OK, how much do you spend on groceries?

[shirleyb]

I am curious about how much the average family spends every week for groceries. I spend about $100 per week for a family of 5 (and that includes two teenage boys who eat more than their parents do).

I was just wondering if that's about average, or if some of you are doing much better than that.

 

[punkin]

I spend about $120 for a family of 4 BUT we entertain a lot so that has to be included. I am also including all paper products and cat supplies in that. Basically anything I get in the supermarket is included.

 

[DisneyAddict_M]

I spend about $50/week on dd3 and I. Like the previous poster, that includes everything I buy at the grocery store.

 

[dbal]

o.k. shirleyb how on earth do you get by on $100? Are you buying everything? (paper products, healthcare/drugstore type etc.)? I'm buying for a family of 4 w/2 under 6 yrs. I can't seem to keep it under $100.
I HAVE to make a list or I will definitely overspend. I cut coupons when I can, but I usually end up buying something not on my list just to use em?

What are everybody's tips? I sure could use them! Thanks.

 

[Leota]

100$ a week for a family of 5 sounds very good to me!
I'm at $100 a week for 3 of us, one of the 3 being a teenage boy. That includes cleaning products, paper goods, animal food etc...
I thought that was a very good budget & that I was being quite thrifty!

Like dbal said - what are your tips? I could use them also!

 

[MUFFYCAT]

We're family of four 2 girls ages 10 & 13. We spend about $150
a week. That doesn't include eating out twice a week.
And our refrigerator always looks empty!

 

[punkin]

I don't include going out either.

 

[hockey mom]

We are also a family of 5 and spend about $150.00/week. This does not include ordering pizza at least once a week.

 

[shirleyb]

I guess I'm doing all right then! It started last spring when we decided to put ourselves on a strict budget, and I was only given $100 a week to spend on groceries. Prior to that, I would go on no regular schedule, and I might not go for a few weeks, and then spend $200, but we would eat out a lot too, since we wouldn't always have food in the house.

I couldn't do it if I didn't shop at a "no frills" type grocery store. It doesn't take coupons, but the prices are definitely cheaper than regular grocery stores, so it works for me, besides I detest coupons. The selection isn't as good at a place like that, but that helps with the impulse buys!

So, I try to go each week, right after one of us gets paid, and I'm usually able to keep it to $100 or less.

 

[canwegosoon]

We are a family of 4, no teenagers, and I generally do 50-75 a week. I have 250 budgeted for the month. I only buy extreme discount(BOGO+Coupon), generic, bake/ cook from scratch, also have a garden for fresh veggies. Meat is usually the killer(DH usually on atkins). That also includes cleaning/paper supplies(but not the cost of seeds for garden ). Always looking for ways to eat healthier for less. I fyou know of a great way PM me!!!

 

[Lucky4me]

My initial shop is about $150 every week. Then add in the quick trips for things I forgot and I'm usually up to $200 at the end of the week. This does not count eating dinner out once or twice a week.
I am shopping for a family of 6.

If I want to save for Disney, I start shopping at Aldis and doing without favorite brands. I can shave almost 50% off that bill.

 

[kimbac3]

It's me, DH, DD12, DS9, and DD6. My kids can put some food away. I always plan my weeks menu out before we go shopping. Always have a list. I don't buy prepared foods. I make my own pizza every Friday night. I cook from scratch. But I'm a stay at home mom so that works for me. The $80.00 doesn't count dog food or shampoo or toothpaste (Dog food at Walmart and the other 2 Walgreens generic).It does include paper products. I have to say I'm lucky I have a discount supermarket nearby. Well only the meat is really a discount, but that helps!
I go over the $80 mark some weeks if there are sales that are too good too pass up....or if I'm really hungry when I'm shopping. (I know, I know you aren't supposed to shop hungry )
Kimba

 

[mommagoof]

$35-$50 a week for me,dh,dd 5 and sds 19. This includes all food,pet(1 dog),cleaning,laundry, paper and personal care items. Major couponing. Could do better but the price of meat is killing me.

 

[Kimmie5870]

about 30- 40$ per week for me,dh and DD12 and that includes all paper and hygene products.Now if I could just get some good meat coupons we might actually be able to do it for under 20$:


Like mommagoof...this is with major couponing

 

[Amirah95]

We spend about $130 per week. My mom and dad have three sons (12, 15, 17) that they adopted five years ago and her bill is at least $260. per week.

 

[eeyore kelly]

We're a family of four DH, Me, DS11, & DD8. I spend about $125 a week in my Super Wal-Mart. We eat out once a week--not included in the $125.

 

[SunFloridaDisney]

For my family of 6 (myself, DH, 2 teenagers and 11 and 9 yr old) very rarely eat out, this is everything about $150 per week. I pack their lunches for school, I pack my lunch for work, etc.

 

[Strings]

We are a family of 3. We spend $100/week. We are on Atkins, so meat kills us. The other thing is DD has food allergies. Her milk costs $2.25/quart.

 

[sweet angel]

I would guess I spend between $150-$200 on groceries for my family of three, including a 13-year old boy who eats more than me and SO put together.

That includes ShopRite (with coupons if I have them) and BJ's Wholesale.

Also includes food and treats for 2 medium/large dogs.

Does not include eating out.

I'm amazed at how little some of you manage to spend. That's awesome. Post your tips!!

 

[disneymom99]

I would say I spend about $100 a week for my family of 4 (myself, DH, and DD's ages 8 and 12). That doesn't include eating out.

I think $100 a week for a family of 5 is excellent!