For most people, groceries take up a large part of the monthly budget. Whether you live alone or manage a family, the total at checkout often feels higher than expected. Between rising food prices, impulse buys, and wasted items, spending can easily get out of hand.
The good news? You can save a lot of money on groceries without compromising on quality or variety; it just takes a little planning and a few smart habits.
Here’s a complete guide on how to make your grocery shopping budget-friendly and stress-free.
Before you start shopping, decide how much you can realistically spend each month. Review your past grocery bills to get an idea of your average spending, then set a target slightly below that number.
Once you have a figure in mind, divide it by the number of weeks in a month. This helps you stay on track instead of overspending early on.
Tip: Use budgeting apps or even a simple spreadsheet to monitor your grocery expenses. Seeing your spending in numbers helps you stay accountable.
Meal planning is one of the most effective ways to control grocery costs.
When you know what you’ll cook during the week, you buy only what’s needed, which reduces waste and prevents extra trips to the store.
Start by planning simple meals using ingredients you already have at home. Create a shopping list around what’s missing.
Bonus Tip: Keep a basic list of essentials like rice, pasta, spices, and oil. These are items you can build multiple meals around.
A grocery list isn’t just for organization, it’s a money-saving tool. When you walk into a store without one, it’s easy to get distracted by offers, packaging, or hunger cravings.
Stick to your list and avoid adding random items unless they truly fit your plan. Over time, this small habit can save hundreds of dirhams each month.
Not all stores price their items the same. In the UAE, supermarkets like Carrefour, Lulu, Union Coop, and Choithrams often have different prices for the same brands.
Take advantage of:
Online grocery apps to compare prices instantly.
Store loyalty programs that give cashback or discounts.
Mid-week sales where essentials are often cheaper than weekends.
Bulk buying can save money, but only when done smartly.
Purchase items in bulk only if they’re non-perishable or used regularly, such as rice, canned goods, cleaning supplies, or toiletries.
Avoid overstocking perishable foods like fruits, vegetables, or dairy unless you have a clear plan to use them soon. Wasting food cancels out any savings you make.
Tip: Share bulk purchases with friends or family. You’ll both save money and storage space.
Most major supermarkets in the UAE have seasonal discounts and digital coupons. Download their apps and check for promotions before heading out.
Look for:
“Buy one, get one free” offers on essentials.
Credit card cashback programs on groceries.
Discounted bundles for staples like rice, flour, or lentils.
However, make sure you’re buying things you actually need, not just because they’re on sale.
Many store-brand products offer the same quality as popular brands at a lower price.
From pasta and cereals to cleaning supplies, trying generic options can reduce your bill significantly.
Experiment with smaller quantities first, and once you find a brand that fits your taste and quality expectations, switch fully.
This sounds simple but makes a big difference.
Shopping while hungry often leads to impulsive snack purchases or larger quantities than necessary. Eat a small meal or snack before heading to the store. It helps you stick to your list.
One of the biggest budget leaks is food that goes bad before being used.
To minimize waste:
Store fruits and vegetables properly.
Label leftovers with dates.
Freeze extra portions instead of throwing them away.
Repurpose leftovers into new meals (for example, turning rice into fried rice or soups).
Every bit of food you use completely is money saved.
Sometimes, buying groceries online or using delivery services can help you save, not just time but also unnecessary spending.
When you shop online, you can:
Compare prices easily
Avoid impulse buys from in-store displays
Track your total spending before checkout
With same-day delivery across the UAE, Lalamove can help you send items in cars, 1-ton, or 3-ton trucks depending on the size of your order. It’s especially useful for:
Sending weekly bulk groceries from wholesale markets
Delivering fresh produce or frozen goods to relatives or small businesses
Managing grocery deliveries for catering or food prep services
This flexibility helps you save both fuel and time, while keeping your grocery budget in check.
Saving money on groceries is a continuous process.
Review your bills every month and note where most of your money goes. You might realize you’re overspending on snacks or duplicate items.
Make small adjustments, switch brands, skip non-essentials, or try different stores. The goal isn’t to cut back drastically, but to spend smarter.
Saving money on groceries doesn’t mean giving up your favorite foods. It’s about being mindful, planning ahead, and using resources wisely.
By combining smart shopping habits with practical tools like delivery services, loyalty programs, and budgeting apps, you can easily make grocery shopping more efficient and affordable.
And for those moments when you need groceries or essentials moved quickly, whether from store to home or between cities, Lalamove is here to help you manage it all smoothly.
Download the Lalamove app today and start saving money on groceries and deliveries!