Hello and welcome back to the Gubba podcast! I’m Gubba, a first time homesteader following in the footsteps of my homesteading forbears. In this podcast I discuss prepping, homesteading, and everything in between. Today we will dive into how to save money on your grocery bill.
I couldn’t believe the prices last time I was at the grocery store, and according to reports, grocery store prices are still going up. In my honest opinion, I think they will continue to creep up whether slowly or skyrocket depending on what is going on with the government, so now is the time to take control of your food. Let’s jump in today and discuss how to save money on groceries without sacrificing quality or nutrition.
Why are groceries more expensive?
If you’ve been to the store lately, you’ve probably noticed how much food prices have climbed. Between inflation, supply chain issues, and shifts in agricultural production, 2025 has brought some of the highest grocery costs we’ve seen in years. So what can we do? The key is strategy, awareness, and a little bit of homesteading mindset to make the most of every dollar.
Understanding why prices are rising can help us adapt. Factors like extreme weather patterns affecting crop yields, global economic fluctuations, and increased transportation costs all contribute to the surge. So oftentimes, I think the government uses excuses to further their agendas that then cause price increases.
For example, the bird flu narrative was just used to affect our food supply chain because they were able to cull millions of birds on a whim. So of course this brought egg costs up.
We may even see a rise in meat costs. Currently, there is a wave going on with immigration, so people are speculating that fruit prices are going to soar if there is a shortage of workers in our fruit areas like California.
Even consumer habits have changed—more people are buying organic, sustainable, and specialty products, which can drive demand and prices higher. I have seen that in my local area with raw milk.
The price has gone from $5 a half gallon to $7.50 a half gallon for raw milk. For goat milk, it has gone from $10 a half gallon to $14 depending on who you buy from. Demand has increased as people have started to return local and prices are reflecting that.
I do believe local economies will correct themselves easier than our countries economy and are not as susceptible to collapse though. I think going as local as possible is your best bet to defending against a country or world food system collapse.
But here’s the silver lining: By shifting the way we approach grocery shopping and food storage, we can take back control of our food budgets and make smarter choices, and that’s what I want to help you with today.
How do you save money grocery shopping?
One of the biggest mistakes people make is shopping without a plan. If you go into the store without a list or a clear idea of what you need, you’re most likely going to overspend. The grocery stores are built for that, especially if you have children.
The way the store is aligned isn’t coincidence but human psychology has been taken into account. For example, the checkouts are loaded with convenience foods. At my local Walmart, when you approach checkout, they have hand pies, and ready-to-go eats along with the candy and chips. Not only that, these are child height, so good luck making it through checkout. Here’s what I recommend:
Go with a plan. I discuss how this ties into food storage in my food storage course which I will have in the show notes. Having a plan helps you save money by purchasing food that your family will eat.
You don’t want to willy-nilly buy things on a whim then that food gets stuffed to the back of the fridge or pantry to never see the light of day again. Plan out what you want to eat for the week or next two weeks, depending on your grocery store frequency and stick to it. You will see how thoughtful planning saves your pocketbook.
How do you plan meals to save money?
Plan meals around what’s on sale. Check store flyers, digital coupons, and loyalty programs before heading out. If chicken is on sale this week, make it the centerpiece of a few meals.
Even though I don’t frequent the grocery store, I still check the flyers when they’re dropped off in my mailbox to see what is going on at the local grocery stores. Flyers may seem old school, but they keep you up to date on what sales are going on. This is a good time to stock up for your food storage as well.
Does buying groceries in bulk save money?
Buy in bulk—strategically. Some items, like rice, beans, and flour, are always cheaper in bulk. I discuss why buying in bulk saves you money in one of my recent youtube videos. But for perishable items, only buy in bulk if you have a plan to store them—which brings me to food preservation in just a bit. Food preservation and saving money on your groceries go hand-in-hand.
How do you buy food from a farm?
Shop seasonal and local. Not only is seasonal produce fresher and more nutritious, but it can also be cheaper. Farmers’ markets, co-ops, and direct-from-farm purchases can sometimes beat grocery store prices.
Many local farmers offer Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) boxes that give you a fresh selection of vegetables at a lower price than retail. See if your community has local food co-ops. I know end of summer season the farmers around me give good prices on produce.
I mean heirloom produce that is organically grown for cheap because they need to get rid of it. I do a lot of buying in bulk during this time and preservation.
For example, I get a bulk of tomatoes at the end of the season for cheap then can up diced tomatoes, salsas, tomato juice, and more tomato products for the winter.
How do you save money on your grocery bill?
Understand unit pricing. Grocery stores often make products seem cheaper by playing with packaging sizes. Always compare the price per ounce or pound to get the best deal. If you look closely at the tag that is on the shelf, sometimes it will tell you how much you are paying per oz or lb.
Oftentimes, name brand items are more expensive than the off-brand but the ingredients will be the same. Just keep an eye on any tricks like this. Also, if a store has something marked cheaper and you go ring it up and it’s more expensive, they have to honor what it was marked as, so always check your receipts to make sure you are being run up correctly.
Stick to staple foods. Whole foods like oats, potatoes, lentils, eggs, meat. Items like this that can provide simple nutrients for you and your family and are far cheaper than pre-packaged alternatives.
