Let’s be real—grocery prices feel out of control these days. Since 2020, the cost of food has only gone one direction: up.
This U.S. Department of Agriculture report shows the average family of four now spends anywhere from $996 to $1,603 a month just on groceries. But here’s the good news: some savvy budget shoppers are proving you can actually eat well for just $100 a week. Yep, you read that right—triple digits or less.
A recent Upworthy article shares how r/budget community on Reddit has been swapping smart tips, and honestly, some of their tricks are game-changers. Here are a few favorites:
1. Frozen veggies are your friend
“Frozen veggies. It’s a myth they’re less healthy than fresh. Get the $1 bags from Aldi. No chopping, no waste—just toss them in a pan for 12 minutes and dinner’s ready.” – Dismal_Pop2092
2. Instant Pot = instant savings
“Hop on Facebook Marketplace and grab an Instant Pot for $20–40. It’s perfect for whole chickens, which stretch further and taste better. Cooking at home instead of buying premade meals is the biggest money saver.” – Dismal_Pop2092
3. Skip the junk food
“Cut the junk. Eating healthy isn’t expensive if you stick to ingredients, not products. Cooking from scratch makes your bill shrink fast.” – Dismal_Pop2092
4. Meal plan like a boss
“I tracked our spending for a year—$825 a month on groceries and $400 on takeout. Ouch. So I started menu planning and freezer cooking. Now we spend $400 on groceries (family of five!) and $0 on takeout. I’ve even stayed under budget.” – rickrolled_gay_swan
5. Bake your own bread
“Check thrift stores for bread makers. You can bake 3–5 loaves for the cost of one from the store. Buy flour, yeast, and oats in bulk and the savings really add up. If you’re gluten-free, older machines aren’t great—but you can still use them for mixing and rising, then finish in the oven.” – SunLillyFairy
Bottom line
Yes, food prices are high. But with some smart swaps, meal planning, and a little extra kitchen time, it’s totally possible to bring your weekly grocery bill under $100. And judging by these tips, you might even eat better in the process.