Prices across the board are going up, and this worrying trend doesn't seem to be stopping anytime soon.

So, when we came across a thrifty tip from Melbourne-native Lulu Breen, who discovered a way to save a whopping $50 a week on groceries, we simply couldn't resist sharing it with all of you.

Lulu started noticing her grocery bill creeping higher and higher, particularly for items like chips, toilet paper, washing detergent and more. Frustrated, she decided to think outside the box and found innovative ways to still enjoy shopping without breaking the bank.

'Lots of individual items…have gone up by $2 in the past couple of years. Food and home supplies…have increased a lot,' Lulu said.

Lulu Breen shared tips on how to save on grocery bills. Credit: Daria Nipot/Shutterstock

Her solution? She stopped relying solely on traditional supermarkets as her source of groceries and decided to scout for better deals elsewhere.

And just like that, Lulu set off to the Queen Victoria Market in Melbourne. Here, she would opt for discounted fresh local fruits and vegetables instead of the full-priced products at mainstream markets.

She also shops at Cheaper Buy Miles, an outlet that sells foods nearing or past their 'best before' dates at hugely discounted prices.

For example, Lulu shared that oat milk—something that is typically priced as high as $4 to $6 in regular supermarkets—can be found for between just $1 and $2 at the outlet!

Another shopper shared a video on social media while they were shopping at Cheaper Buy Miles. You can watch it here:

A nugget of wisdom here for those worrying about using items past their 'best before' date: it’s important to differentiate between the ‘best before’ date and ‘use by’ date.

While the ‘use by’ date is an indication that food must be eaten or discarded by that date for safety reasons, ‘best before’ is more about quality.

The New South Wales Food Authority stated that these may have seen some deterioration in quality but can still be safely eaten as long as they are not damaged or perished.

Along with this shopping tip, Lulu said she incorporates meal prepping into her routine, resulting in an estimated savings of at least $50 per week–just imagine the annual savings with that!

At this point, some of our members might be wondering, 'What about us? We don’t have a Cheaper Buy Miles here!'.

Not to worry! Outlets like Beyond Best Before in Sydney offer a similar concept.

Sadly, research conducted by ING shows that the average Australian household now spends a staggering $162 per week on groceries.

The increase in food prices has led 44 per cent of people to shop only when products are on sale, 37 per cent have started opting for ‘home brand’ products, and 32 per cent have switched to cheaper supermarkets.

It does seem like compromises need to be made, but there are still areas where Aussies prefer to splurge a little. These luxuries include meat and fish (30 per cent), tea and coffee (29 per cent), fruits and veggies (25 per cent), bread (19 per cent), and pet food (16 per cent).

Despite using discount hacks, Lulu enjoys treating herself now and then with a $7 packet of chips or some fresh hummus dip from the market. 'I think it’s important to still enjoy what you eat despite the cost of living,' she shared.

Key Takeaways

• Melbourne-based Lulu Breen saves money by buying groceries at the Queen Victoria Market and a store named Cheaper Buy Miles.
  
• Cheaper Buy Miles and similar stores sell discounted food that is reaching or has passed its best-before date, which has helped Lulu save an estimated $50 per week on her groceries.
  
• ING research found that Aussie households spend an average of $162 per week on groceries. Strategies for saving include shopping in the reduced section, buying 'homebrand' products, and shopping at cheaper supermarkets.
  
• While looking for ways to save, Aussies continue to splurge on certain goods like meat and fish, tea and coffee, fruit and vegetables, bread, and pet food.
  

What do you think of this story, members? Do you have other tips on how to save on grocery bills? Share them in the comments below!

 

[Dragonflies 1]

I think it stinks that city people get food at a massive discount than the poorer country people who struggle more for life’s every day living . We pay more at the bowsers for fuel to get to town to start with. Over $2:00 ‘s a litre for fuel. We have Woolies and Cole’s , Aldi, foodworks , iga, , but are all in different snall towns. So why go out to the different stores for their bargains as fuel prices stop us. Have poultry, their food is going up all the time, have cows, sheep, horses, dogs and cats, all of their food is going up as well.
So life is tougher for country people.!!!

