting any better it's only getting worse!

[@crazylady..]

Lololololol you have to have the $10,000 in order to save it. I live on less than that a year. It is not easy for seniors.

[@raisingwildflowers]

Saving $10K on groceries means I spent $10K less than what I was supposed to based on the USDA food costs. Not that I now have 10K in a savings account because I didn’t spend it. I am sorry things are difficult for you.

[@mom2school226]

Just to add to the comments i want to say i glad you didnt forget to plug crock pot in cuz i sometimes do lol

[@raisingwildflowers]

🤣 I have also done this!

[@i2sky532]

Omgosh. If you want to eat meat, do it. If you don't, don't. There's no need for commenters to try to persuade or shame other commenters for their food choices.

[@marshamagic8551]

Different if you’re single..

[@galedobschuetz4007]

😊

[@InFltSvc]

You’re young and your parents obviously never taught you how to really purchase and cook meals. It’s a shame that you have to tell people in a video and how to shop for food and put it together to feed your family. This is your generation and the way you were brought up. It’s so sad.. oh and the hair! I mean really! That’s tell me everything…

[@raisingwildflowers]

Thanks for watching! If you have better tips, please share them with us 😁 I'd also love to know how old you think I am - it just might make my day. Pretty sure I was raised by your generation 😉

[@WittyMcTwitty]

Okay, Boomer! 😂 She has a KZbin channel that helps thousands of people save money and prepare healthy meals in our struggling economy. I would love to see you film, edit, and upload a video. You should consider sharing your extensive knowledge with the rest of us. However, it seems that your generation has some difficulties with technology, so we might miss out on that opportunity. Your aggressive attitude toward an entire generation and your judgments of others reveal a lot about your character. Just because you have an opinion doesn't mean you need to express it, especially if it doesn't add value to the conversation.

[@erinwill6743]

What is wrong with her hair?