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How Much Does the Average Arizona Family Spend on Groceries Today
If you are feeling sticker shock at the grocery store, you are not imagining it. The average family of four in Arizona now spends between 230 and 330 dollars per week on groceries. That range depends on how you shop, what stores you prefer, and how often you buy convenience items instead of cooking at home.
To put this into perspective, when I was raising my daughter and we were a family of three, my food bill was about 100 dollars a week. That was before the pandemic changed everything from supply chains to food costs. Prices have shifted, but the good news is that there are still many ways to lower your food bill without sacrificing quality or nutrition.
Meal Planning Is the Number One Way to Save
Meal planning is not about perfection. It is about knowing what is on sale and building your meals around those savings. Start by checking for discounts on proteins and produce. Those two items usually take up the biggest part of your grocery bill. Once you know what is on sale, you simply plan meals around those ingredients.
This approach also saves you time. When you plan ahead, you can batch cook and prepare several meals at once. You will spend less time guessing what to make and more time enjoying your food.
Use Technology to Make Meal Planning Easier
Today it is simpler than ever thanks to technology. A great free tool is Eatwell101.com. It is fully web based and allows you to search for recipes, import your own, or copy recipes directly from any site. When you add recipes, the site automatically builds a grocery list for you. It takes away the stress of planning and organizing.
Another excellent tool is RecipeKeeper. It works like Eatwell101 but is an app. You can store up to twenty recipes for free, and if you want to store more there is a one time fee. The mobile version costs about 30 dollars and is extremely useful when you are shopping because your recipes are right on your phone.
If You Do Not Plan Meals, You Can Still Save
Not everyone has the time or desire to meal plan. That is okay. You can still stay on budget. Apps like Flipp let you see every store ad in one place. Search for any item you need and Flipp tells you which store has it on sale. This alone can cut a significant amount off your weekly total.
Another key strategy is signing up for every grocery store reward program. Stores track what you regularly buy and often send personalized discounts just for you. These can add up faster than you might think.
Store Brands Offer Big Savings
One of the easiest ways to save is choosing store brands over national brands. You are paying for national brand advertising, not a better product. When I shop at Whole Foods or Sprouts, I stick almost completely to their store brands. Their store brand pricing is often competitive with regular grocery stores.
Product Placement Matters
There is also a trick to where items are placed on shelves. Anything at eye level tends to cost more. Look above or below eye level for better pricing.
Always Check Cost Per Unit
Cost per unit shows the true value. For example
Kellogg’s Raisin Bran
12 ounces for 3.79 dollars
Store brand
16 ounces for 4.99 dollars
Divide the price by the ounces
• Kellogg’s is 0.32 per ounce
• Store brand is 0.31 per ounce
The store brand wins by a small margin.
Buy in Bulk for Major Savings
One of my favorite places for bulk foods is WinCo. Their bulk section is the largest in Arizona and their prices are very reasonable. You will find everything from spices and rice to nutritional yeast and vegan protein powders. They even have bulk dog food. WinCo only accepts cash or debit, and you bag your own groceries, but it is employee owned and absolutely worth visiting once a month.
Seasonal Produce Saves Money
Buying produce in season cuts your bill and it tastes better. And here is a local tip that many people do not know. The Phoenix Public Library offers seeds for free with your library card. Growing your own herbs and produce can significantly lower your grocery bill.
Join My Free Grocery Guru Class
If you want to learn how to cut your food bill and feel confident at the store, I teach a free online class every month through the Phoenix Public Library. It is called Grocery Guru. You do need a library card to sign up, but the card is free and so is the class.