 

[Cher]

This is nothing new as the Queen Vic Market has always been cheaper to get your fruit, vegies, meat, homemade pasta etc for years. We always call in when we go to Victoria and buy up big.

 

[mylittletibbies]

Wow, I'm not that desperate for a packet of chips that I would pay $7.00.
Would rather put my treat money towards a healthier option,

 

[Jennylolo]

I think it stinks that city people get food at a massive discount than the poorer country people who struggle more for life’s every day living . We pay more at the bowsers for fuel to get to town to start with. Over $2:00 ‘s a litre for fuel. We have Woolies and Cole’s , Aldi, foodworks , iga, , but are all in different snall towns. So why go out to the different stores for their bargains as fuel prices stop us. Have poultry, their food is going up all the time, have cows, sheep, horses, dogs and cats, all of their food is going up as well.
So life is tougher for country people.!!!

city get it cheaper? no, I'm SA suburbia and there are no discount stores near me or neighbouring suburbs. Sure wish there were.

 

[JayEeGeeP]

Why would anyone pay that much for chips in fact why even buy food that is so bad for our health.

 

[LeahI]

Sadly, research conducted by ING shows that the average Australian household now spends a staggering $162 per week on groceries.

That must be outdated research. Any family would be overjoyed to only spend $162 a week right now. I go through that with just 2 of us.

 

[mylittletibbies]

I think it stinks that city people get food at a massive discount than the poorer country people who struggle more for life’s every day living . We pay more at the bowsers for fuel to get to town to start with. Over $2:00 ‘s a litre for fuel. We have Woolies and Cole’s , Aldi, foodworks , iga, , but are all in different snall towns. So why go out to the different stores for their bargains as fuel prices stop us. Have poultry, their food is going up all the time, have cows, sheep, horses, dogs and cats, all of their food is going up as well.
So life is tougher for country people.!!!

I live in the country, it isn't so bad.
No way I'm going back to suburbia.
I shop once every15 days. I drive approximately 1.1/4 hours to shop, where they have all major supermarkets. I check all the specials before I leave, stock up on 1/2price items, have a list and stick to it.
To save on pet food costs you can cook up rice or pasta, along with all vegetable peels etc and add to your dog food saving half the cost.
I live in WA, so we are lucky as far as petrol goes. If you live more than 100kms from Perth and are on a pension, you qualify for a fuel card worth $575/year,my daughter and I both qualify.
In the country you have more land so can grow all the fruit and veg you want.
There are advantages and disadvantages to both.
One major advantage for me was, I sold my city home, moved to the country and bought two homes.
I live in a lovely 4x2 brick home which I paid $160,000 for and have spent the last 18 months doing it up, nothing structural just needed modernising.
The other home, a 3x1 for $145,000, we spruced up a bit and rent out to supplement our pensions and still have money left in the bank.
Was the smartest move I ever made.
Peace and quiet, next to no crime, fresh air, country people are super friendly. Who wants to live in the city, definitely not me.

 

[StephenA]

I also shop at "Not Quite Right" who have 25 stores in Victoria and SA - some in country areas. I assume they operate a similar model to "Cheaper Buy Miles".

 

[Annna]

city get it cheaper? no, I'm SA suburbia and there are no discount stores near me or neighbouring suburbs. Sure wish there were.

That's right, if anyone can tell me stores on the Gold Coast that sell products like the Melbourne 'cheaper Buy Miles' I'd go there.

Can anyone provide any?

city get it cheaper? no, I'm SA suburbia and there are no discount stores near me or neighbouring suburbs. Sure wish there were.

city get it cheaper? no, I'm SA suburbia and there are no discount stores near me or neighbouring suburbs. Sure wish there were.

