1. Plan Like a Pro to save money on groceries (Meal Planning & Smart Lists)
Impulse buying is the enemy of your wallet. Studies show that shopping without a list can lead to 40% more spending on average. Create a simple weekly meal plan based on what’s on sale or already in your pantry. Use apps like Mealime, Yazio or even Google Keep to make your grocery list digital and focused.
Pro tip: Shop on a full stomach. Science backs it up, hungry shoppers make worse financial decisions.
2. Use Discount Apps and Loyalty Cards to save money on groceries
Europe is full of local supermarket chains with digital coupons and savings programmes. Whether it’s Lidl Plus, Carrefour’s app or Albert Heijn’s Bonuskaart, these loyalty systems can give you serious perks.
Reddit users often share insane deals—like full meal discounts or 50% off premium products—just by scanning a loyalty QR code. Combine that with cashback platforms like Shopmium or even Revolut’s reward system, and you’ve got a savings machine in your pocket.
3. Buy Seasonal, Local and in Bulk
Why pay €3 for strawberries in January when they cost €1 in June? Seasonal shopping not only tastes better but also saves money. Local produce at farmers’ markets or regional co-ops can be cheaper than supermarket imports.
Also: buy bulk when it makes sense. Think rice, pasta, oats or canned beans. These staples don’t spoil quickly and offer the best price per unit. Stores like Costco (in the UK/Spain) or Metro (in Germany/France) give massive discounts on bulk products—if you’ve got the space to store them.
4. Switch Stores and Compare Prices
You don’t need to be loyal to one store. Instead, use price comparison sites like mySupermarket (UK), Idealo (Germany) or Tiendeo (pan-European) to check which store has the best price for your go-to items. Even switching from a premium supermarket (like Edeka or Waitrose) to discount stores (like Aldi or Lidl) can save you 30% or more.
Use store brands too. Most of them are produced by the same suppliers as name brands—just in different packaging.
5. Reduce Food Waste, Maximise Leftovers
The average European throws away 70kg of food per year. That’s like tossing €300 in the trash. Learn to store leftovers properly, repurpose meals and freeze what you can’t eat. Use apps like Too Good To Go to rescue restaurant or bakery food for up to 80% off.
Plus, use the “First In, First Out” method at home. Put older items at the front of your fridge or pantry to make sure they’re used first.
A Simple Grocery Saving Checklist to save money on groceries
- Create a weekly meal plan
- Stick to a shopping list
- Use supermarket apps and loyalty cards
- Buy seasonal and in bulk when possible
- Compare prices between stores
- Freeze food and reduce waste
- Use leftovers creatively
Where Are We Now?
As we test these hacks ourselves across different European cities (currently in Spain and the Netherlands), we’ve consistently seen savings of 20–35% compared to our old grocery routines. A €100-per-week budget for two people became €70 without even going full minimalist. The trick? Sticking to what works and reviewing prices often.
Final Thoughts
Saving money on groceries in Europe isn’t about giving up luxuries. It’s about being intentional. With the right strategy, you can still enjoy quality food, without financial stress. Whether you’re a student, remote worker or young couple chasing freedom, these grocery tips help you keep more euros in your pocket.
Let us know what works for you, and if you have tips of your own, we’d love to test them on our journey to €100k.
At 100kPathway, we’re committed to testing real-world side hustle strategies and reporting the unfiltered results. We track our earnings, time investments, and lessons learned from each opportunity so you can make informed decisions about which paths are worth your time. Our approach is always data-driven, transparent, and focused on practical results rather than get-rich-quick promises. If you want to see the raw numbers behind our side hustle experiments, including detailed income reports and time tracking, visit our Insights page where we document everything from initial setup to final earnings.
