Smart grocery shopping tips for college students on a budget
Grocery shopping on a college budget can be challenging, but a little planning can help you save money, reduce food waste and make meals easier throughout the week. Whether you cook regularly or rely on quick meals, try these tips to make your grocery budget go further.
Choose the strategies that work for your budget, schedule, kitchen setup and eating habits.
Plan meals before you grocery shop
Before you head to the store, check your fridge, freezer and cabinets to see what you already have. Then think about a few meals and snacks you’ll realistically eat during the week and make a shopping list. Need ideas? Check out the Taste of Home virtual cookbook for recipes from Buff families.
Planning ahead can help you avoid buying things you already have or food you may not use. Look for ways to use the same ingredients in multiple meals. Leftover vegetables could go into a stir-fry, soup or pasta, while dinner leftovers can become an easy lunch the next day.
Compare grocery prices and deals
A few minutes of comparison shopping can help you find the best value for your budget.
- Check store deals: Look at your grocery store’s app or website for weekly sales and digital coupons. If something you regularly use is on sale, consider working it into your meal plan.
- Compare unit prices: The price per ounce, pound or other unit can help you compare different brands and package sizes.
- Try store brands: Generic or store-brand products often cost less than name brands.
- Compare different options: Fresh, frozen and canned foods can all be budget-friendly. Compare prices and choose the option that works best for your meals, storage space and budget.
Remember, buying a larger package isn't always the better deal. Consider whether you have space to store it and can use it before it goes bad.
Buy pantry staples in larger quantities when it saves money
Buying larger quantities of foods you use regularly can help lower your cost per meal and save money over time. Foods like rice, pasta, oats and beans can cost less per serving when you buy more, especially if you know you’ll use them. Just make sure you have enough storage space and will use the food before it goes bad.
You can also make more expensive ingredients go further by combining them with lower-cost foods. For example, add beans to tacos, lentils to soup, or vegetables to pasta or instant noodles.
Make your groceries last longer
Using what you already have can help you save money and reduce food waste.
Freeze foods you won't use right away when possible, and keep foods that need to be eaten soon where you can see them. Before buying more groceries, check whether you have ingredients that can become your next meal or snack.
Frozen and canned fruits and vegetables can also be useful if fresh produce tends to go bad before you use it. They last longer, hold the same nutritional value and can be easy to add to meals, smoothies and snacks.
Find food and nutrition support at CU Boulder
If paying for groceries is difficult, you don't have to figure it out on your own. CU Boulder offers resources that can help students access food and plan affordable meals.
The Basic Needs Center connects students with food and other essential resources.
- Buff Pantry: CU Boulder students can access fresh produce, pantry staples, frozen items and personal care products.
- Mobile Food Pantries: Find free pop-up food pantries available to CU Boulder students, faculty, staff and Boulder and Broomfield community members.
- Ralphie’s Cooking Basics: Learn how to make easy, budget-friendly meals at free cooking classes.
- Workshops: Student groups, classes and other campus groups can request workshops on topics such as nutrition basics and meal prepping.
Students can meet with a registered dietitian for free to get personalized guidance on meal planning, dietary needs and other nutrition topics.
Community Food Share serves Boulder and Broomfield counties with free food resources, including an on-site pantry and mobile food pantries.
Find help: Search for local food, housing, health care and other assistance in Boulder County.
Small changes can add up. Start with one or two strategies—like shopping with a list, comparing prices or using what you already have—and find a grocery routine that works for you.