It’s 2026, and the price of groceries continues to rise every year.

Between expensive food costs, growing kids, and the pressure to eat “healthy,” it’s easy to feel like your goals and your budget are fighting each other.

But here’s the good news:
Eating healthy and tracking macros doesn’t have to break the bank.

With a few strategic swaps, planning habits, and some real-life grocery hacks, you can save time and money—without living on bland chicken and rice.

Today we’re sharing a few practical tips that you can start using this week to save at least 25% on your grocery bill (yes, really).

1. No Unplanned Shopping

Impulse shopping is one of the fastest ways to blow your grocery budget.
Instead of winging it in the aisles, use the MFF Meal Planning App to build your week before you shop. It auto-generates your grocery list and lets you remove ingredients you already have at home.

Time saved: ~1 hour/week
Money saved: ~$25–$40/week by avoiding extras and duplicates

Repeat meals during the week to cut down variety costs. Taco bowls twice a week = one less protein to buy.

2. Swap Out Premium Cuts for Budget-Friendly Protein

• Ground turkey instead of chicken breast
• Canned tuna instead of fresh salmon
• Greek yogurt and cottage cheese for snackable, affordable protein

These protein sources are often 25–50% cheaper per serving and still hit your macro goals.

Pro tip: Check price per gram of protein. Not all “cheap” proteins are a good deal.

3. Buy Frozen (It’s Still Healthy!)

Frozen fruits and veggies are still better than no veggies at all—and way cheaper than fresh, especially off-season. Plus, they last longer and reduce waste.

• Stock up on frozen broccoli, stir-fry mixes, berries, and mango
• Use in smoothies, sheet pan meals, or quick stir-fries

You’re also less likely to throw money in the trash when produce goes bad in 3 days.

4. Limit Single-Use Ingredients

If your recipe calls for a spice or sauce you’ll only use once… skip it.
Instead, plan meals with overlapping ingredients. The MFF App makes this super easy.

Example:

• Salsa → used for taco bowls, eggs, and sheet pan nachos
• Rice → used for burrito bowls, stir-fries, and stuffed peppers

Think of your list in terms of “batches” of meals, not just single recipes.

5. Buy in Bulk Where It Counts

Especially in 2026 with prices still fluctuating, buying staple items in bulk when they’re on sale can save you big over time:

• Oats, rice, pasta
• Nut butters, sauces, broth
• Frozen chicken, ground beef, shrimp

Then store or freeze. The upfront cost pays off quickly—especially for big families.

6. Choose Convenience Strategically

Pre-cut veggies? Great when you have minimal time to cook.
Overpriced protein bars with only 8g of protein? Not so great.

Pay for convenience where it actually helps you stay on track, and skip it where it doesn’t deliver value. The MFF App also has a ton of recipes that feel convenient without the extra price tag.

Keep a few “emergency meals” in your freezer (hello, protein pasta bake) so you’re not tempted to order takeout when you’re tired.

You don’t need to coupon clip for hours or eat bland food to stay healthy on a budget.

With a bit of planning, a flexible grocery strategy, and help from the MFF Meal Planning App, you can:

✔️ Stick to your macros
✔️ Save time on meal prep
✔️ Keep your grocery bill under control

Need Help Making Your Grocery List?

The MFF Meal Planning App creates your macro-balanced weekly menu and builds your grocery list in seconds, making it easier (and cheaper) to stick to your goals.