 

[Bridgit]

I live in the country, it isn't so bad.
No way I'm going back to suburbia.
I shop once every15 days. I drive approximately 1.1/4 hours to shop, where they have all major supermarkets. I check all the specials before I leave, stock up on 1/2price items, have a list and stick to it.
To save on pet food costs you can cook up rice or pasta, along with all vegetable peels etc and add to your dog food saving half the cost.
I live in WA, so we are lucky as far as petrol goes. If you live more than 100kms from Perth and are on a pension, you qualify for a fuel card worth $575/year,my daughter and I both qualify.
In the country you have more land so can grow all the fruit and veg you want.
There are advantages and disadvantages to both.
One major advantage for me was, I sold my city home, moved to the country and bought two homes.
I live in a lovely 4x2 brick home which I paid $160,000 for and have spent the last 18 months doing it up, nothing structural just needed modernising.
The other home, a 3x1 for $145,000, we spruced up a bit and rent out to supplement our pensions and still have money left in the bank.
Was the smartest move I ever made.
Peace and quiet, next to no crime, fresh air, country people are super friendly. Who wants to live in the city, definitely not me.

Same here - have been in the bush for 23 years - born and bred in the bush left at 24 - lived in the cities for 26years for work and kids education - then bolted for the bush again at the first chance - love our native animals.

 

[Staffordshire Whippet]

I suppose there has to be SOME consolation for living in Melbourne....

 

[Mina vriesekolk]

No Victoria markets here or any discount shops . I go sometimes to a large market , where they sell fruit and vege , also many plants and bric and brac , but you have to be early , they open at 5 am. Good prices for fruit and vege , you have to be aware that some do only take cash .
I live semi-rural and that’s my choice and I’m very happy living in our area and the privacy.

 

[kaza60]

Prices across the board are going up, and this worrying trend doesn't seem to be stopping anytime soon.

So, when we came across a thrifty tip from Melbourne-native Lulu Breen, who discovered a way to save a whopping $50 a week on groceries, we simply couldn't resist sharing it with all of you.

Lulu started noticing her grocery bill creeping higher and higher, particularly for items like chips, toilet paper, washing detergent and more. Frustrated, she decided to think outside the box and found innovative ways to still enjoy shopping without breaking the bank.

'Lots of individual items…have gone up by $2 in the past couple of years. Food and home supplies…have increased a lot,' Lulu said.

View attachment 28183

Lulu Breen shared tips on how to save on grocery bills. Credit: Daria Nipot/Shutterstock

Her solution? She stopped relying solely on traditional supermarkets as her source of groceries and decided to scout for better deals elsewhere.

And just like that, Lulu set off to the Queen Victoria Market in Melbourne. Here, she would opt for discounted fresh local fruits and vegetables instead of the full-priced products at mainstream markets.

She also shops at Cheaper Buy Miles, an outlet that sells foods nearing or past their 'best before' dates at hugely discounted prices.

For example, Lulu shared that oat milk—something that is typically priced as high as $4 to $6 in regular supermarkets—can be found for between just $1 and $2 at the outlet!

Another shopper shared a video on social media while they were shopping at Cheaper Buy Miles. You can watch it here:

A nugget of wisdom here for those worrying about using items past their 'best before' date: it’s important to differentiate between the ‘best before’ date and ‘use by’ date.

While the ‘use by’ date is an indication that food must be eaten or discarded by that date for safety reasons, ‘best before’ is more about quality.

The New South Wales Food Authority stated that these may have seen some deterioration in quality but can still be safely eaten as long as they are not damaged or perished.

Along with this shopping tip, Lulu said she incorporates meal prepping into her routine, resulting in an estimated savings of at least $50 per week–just imagine the annual savings with that!

At this point, some of our members might be wondering, 'What about us? We don’t have a Cheaper Buy Miles here!'.

Not to worry! Outlets like Beyond Best Before in Sydney offer a similar concept.

Sadly, research conducted by ING shows that the average Australian household now spends a staggering $162 per week on groceries.

The increase in food prices has led 44 per cent of people to shop only when products are on sale, 37 per cent have started opting for ‘home brand’ products, and 32 per cent have switched to cheaper supermarkets.

It does seem like compromises need to be made, but there are still areas where Aussies prefer to splurge a little. These luxuries include meat and fish (30 per cent), tea and coffee (29 per cent), fruits and veggies (25 per cent), bread (19 per cent), and pet food (16 per cent).

