10 Ways to Save Money on Groceries as a Single Parent
Practical strategies to cut your grocery bill without sacrificing nutrition for your family.
As a single parent, every dollar counts—and groceries often represent one of the largest variable expenses in your budget. The good news? With some strategic planning and smart shopping habits, you can significantly reduce your grocery spending without compromising on nutrition or taste.
I've been a single mom for five years, and through trial and error (and plenty of budget spreadsheets), I've discovered strategies that have cut my grocery bill by nearly 40% while actually improving the quality of meals my family eats. Here are the ten most effective strategies that any single parent can implement.
10 Proven Money-Saving Strategies
Plan Your Meals Around Sales
Check store flyers before meal planning and build your weekly menu around discounted items.
Use the 'Price Per Unit' Strategy
Always compare price per ounce or pound, not just the package price. Bulk isn't always cheaper.
Shop with a List (and Stick to It)
Impulse purchases can add 20-30% to your grocery bill. Make a list and don't deviate.
Embrace Generic Brands
Store brands are typically 20-30% cheaper than name brands with similar quality.
Buy Seasonal Produce
Fruits and vegetables in season are cheaper and taste better. Freeze extras for later.
Use Cashback Apps
Apps like Ibotta, Checkout51, and store apps offer cashback on groceries you're already buying.
Cook in Batches
Make large portions and freeze half. This reduces the temptation to order takeout on busy nights.
Shop the Perimeter First
Fresh foods around the store's edges are often healthier and cheaper than processed center-aisle items.
Use Coupons Strategically
Only use coupons for items you actually need. Don't buy something just because you have a coupon.
Shop Alone When Possible
Kids can add $20-40 to your grocery bill through requests and impulse items.
Budget-Friendly Meal Ideas
Here are some nutritious, kid-friendly meals that cost less than $2 per serving:
Ingredients:
- Rice
- Black beans
- Frozen vegetables
- Cheese
Ingredients:
- Pasta
- Canned tomatoes
- Garlic
- Italian herbs
Ingredients:
- Rice
- Eggs
- Frozen mixed vegetables
- Soy sauce
Ingredients:
- Lentils
- Carrots
- Onions
- Vegetable broth
Sunday: Plan & Prep
Check store flyers, plan meals around sales, make shopping list, check pantry inventory.
Monday: Shop Smart
Shop early in the day when I'm focused, stick to my list, compare unit prices, use apps for cashback.
Tuesday: Batch Prep
Wash and prep vegetables, cook grains in bulk, portion and freeze proteins, prep snacks for the week.
Real Results from Real Families
Start Small, Think Big
You don't need to implement all these strategies at once. Start with 2-3 that feel most manageable for your situation. Even small changes can add up to significant savings over time. Remember, the goal isn't just to spend less—it's to spend smarter while still providing nutritious, delicious meals for your family.
As single parents, we're already doing an incredible job managing everything on our own. These strategies simply help make one aspect of that job a little easier and a lot more affordable.