I’m a Professional Chef: Why You Should Never Spend More Than $200 on a Grocery Trip
Written by
Laura Beck
Edited by
Chris Cluff
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Stocking up at the grocery store can quickly add up if you’re not careful. But blowing your entire monthly food budget in one trip can wreak havoc on your finances. According to experts, setting a cap for each grocery haul helps rein in spending while still allowing flexibility.
Set a Reasonable Limit
“A good rule of thumb is to budget no more than 10% of your monthly income on groceries,” said Anna Cassidy, chef and author at IMARKU. “This will help you to ensure that you are not overspending and that you have enough money left over for other expenses.”
For a $2,000 monthly income, this would equal $200.
Professional chef Catherine Snowden, editor-in-chief of Fascinating Sky, had a similar tip, although she uses a different metric. She recommended sticking to 20% to 30% of your monthly food budget on any one grocery trip.
“This threshold is essential for several reasons,” she explained. “Overspending on a single trip may result in an unnecessary surplus of perishable items, leading to food wastage. It can impede your ability to craft well-balanced and cost-effective meal plans over an extended period.”
The Dangers of Overspending
Overspending can throw off your entire month’s budget and meal planning. Snowden pointed out that over-purchasing perishable ingredients can lead to food spoilage and waste if you can’t use it all up in time. Wasting food is not only ethically questionable but also hits your wallet hard.
By not overspending, Snowden said, “You not only prevent wasteful expenditure but also maintain a sense of financial discipline in your kitchen endeavors.”
Carefully planning grocery trips to stay within that 20% to 30% monthly limit can help you avoid ending up with a fridge full of spoiled food or week after week of repetitive meals.
Shop Smart
Sticking to a $200 cap requires smart shopping habits.
“Make a list and stick to it,” Cassidy said. “This will help you to avoid impulse purchases. Shop around and compare prices. Don’t just buy the first thing you see.
“There are many ways to save money on groceries, such as by shopping at discount stores, using coupons and buying in bulk.”
Shop Weekly
In addition to watching per-trip spending, Cassidy advised shopping only once or twice per week: “This will help to ensure that you have fresh food on hand and that you are not overbuying.”
Shopping at consistent intervals — say every Sunday morning — makes planning and budgeting second nature. You’ll learn to anticipate what staples need restocking and which fresh items to buy for the coming week’s recipes.
Buy This
“Focus on buying fresh, whole foods,” Cassidy said. “These foods are more nutritious and will help you to feel fuller longer.”
Snowden also had recommendations for ingredients that are worthy investments.
“Fresh herbs and a well-rounded spice collection are indispensable for elevating the flavors of your dishes,” she said, “and they’re a healthier alternative to heavily processed flavor enhancers. They can turn a simple meal into a culinary masterpiece.”
A quality selection of herbs and spices allows you to add flavor and flair to simple dishes. Skip the dried basil and invest in a fresh bunch. This is one area where it’s smart to spend a bit more for premium products.
Snowden also recommended being choosy about your cooking oils.
“Quality cooking oils are essential for various culinary techniques,” she said. “Olive oil, for instance, is excellent for salad dressings and low-heat cooking, while canola oil is versatile for high-heat cooking like frying. Investing in these ensures you have the right tools for healthy and flavorful cooking.”
Having the right oils on hand means you can cook anything from fried chicken to casseroles to salad dressings. And oils are a long-lasting staple that easily fits within a monthly budget when purchased wisely.
Finally, Snowden suggested always keeping eggs in the fridge.
“Eggs are a kitchen workhorse,” she said. “They’re not only an affordable source of protein but are incredibly versatile, making them a must-have in your kitchen. From breakfast classics to baking, they’re the foundation of countless recipes.”
From omelets to chicken salad to banana bread, eggs serve as the binding and protein element in so many go-to recipes. An inexpensive carton of eggs can take you far in the kitchen.
Skip This
Snowden recommended being selective in the grocery aisle to avoid overspending. She warned against going overboard on condiments and sauces.
“While condiments can enhance your meals, amassing a collection of every sauce and dressing can lead to an overstuffed fridge and waste,” she said. “Be selective and prioritize condiments that you use frequently or that complement a wide range of dishes.”
When shopping the frozen aisle, be mindful about nutrition, Snowden said.
“While frozen options can be convenient for quick meals, overloading on them may compromise your overall diet. Many frozen items are high in sodium and lack the nutrition found in fresh ingredients. Strike a balance between convenience and cooking fresh, nutritious meals to maintain a well-rounded, healthy diet.”
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