8 Easy Swaps To Make Right Now For A Cheaper Grocery Bill

1. Chicken

Chicken remains one of the more affordable meat options, yet prices have still crept up steadily over the past few years. For instance, in 2019, shoppers paid an average of $1.47 per pound of fresh whole chicken. By the tail end of 2024, this increased to $2.06 per pound.

If chicken breast has been your go-to, you can try swapping it with thighs or drumsticks. These cuts are both more affordable and often more flavorful than white meat.

Or, for even bigger savings, consider buying a whole chicken. It's usually cheaper per pound and offers multiple meals' worth of meat once butchered. Save the carcass to make chicken stock, too!

2. Milk

If you're a family that goes through multiple gallons of milk per week, you've probably felt the strain of rising dairy prices. Five years ago, one gallon of whole milk cost an average of $2.91; meanwhile, at the end of last year, the average price rose to $4.10.

This surge means it's worth looking into alternatives. Shelf-stable dairy and non-dairy milks, such as oat, almond, or soy, can often be found in bulk at lower prices. Not to mention, they tend to last longer, helping you cut down on food waste.

3. Eggs

Eggs used to be a cheaper protein staple, but today, they're pricier than ever. The easiest way to decrease your spending on eggs each week is by trying egg substitutes, such as Egg Replacer.

Or, if you are baking, consider swapping eggs out for applesauce, mashed banana, or flaxseed mixed with water in your recipes, all of which can replicate the binding properties of eggs.

4. Coffee

Those of us who are fueled by caffeine are also feeling the pain. Making coffee at home instead of visiting Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts used to be a foolproof way to lower spending. Now, even brewing a cup of Joe at home is getting quite expensive, particularly if you rely on single-serve pods.

To save, start buying ground coffee in bulk or switching to whole beans. You can also mix your coffee with creamer to stretch your supply or replace it with instant coffee, which may be more affordable over time.

5. Bread

Whether you prefer white or wheat, the prices of both kinds of bread have increased. In order to cut back, you can begin baking your own loaves at home. It's actually a lot easier than it sounds and much cheaper in the long run.

Otherwise, if baking's not your thing, you can buy bread in bulk and freeze the extras to avoid any mid-week grocery store runs or waste. Using rice, potatoes, or tortillas in place of traditional bread is another way to lower the price of your meals.

6. Garlic

Garlic is a kitchen staple, and many people agree that you can never have enough. Unfortunately, though, a lot of the garlic we buy in the United States is imported from China, meaning prices may soon go up due to tariffs.

For a cost-effective swap, you can try using garlic-infused olive oil, which adds the same flavor and lasts longer, or substitute leeks, onions, or shelf-stable garlic powder.

7. Avocados

Not only are avocados expensive, but they're rarely sold ripe and ready-to-eat in supermarkets. So, if you buy them in advance and accidentally miss their ripeness window, you may wind up wasting a pretty pricey piece of produce.

Mashed chickpeas, seasoned edamame, or even hummus can serve as a creamy, versatile substitute in sandwiches and bowls. They're typically cheaper, have a similar texture, and are still nutritious.

8. Sugar

Last but not least, it's time to think outside the box if you have a sweet tooth due to the climbing costs of sugar, particularly bulk and imported varieties. You can turn to natural sweeteners like mashed bananas, applesauce, or even maple syrup, which work well in baking, sauces, and drinks.