To formulate a plan to save money on food, the first thing you need to do is understand your family size, lifestyle and storage area. What flexibility do you have in your schedule? Are you one of those families that have a habit of eating out frequently? You might need to save money because your income is not sufficient to meet daily household expenses. If you are facing such troubles, this article is surely a great help to you, as it will suggest to you some practical tips to save money on food.

According to research studies, the cost of eating out is four times more than that of eating at home. If you can eat a cocktail in combination with dinner, you can save even more money. If both you and your spouse work, you can take lunch with you to the office to save money. You can use restaurant coupons found in print ads, restaurant websites and through online services.

Now, here are some more practical tips to follow. First off, make a list of each and everything you need prior to leaving for the market. Benefit from food coupons available in newspapers and on the Internet. Leave kids at home as they can add to the items you will buy. Purchase those items first that are most necessary and avoid purchasing stuff that you had not planned to purchase. Purchase store brands if possible. Also purchase in bulk if your budget allows as you will likely receive discounts on bulk purchases. It is better to purchase meat at the end of the day.

While you are comparing prices on different items, ensure each item has the same amounts i.e. lbs or ozs. Subscribe to a wholesale club, such as Sam's or Costco. It can save you 30 to 40% on food; however, it will require you to purchase in bulk. Purchase and store lots of non-perishable or frozen items when they are offered to purchase.

Another tip to save money on groceries is to get more freezer storage, you might purchase 5.0 cu. Ft. Freezer Chest. It will hold 175 lbs of food and it will cost you only a few dollars each month on the electricity bill. These freezers are small and can fit anywhere in your home. Do not throw leftovers away; instead use them to make meals. Cook at home what you want to purchase from the market. You can purchase less-tender cuts of beef and use a crock-pot to cook them so as to enjoy a tender meal. Eat the food available in the refrigerator prior to its going bad. For non-perishable items, such as cans and pasta, make additional pantry space. Freeze and store items that you will take some days to eat and finally it is recommended to subscribe to a coupon-swapping club. Follow these tips to save moola on a consistent basis.