Food is one of the expenses that nobody can completely avoid. For people who work in an office or have a family, food can make up a significant portion of their monthly spending.
However, saving money on food doesn’t necessarily mean eating the same meal every day or giving up everything you enjoy.
With a little planning, you can reduce your food expenses while still enjoying your meals.
How to Reduce Your Food Spending
1. Look at Your Current Food Spending
Before trying to cut costs, find out how much you are actually spending on food.
Don’t only count your main meals. Also consider:
- Coffee
- Drinks
- Snacks
- Food delivery
- Eating at restaurants
- Impulse food purchases
2. Bring Food From Home a Few Times a Week
You don’t necessarily have to prepare every meal at home. Start with two or three days a week.
For example, if lunch outside costs RM15 while a homemade meal costs approximately RM7, the difference is RM8.
If you do this three times a week:
RM8 × 3 = RM24 per week
Over four weeks, that is approximately RM96.
3. Plan Your Meals Before Grocery Shopping
One common reason people overspend on groceries is buying food without a plan.
Before going shopping, think about what you are going to cook for the next few days.
| Day | Example Meal |
|---|---|
| Monday | Rice, chicken and vegetables |
| Tuesday | Fried rice and eggs |
| Wednesday | Noodles and chicken |
| Thursday | Rice, fish and vegetables |
| Friday | Pasta and chicken |
4. Use the Same Ingredients for Different Meals
You don’t need completely different ingredients for every meal.
For example, chicken can be used for chicken rice, chicken soup, fried chicken, sandwiches and fried rice.
Using ingredients in several different meals can help reduce food waste.
5. Be Careful With Food Delivery
Food delivery services are extremely convenient. However, the actual cost of an order may include more than the food itself.
You may also pay:
- Delivery fees
- Service fees
- Additional charges
- Minimum-order requirements
6. Don’t Shop for Food When You’re Extremely Hungry
Hunger can influence purchasing decisions. When you’re very hungry, you may be more likely to order additional food, drinks or more expensive meals.
If you know you’ll be away from home for several hours, carrying a simple snack can sometimes help.
7. Set a Monthly Food Budget
Instead of simply telling yourself to spend less, set a specific amount.
Example monthly food budget: RM600
You could then divide that amount into approximately RM150 per week. Adjust the amount based on your income, household size and lifestyle.
Conclusion
Saving money on food doesn’t mean you have to stop enjoying the food you love.
The goal is to reduce unnecessary and unplanned spending.
Simple changes such as preparing meals at home a few times a week, planning your groceries and reducing unnecessary delivery orders can make a difference when done consistently.