How to Waste Less and Save More on Groceries

Sarah Brumley

Sarah Brumley

You know that feeling when you find a forgotten bag of wilted spinach in the fridge or a loaf of bread that’s gone moldy way too fast? Yeah… we’ve all been there and wasted food is wasted money. But the good news is that it doesn’t take a total kitchen overhaul to fix it. In today’s episode, I’m sharing practical tips to help you waste less, save more, and get the most out of every grocery trip. So, if you’re ready to turn things around and keep more of your hard-earned dollars, stick around—this one’s for you!

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Pantry Secrets: How to Waste Less and Save More on Groceries

Well hey there, and welcome back to the Financial Fix Up Podcast! I’m your host, Sarah Brumley, and as always, I’m so glad you’re here with me today.

Let’s rip the Band-Aid off—the average family wastes about 30% of the food they buy. That’s like tossing $30 from every $100 grocery trip straight into the trash. Ouch, right?

And it’s not just the money—it’s the time spent meal planning, shopping, and cooking, only to watch good food go bad. I’ve been there. I’d load up on fresh veggies, convinced this is the week I cook all the healthy meals!—only to find a sad, wilted mess in the fridge days later.

But here’s the good news—a few simple tweaks can help you waste less, save more, and make every grocery dollar count. So today, we’re talking about practical, easy-to-implement strategies to stretch your grocery budget and keep more cash in your pocket.

Sound good? Grab your coffee, tea, or whatever fuels your day, and let’s get into it!

Strategy #1: Store Food Properly

Good storage is the secret weapon for making your groceries last longer. And the best part? It takes almost no extra effort!

Think about your grains, like rice and oats. Keeping them in airtight containers doesn’t just keep them fresh—it also keeps the pests away. Nobody wants to open the pantry and find an unwelcome surprise, right?

Leftovers can be tricky too. Ever stuck a container in the fridge, only to forget what’s inside? Using clear containers makes all the difference. When you can actually see what’s in there, you’re way more likely to use it before it turns into a science experiment.

And what about those leafy greens? They always seem to go bad way too fast. Here’s a simple fix—add a paper towel to the container to soak up excess moisture. It’ll keep them crisp for much longer. And if you love fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley, try storing them upright in a glass of water with a loose plastic bag over the top. They’ll stay fresh for weeks!

Bread is another thing that goes bad before you can finish it. If you know you won’t get through a whole loaf, slice it up and pop it in the freezer. It’s perfect for quick breakfasts or sandwiches later on. And if you find a great deal on meat? Divide it into portions before freezing so you’re only defrosting what you need.

And if you’re short on time? Here’s the easiest trick ever—set aside one small section of your fridge for food that needs to be eaten ASAP. That way, every time you open the fridge, it’s right there in front of you, no digging around required.

A little prep can go a long way in keeping your food fresh and your budget happy.

Strategy #2: FIFO—First In, First Out

If you take just one thing from this episode, let it be this: FIFO, or “First In, First Out.”

It’s exactly what it sounds like—use older items before newer ones. Simple, but seriously effective when it comes to cutting down on food waste.

So how do you make it work in your home? It’s easy. The next time you put groceries away, take a quick second to rotate your stock. Instead of just shoving the new items in front, push them to the back and bring the older ones forward. That way, the food that needs to be used up first doesn’t get buried and forgotten.

And here’s another simple trick—set up a “use-me-first” bin in your fridge. It’s a designated spot for anything that’s close to expiring. Think of it like a treasure chest for easy dinner ideas—grab from that bin first, and you’ll always have something ready to go.

This whole system takes less than five minutes, but it saves so much money and helps avoid those “Oops, I forgot about that yogurt” moments.

Strategy #3: Repurpose Leftovers

Leftovers don’t have to be boring. In fact, they’re a chance to get creative and turn what you already have into something totally new!

Got some leftover chicken? Shred it up for tacos, toss it into a salad, or stir it into a warm, comforting soup. Those veggies looking a little sad in the crisper drawer? Roast them with olive oil and spices for a delicious side, or blend them into a creamy soup or pasta sauce. Even that extra rice sitting in the fridge can have a second life—just toss it in a pan with an egg, some frozen peas, a splash of soy sauce, and boom—fried rice in ten minutes!

And don’t even think about tossing that stale bread. It’s perfect for homemade croutons, breadcrumbs, or even a batch of French toast.

If you’re short on time, here’s the easiest way to make sure leftovers don’t go to waste—schedule a “leftovers night” once a week. Just pull everything out, set it buffet-style on the counter, and let everyone mix and match their meal. It’s an easy win—less food waste, less cooking, and more money saved.

Strategy #4: Get More Value from Your Groceries

Reducing food waste isn’t just about saving money—it’s about making the most of every grocery trip and stretching what you buy as far as possible.

One easy way to do this? Start a compost bin. Food scraps like peels, coffee grounds, and eggshells don’t have to go in the trash. Even if you don’t have a garden, many communities have compost drop-off programs, so those scraps can be put to good use.

Another simple trick is to save veggie scraps—things like carrot tops, onion skins, and celery leaves. Instead of tossing them, collect them in a freezer bag. Once you’ve got a good stash, simmer them with water to make homemade veggie broth. It’s free, easy, and perfect for soups, cooking grains, or adding extra flavor to meals.

Small changes like these turn what might have been wasted into something useful—and who doesn’t love getting more out of their groceries?

How Will You Waste Less and Save More on Groceries?

And that’s a wrap on how to minimize food waste and stretch your grocery budget!

Now, here’s your challenge for the week—just pick one tip to try. Maybe that means taking a few minutes to organize your fridge so you can actually see what needs to be used up. Or maybe you finally put those leftover veggies to good use and turn them into a delicious homemade soup. If you’re feeling ambitious, you might even start a compost bin and give those food scraps a second life.

Whatever you choose, I’d love to hear how it goes! Shoot me a quick email at sarah@lemonblessings.com and tell me which tip you’re trying this week. Just hit reply to my newsletter—I read every single message!

And hey—if this episode was helpful, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who might find it useful.

Whatever you decide, just know that I’m cheering you on! Have an amazing day, and I’ll chat with you again next time.

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