Despite using discount hacks, Lulu enjoys treating herself now and then with a $7 packet of chips or some fresh hummus dip from the market. 'I think it’s important to still enjoy what you eat despite the cost of living,' she shared.

Key Takeaways

• Melbourne-based Lulu Breen saves money by buying groceries at the Queen Victoria Market and a store named Cheaper Buy Miles.
• Cheaper Buy Miles and similar stores sell discounted food that is reaching or has passed its best-before date, which has helped Lulu save an estimated $50 per week on her groceries.
• ING research found that Aussie households spend an average of $162 per week on groceries. Strategies for saving include shopping in the reduced section, buying 'homebrand' products, and shopping at cheaper supermarkets.
• While looking for ways to save, Aussies continue to splurge on certain goods like meat and fish, tea and coffee, fruit and vegetables, bread, and pet food.

What do you think of this story, members? Do you have other tips on how to save on grocery bills? Share them in the comments below!

Prices across the board are going up, and this worrying trend doesn't seem to be stopping anytime soon.

So, when we came across a thrifty tip from Melbourne-native Lulu Breen, who discovered a way to save a whopping $50 a week on groceries, we simply couldn't resist sharing it with all of you.

Lulu started noticing her grocery bill creeping higher and higher, particularly for items like chips, toilet paper, washing detergent and more. Frustrated, she decided to think outside the box and found innovative ways to still enjoy shopping without breaking the bank.

'Lots of individual items…have gone up by $2 in the past couple of years. Food and home supplies…have increased a lot,' Lulu said.

View attachment 28183

Lulu Breen shared tips on how to save on grocery bills. Credit: Daria Nipot/Shutterstock

Her solution? She stopped relying solely on traditional supermarkets as her source of groceries and decided to scout for better deals elsewhere.

And just like that, Lulu set off to the Queen Victoria Market in Melbourne. Here, she would opt for discounted fresh local fruits and vegetables instead of the full-priced products at mainstream markets.

She also shops at Cheaper Buy Miles, an outlet that sells foods nearing or past their 'best before' dates at hugely discounted prices.

For example, Lulu shared that oat milk—something that is typically priced as high as $4 to $6 in regular supermarkets—can be found for between just $1 and $2 at the outlet!

Another shopper shared a video on social media while they were shopping at Cheaper Buy Miles. You can watch it here:

A nugget of wisdom here for those worrying about using items past their 'best before' date: it’s important to differentiate between the ‘best before’ date and ‘use by’ date.

While the ‘use by’ date is an indication that food must be eaten or discarded by that date for safety reasons, ‘best before’ is more about quality.

The New South Wales Food Authority stated that these may have seen some deterioration in quality but can still be safely eaten as long as they are not damaged or perished.

Along with this shopping tip, Lulu said she incorporates meal prepping into her routine, resulting in an estimated savings of at least $50 per week–just imagine the annual savings with that!

At this point, some of our members might be wondering, 'What about us? We don’t have a Cheaper Buy Miles here!'.

Not to worry! Outlets like Beyond Best Before in Sydney offer a similar concept.

Sadly, research conducted by ING shows that the average Australian household now spends a staggering $162 per week on groceries.

The increase in food prices has led 44 per cent of people to shop only when products are on sale, 37 per cent have started opting for ‘home brand’ products, and 32 per cent have switched to cheaper supermarkets.

It does seem like compromises need to be made, but there are still areas where Aussies prefer to splurge a little. These luxuries include meat and fish (30 per cent), tea and coffee (29 per cent), fruits and veggies (25 per cent), bread (19 per cent), and pet food (16 per cent).

Despite using discount hacks, Lulu enjoys treating herself now and then with a $7 packet of chips or some fresh hummus dip from the market. 'I think it’s important to still enjoy what you eat despite the cost of living,' she shared.

