How to Go Grocery Shopping as a Single Person on a Budget

Buy in quantities that you can consume in full before the expiration date.

Because a single person is solely responsible for all grocery shopping and cooking, he must choose carefully to stay within the designated grocery budget. The quantity purchase by a single person is a consideration; buying large packages of perishable items increases the chance of wasted food, if you are unable to consume all of it before it spoils. Plan your grocery trips with food menus and lists to help you buy only what you need and avoid impulsive spending.

Instructions

1. Budget a specific amount for groceries each week. Stick to this budget by adjusting what you buy each week.

2. Plan your meals so that you can create accurate shopping lists. Look for specialty cookbooks with recipes for one or two servings. Cut recipe quantities in half to determine accurate amounts of the ingredients that you need to purchase.

3. Track the amount of food you eat in an average week, especially produce, dairy products and meat -- items that that spoil quickly. Estimate the amounts that you can purchase and consume before these foods begin to spoil.

4. Buy meat from the meat counter; doing so enables you to purchase only one or two pieces of the meat that you want. Prepackaged meats usually are sold in larger quantities. If you choose prepackaged meats, separate the pieces into individual airtight wrapping or containers and freeze the unused portions for other meals.

5. Calculate the per-unit cost of larger food packages to determine which size is the best deal. When you buy large packages of perishable items, ensure you are able to consume all of it before the expiration date. Even if the per-unit price is lower for a larger package, you waste money if you cannot consume it before it spoils.

6. Buy individual fruits and vegetables instead of large bags. Canned or frozen fruits and vegetables keep for longer periods of time. This is a more economical option if you cannot use all of your produce purchase before it spoils.

7. Shop with a friend who is also single. Split larger packages between the two of you to save money and reduce food waste.

Tips & Warnings

• To save time and money, make a full batch of foods like casseroles and soups. Save leftovers in the refrigerator for a few days; package and freeze the rest for future meals.

References

• Ohio State University Extension; Grocery Shopping for One or Two; Deborah Weber
• Alabama Cooperative Extension System; 101+ Ways to Save Food Dollars; Barbara Struempler