Honestly, when you start buying ingredients rather than ultra-processed garbage you save money. A bag of doritos is going to be more expensive per oz than a carton of eggs.
The Power of Food Preservation
Now, let’s talk about something that can seriously slash your grocery bill long-term: food preservation. If you’ve never thought about canning, fermenting, or freezing in bulk, 2025 is the year to start.
Seriously, once you start preserving food, there is no going back because you will see how simple it is, how much money it saves you, and how it helps you build a food storage. Let’s run through some of the food preservation methods that can help you clean up your grocery bill.
How do you preserve food?
Canning vegetables, sauces, and even meats can cut your grocery costs dramatically. When you buy produce at peak season—either from your grocery store or a local farmer—or maybe you have your own garden you’re paying rock-bottom prices.
Preserve it, and you’ve got months of cheap food. Like I mentioned for the farmers around me, when the season is ending and they are still swimming in produce, they will give you an even better deal than peak season. You can get quality produce for dirt cheap. Water bath canning is great for jams and tomatoes, while pressure canning works for meats and soups.
Freezing is a wonderful method of food storage because of how simple it is. If you are buying meat in bulk, portion it out and freeze it. Make soups, broths, and stews ahead of time and freeze them for quick meals. A deep freezer can be a game-changer when it comes to preserving food for the long haul.
Dehydrating is great for herbs, fruits, and even jerky. Instead of paying premium prices for dried fruit snacks, you can dehydrate apples, bananas, or even citrus peels for teas. Dehydrated soup mixes can be stored for emergencies or quick dinners.
Fermenting in your own kitchen is a great way to save money. Quality fermented foods can come with a steep price tag at the store when you can make them at home for cheap.
Sauerkraut, kimchi, yogurt, and pickled vegetables last for months and actually improve in flavor over time. Fermentation is an ancient technique that not only preserves food but also boosts gut health. So if you are into fermented foods, take the time to make them at home. Get the fermentation weights or whatever gear you need for your ferments. It’s so much nicer because of the flavor you get to control.
Cutting Out the Middleman
One of the best ways to lower your grocery bill, and I am going to sound like a broken record here, is to reduce your reliance on processed and pre-packaged foods. The more hands an item passes through before it gets to you, the more you’re paying for convenience. So like the fermented foods, here are some foods that you can make yourself and save a lot of money overtime.
Bake your own bread. Flour is still relatively affordable, and making your own loaves can save you a ton over time. Sourdough starters are free to maintain and can provide delicious, nutritious bread. You just need flour and water. I have a bread recipe tutorial that I will put in the show notes for you.
Make your own snacks. Instead of spending on expensive granola bars or crackers, try making homemade energy bites or sourdough crackers. Popcorn is another cheap, whole-food snack option. I absolutely love making popcorn in my dutch oven with just kernels and olive oil. I top the popcorn with butter then I dip in my homemade ranch dressing. Tasty, convenient, and cheap compared to if I bought pre-packaged popcorn. Plus, I’m saving my health by ditching out on the chemicals. You can do this with all of your snacks.
Create your own dairy products. If you have access to milk, you can make your own butter, yogurt, and cheese for a fraction of the store price. I make yogurt in my instant pot. It even has a yogurt button that does all of the work for me. If you take heavy whipping cream and continuously mix it in your mixer, it will separate into butter and butter milk. You can make cheese and things like kefir but you will need starter cultures which isn’t a big deal.
Grow your own herbs and spices. Store-bought herbs can be pricey, but growing basil, oregano, thyme, and cilantro at home can provide a fresh and free supply year-round. You can have a windowsill kitchen garden.
The Homesteader’s Advantage
Now, I know not everyone has land or the ability to raise livestock, but even a small step towards self-sufficiency can make a difference when it comes to your grocery bill.
How do you start homesteading?
Backyard chickens for eggs. The best time to get chicks is in early spring, when they have a better chance of survival. You’ll need a brooder with a heat lamp, quality feed, and secure housing. By the time they mature in 4-6 months, they’ll provide you with a steady egg supply, reducing grocery costs significantly. We have been seeing egg prices skyrocket lately, especially for quality eggs, so you can circumnavigate that by having your own chickens.
Growing your own vegetables. Raised beds, container gardens, and hydroponics are all great options, even for small spaces. Herbs, tomatoes, lettuce, and peppers are easy to grow and high-yield. Raised garden boxes or vertical growers are your secret to those high-yield gardens in small spaces.
Foraging and bartering. Learn what grows naturally in your area. Wild greens, nuts, and berries can supplement your diet for free. Bartering with neighbors can also save money—you provide eggs, they provide fruit or homegrown honey. I use to trade milk for strawberries with my neighbor and that was awesome. I forage for mushrooms and berries in the spring and summer, and it is also so soothing for mental health to get out and go forage.
Raising small livestock. Rabbits and quail are excellent for meat production in small spaces. They require minimal care, and their feed-to-meat ratio is highly efficient. I know a lot of homesteaders who love rabbits because of how simple they are to care for.
Saving money on groceries in 2025 isn’t just about spending less—it’s about being intentional, resourceful, and willing to think outside the box. Like I have said before, you have to choose your hard. Whether that is suffering with what the grocery store has to offer or figuring out how you can help yourself by learning new skills.
If you found this episode helpful, don’t forget to subscribe and share it with a friend. Until next time, happy homesteading and happy saving!
