10 Budget-Savvy Tips for Low Carb Grocery Shopping

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If you’re thinking about trying a keto or low-carb diet, you may believe that you need only to buy costly meat and specialty items. This is not true! It is possible to maintain a keto diet without spending too much money. Here are 10 fantastic tips to help you save money while following a low-carb lifestyle.

Limit Specialty Foods

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You don’t need a lot of specialty products and supplements to follow a low-carb and keto diet. Keeping it simple by avoiding unnecessary products is a budget-conscious approach. Focus on basic, whole foods like meats, vegetables, and healthy fats to save money while staying true to your low-carb goals!

Affordable Proteins

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Choosing less expensive cuts of meat, such as ground beef and chicken thighs, is a budget-wise approach. These affordable and versatile cuts allow you to create flavorful and satisfying low-carb dishes without blowing your budget.

Farmer’s Markets

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Visiting your local farmer’s market is a great way to find fresh, seasonal, and budget-friendly low-carb produce. You can find a variety of colorful vegetables and berries while supporting local farmers and enjoying the freshness of locally-grown produce.

Homemade Snacks

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Prepackaged low-carb and keto snacks can be costly. For example, creating homemade snacks like cheese crisps for your low-carb diet is economical and delicious. Easily make your own cheese crisps and save money. Place small piles of shredded Parmesan or cheddar on parchment paper and microwave for 1 minute and 45 seconds. You’ll have crispy cheese crisps for snacking, soups and salads!

Store Brands

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Choosing store-brand products is an affordable way to stick to your low-carb diet. Many store brands offer affordable and healthy low-carb options that are comparable to name-brand products.

Join Rewards Programs

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Joining grocery rewards programs is a smart move for your budget-friendly, low-carb lifestyle. These programs can help you access exclusive discounts, accumulate points for future savings, and receive special offers on essential low-carb items.

Batch Cooking

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Batch cooking for a low-carb lifestyle involves making a lot of meals beforehand. This helps you save time and stick to your dietary goals. By batch cooking, you can prepare tasty, low-carb meals whenever needed. This makes it easier to avoid unhealthy options when you’re busy. Choose main dishes and soups that can easily be doubled and tripled.

Track Sales

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Consider saving money on low-carb groceries by tracking sales and using coupons. Look for discounts on meat, vegetables, and dairy products to maintain a low-carb lifestyle within your budget.

Frozen Vegetables

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For those on a low-carb diet, frozen vegetables are a great option that is both budget-friendly and convenient. Not only do they retain their nutritional value, but they can also be easily added to many low-carb recipes. This makes them a smart choice for those looking to save money and keep their carb intake under control while reducing food waste.

Wholesale Clubs

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Shopping at wholesale clubs like Costco, Sam’s Club and BJ’s Wholesale Club for your keto groceries can be a savvy choice. These clubs often carry a wide selection of bulk nuts, meats, and low-carb items, and you can often find keto-friendly products in larger quantities at lower per-unit costs.

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Author: Natasha Newton (Natasha's Southern Flavor)
Natasha is the founder of Natasha’s Southern Flavor. She has a passion for sharing delicious family friendly low-carb recipes that are easy to make and use readily accessible ingredients. Natasha has published three bestselling cookbooks. Her books and recipes have been featured by CNET, Delish, Mindbodygreen, Parade and Women’s Health. She enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband, two adult children, and three furbabies.
Read more about Natasha here.

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