Did you realize that the majority of an average student’s monthly budget is spent on groceries and food? With the cost of groceries increasing, it can be quite challenging to find ways to save money while still enjoying tasty meals. So, look no further and follow me on this journey of tips on smart savings and where to look for quick and easy meal deals for busy students like you!
I have some great tips for saving money on groceries! One thing you can do is to check out apps like Safeway or Giant. These apps offer a wide range of coupons and deals every day. From dairy to fresh produce, prepared meals to canned goods, they have some irresistable offers. Personally, I always make sure to take advantage of the bottled water deals at either Safeway or Giant. For instance, a 35-pack of water usually costs $3.99 to $4.50, which is a great deal!


Also, as a Taiwanese, I frequently visit 99 Ranch Market, an Asian market that offers promotions on groceries weekly. Here, you can find affordable and delicious food options such as vegetables, meat, and especially Asian instant noodles! They have a great variety of food that you can’t always find in American supermarkets!


When it comes to grabbing a bite or ordering takeout, I recommend checking out the McDonald’s or Chipotle app. McDonald’s has a rewards program where you can earn points for each purchase and redeem them for free food. They also offer a $5 meal deal, which is perfect for a budget-friendly lunch. Chipotle also has a rewards program, allowing you to earn 10 points for every $1 spent, which can be used to get a side or an entrée.
Lastly, Too Good to Go is an app where you can get unsold or surplus food from restaurants at half price or less! You can set your location and the app will show which restaurants or bakeries are partnered with Too Good to Go. I once got a CAVA bowl for only $4.99, which is 1/3 of the original price! The food tasted just as delicious! However, you can only pick up your food just before they close, but that shouldn’t stop you from getting a good deal!

Remember to keep this in mind: you don’t have to go through a lot of trouble to save money on groceries or food. Make use of store coupons or reward programs, and keep an eye out for weekly sales to help you snag the best deals. With these tips, you can enjoy your meals without overspending!
