Grocery shopping once a month can be an effective way to save both time and money, reduce impulse buys, and cut down on trips to the store. It may seem challenging at first, but with some planning and smart strategies, you can successfully make it work for your household. Whether you’re trying to stick to a budget, simplify your routine, or reduce food waste, this method can be a game-changer.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make grocery shopping once a month an efficient and hassle-free process.
1. Plan Your Meals for the Entire Month
The key to successful monthly grocery shopping is meal planning. Spend some time mapping out the meals for the upcoming four weeks. Consider breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks. Be sure to account for different types of meals—those that are quick and easy for busy nights, and those that can be made in larger batches and frozen for later use.
Tips for Meal Planning:
- Mix and match recipes: Include a variety of meals that use similar ingredients but feel different, so you don’t get bored with your options.
- Incorporate pantry staples: Meals that rely on dried goods like pasta, rice, beans, and canned goods are great for long-term storage.
- Freeze fresh ingredients: Plan meals that freeze well, such as soups, stews, casseroles, and homemade sauces. Cook larger portions and freeze individual servings.
- Theme nights: Schedule theme nights like “Taco Tuesday” or “Meatless Monday” to make planning easier and more fun.
2. Create a Detailed Shopping List
Once you’ve planned your meals, write down every single ingredient you’ll need for the month. Be specific with quantities—don’t just write “milk”; instead, note how many gallons or cartons you’ll need.
Break your list into categories:
- Perishables: Fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy, eggs, and meats. Be mindful of shelf life, and plan to use short-lifespan items early in the month.
- Non-perishables: Canned goods, pasta, rice, and other items with a long shelf life.
- Frozen foods: Frozen veggies, fruits, and meats that can be stored for the whole month.
- Snacks and extras: If your family enjoys snacking, include healthy options that can last all month, like nuts, dried fruits, and popcorn.
Using a list reduces impulse buying and ensures you only purchase what you truly need for the month.
3. Stock Up on Freezer-Friendly Foods
To successfully shop just once a month, your freezer will become one of your greatest assets. Use it to store bulk purchases of meat, poultry, and seafood, as well as prepared meals and frozen vegetables. Freezing fresh produce, pre-cooked meals, and bread extends their shelf life significantly.
Freezer-friendly items include:
- Proteins: Chicken breasts, ground beef, fish fillets, and pork chops all freeze well and can be portioned out as needed.
- Vegetables: Flash-freeze vegetables like broccoli, carrots, spinach, and peas. You can also buy pre-frozen versions for convenience.
- Prepared meals: Dishes like lasagna, chili, soups, and stews can be made in large batches and frozen for quick weeknight dinners.
- Fruit: Freeze berries, bananas, and chopped fruits for smoothies, baking, or snacking.
Make sure your freezer is organized, with foods labeled and dated for easy access.
4. Purchase in Bulk When Possible
Buying in bulk is another key aspect of monthly grocery shopping. It’s not only more cost-effective, but it also ensures you’ll have enough supplies to last through the month. Stores like Costco, Sam’s Club, or other warehouse outlets are great for bulk purchases, especially for staple items like grains, oils, and snacks.
Best items to buy in bulk:
- Grains and pasta: Rice, quinoa, oats, pasta, and flour are inexpensive in bulk and have long shelf lives.
- Meats: Purchasing meat in large quantities and freezing it in portions will help reduce your per-unit cost.
- Non-perishable pantry items: Canned beans, lentils, and tomatoes are versatile and essential for a variety of recipes.
- Household essentials: Don’t forget to stock up on non-food essentials like toilet paper, paper towels, soap, and cleaning supplies.
5. Prioritize Long-Lasting Fresh Produce
Although fresh produce can have a limited shelf life, there are certain fruits and vegetables that last longer, making them perfect for monthly shopping trips. Choose hardy produce that stays fresh for weeks when stored properly.
Long-lasting fruits and vegetables:
- Root vegetables: Potatoes, carrots, sweet potatoes, and onions can last several weeks.
- Cabbage: Stays fresh in the fridge for about a month and can be used in salads, soups, and stir-fries.
- Squash: Winter squash varieties like butternut and acorn last for months when stored in a cool, dry place.
- Apples and oranges: Both fruits stay fresh in the fridge for a month or more.
- Garlic and ginger: Keep them stored in a cool, dry place, and they’ll last for weeks.
You can also freeze or preserve vegetables and herbs that may spoil more quickly.
6. Make Use of Your Pantry
A well-stocked pantry is essential when grocery shopping once a month. Make sure your pantry is filled with long-lasting staples like canned goods, grains, and oils that can help stretch meals further.
Pantry essentials:
- Canned tomatoes, beans, and vegetables
- Rice, pasta, quinoa, and oats
- Spices, herbs, and seasonings
- Oils, vinegar, and sauces
- Baking essentials like flour, sugar, and yeast
Rotate your pantry stock regularly, so nothing goes to waste, and keep track of expiration dates.
7. Shop Sales and Use Coupons
One of the best ways to stick to a monthly grocery budget is to take advantage of sales and coupons. Review store flyers before your shopping trip, and plan to buy discounted items in bulk. If you know you’ll need a lot of a particular item, stock up when it’s on sale.
Coupon tips:
- Use cashback apps like Ibotta or Fetch Rewards to earn money back on purchases.
- Stack store discounts with manufacturer coupons for extra savings.
- Use digital coupons through store apps or websites.
8. Prepare for Perishables to Run Out
Even with the best planning, some perishable items like milk, bread, and eggs may not last the full month. Have a plan for how you’ll manage when these items run low. For example, you could freeze milk or bread for later use, or plan a mid-month run just for these essentials.
9. Be Flexible and Get Creative with Leftovers
Sometimes, plans change, and you may not get to all the meals you intended to make. Be flexible with your meal plan and repurpose leftovers into new dishes to avoid food waste. Leftover roasted vegetables can be turned into soups, while extra rice can be used for stir-fries.
Conclusion
Grocery shopping once a month is a fantastic way to save time, money, and reduce the stress of weekly trips to the store. By planning meals in advance, buying in bulk, freezing what you can, and stocking up on pantry essentials, you can ensure your household is well-fed all month long. The key is preparation and flexibility—stick to your plan but adjust as needed, and you’ll find that once-a-month shopping is both efficient and rewarding.
