Today, I’m sharing the exact weekly grocery shopping strategy I use to save time, stick to a budget, and make sure my family is well-fed with whole, nourishing foods. Grocery shopping doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With a simple system and a bit of prep, it can become just another part of your Sunday routine, no stress required.
I shop for a family of four and do one big grocery haul every Sunday. I stick to one grocery store (both for my sanity and schedule) and use a flexible meal planning strategy based on what's on sale, what I already have at home, and what I’m realistically able to cook that week.
We also supplement a portion of our produce with what we grow in our own garden, which helps reduce our overall grocery costs, one of the many benefits of our homesteading journey.
If you're looking for a better way to grocery shop without the stress, keep reading!
Want to Set Yourself Up for a Smooth Grocery Week?
Make sure to check out these helpful posts:
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📝 Weekly Meal Planning Made Simple (Without Overcomplicating It)
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🛒 The Easiest Flexitarian Grocery List for Beginners (With Printable Checklist)
My Weekly Grocery Shopping Process (Step-by-Step)
1. Start with the Weekly Sale Ad (Wednesday)
I begin by checking my store’s weekly ad as soon as it's released on Wednesday. I make a note of relevant deals, and I also browse digital coupons and any cash-back offers linked to my account.
2. Plan Meals Around Sales (Thursday)
On Thursday, I create a meal plan for the week, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks, based on what’s on sale, what’s in season, and what we actually want to eat. Flexibility is key here, especially with our busy schedule.
3. Take Inventory of What I Already Have
I do a quick "shop" from my pantry, fridge, and freezer to:
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Avoid buying duplicates
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Use up anything close to expiring
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Get inspiration from what we already have on hand
4. Build a Grocery List That Works for My Budget
I create my grocery list in two parts:
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Digital List (Google Sheets): Itemized by store section/aisle for efficiency
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Handwritten List (Notebook): My go-to for shopping in-store — it’s old school, but it keeps me focused
This system helps me stay organized, avoid impulse purchases, and stick to my budget more easily.
5. Use Cashback Apps to Maximize Savings
Before I shop, I double-check that all digital coupons are clipped and that I’ve selected relevant offers in my cashback apps:
💸 Ibotta
🎁 Fetch
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6. Finalize and Write Out My Shopping List (Saturday)
Once I’ve confirmed everything aligns with the sales and offers, I write my final list in my notebook, again, organized by aisle. I attach any paper coupons with a paper clip so everything is ready to go.
7. Sunday Morning Grocery Run + Meal Prep
I do my shopping first thing on Sunday morning and begin my weekly meal prep as soon as I get home. My goal is to make the entire shopping/prep experience a “one and done” routine that sets me up for the week and saves me from having to think too hard about food every single day.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🛍️ Why do you only shop at one grocery store?
It simplifies my routine and saves time. I’d rather do one thorough shop than run around town chasing multiple deals. It keeps me consistent and reduces decision fatigue.
💰 How much do you typically spend per week?
This varies slightly, but I aim to keep our weekly grocery bill between $150–$200 for a family of four. Using our garden, shopping sales, and using cash-back apps helps keep us within that range.
🧾 Do you track your grocery spending?
Yes! My Google Sheets list includes price estimates so I can track what I’m spending as I go. After my shop, I compare the receipt with my estimates to stay accountable and adjust as needed.
🥗 What kind of meals do you plan?
If you’ve been looking for a way to streamline your weekly grocery shopping, I hope this helped give you some ideas for how to create a more mindful (and budget-friendly) system that works for your family.
Let me know in the comments or on Instagram, what does your grocery routine look like?
xo,
Jessica
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