Key Takeaways

• Melbourne-based Lulu Breen saves money by buying groceries at the Queen Victoria Market and a store named Cheaper Buy Miles.
• Cheaper Buy Miles and similar stores sell discounted food that is reaching or has passed its best-before date, which has helped Lulu save an estimated $50 per week on her groceries.
• ING research found that Aussie households spend an average of $162 per week on groceries. Strategies for saving include shopping in the reduced section, buying 'homebrand' products, and shopping at cheaper supermarkets.
• While looking for ways to save, Aussies continue to splurge on certain goods like meat and fish, tea and coffee, fruit and vegetables, bread, and pet food.

What do you think of this story, members? Do you have other tips on how to save on grocery bills? Share them in the comments below!

 

[lesleywithers]

This is nothing new as the Queen Vic Market has always been cheaper to get your fruit, vegies, meat, homemade pasta etc for years. We always call in when we go to Victoria and buy up big.

well lucky for you I live in a country town in nsw

 

[kaza60]

I shudder at people buying Fruit and veggies older than 4 days you can see the quality of old fruit and vegies. They don't look fresh, DO you know that the Apples are up to 1 year old in the supermarket.
To get the best nutrition you need to buy as fresh as possible, this is why people are getting sick all the time as there are no Vitamins left in them. We moved from the country to Melbourne 2020 when the pandemic hit to be closer to family.
I miss our garden and there was always a market some were at weekends. We live in a 2 Bedroom house with a small back yard. But that did not stop us from planting a vegie garden, we had heaps of tomatoes which I made sauces and Green Pickles to share with our Family. In the winter we had Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, Lettuce ( you can grow this all year) spinach, silver beet, carrots, we also have miniature Lime and Lemon also in pots. Now that summer is very near we will be planting Tomatoes, Chillies, cucumbers, beet root, Beans and peas. as soon as Bunnings have them in the shop.
You can use Pots if you don't have much ground, Fresh grown tomatoes have a flavour of there own sweet and flavoursome, you would never eat tomatoes from the supermarket again. So Why not plant some vegies in pots this summer. Go for it plant your own.

 

[GillyH]

I think it stinks that city people get food at a massive discount than the poorer country people who struggle more for life’s every day living . We pay more at the bowsers for fuel to get to town to start with. Over $2:00 ‘s a litre for fuel. We have Woolies and Cole’s , Aldi, foodworks , iga, , but are all in different snall towns. So why go out to the different stores for their bargains as fuel prices stop us. Have poultry, their food is going up all the time, have cows, sheep, horses, dogs and cats, all of their food is going up as well.
So life is tougher for country people.!!!

I think it balances out if you don't buy eggs, milk, cheese, beef or lamb. Thats a big saving. I don't have any of these & try to grow my own vegetables.

 

[saundy]

I think it stinks that city people get food at a massive discount than the poorer country people who struggle more for life’s every day living . We pay more at the bowsers for fuel to get to town to start with. Over $2:00 ‘s a litre for fuel. We have Woolies and Cole’s , Aldi, foodworks , iga, , but are all in different snall towns. So why go out to the different stores for their bargains as fuel prices stop us. Have poultry, their food is going up all the time, have cows, sheep, horses, dogs and cats, all of their food is going up as well.
So life is tougher for country people.!!!

I couldn't have put it better myself very well written and very true, The city people have no idea what it is like in rural areas of Australia

 

[gordon1940]

I shudder at people buying Fruit and veggies older than 4 days you can see the quality of old fruit and vegies. They don't look fresh, DO you know that the Apples are up to 1 year old in the supermarket.
To get the best nutrition you need to buy as fresh as possible, this is why people are getting sick all the time as there are no Vitamins left in them. We moved from the country to Melbourne 2020 when the pandemic hit to be closer to family.
I miss our garden and there was always a market some were at weekends. We live in a 2 Bedroom house with a small back yard. But that did not stop us from planting a vegie garden, we had heaps of tomatoes which I made sauces and Green Pickles to share with our Family. In the winter we had Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, Lettuce ( you can grow this all year) spinach, silver beet, carrots, we also have miniature Lime and Lemon also in pots. Now that summer is very near we will be planting Tomatoes, Chillies, cucumbers, beet root, Beans and peas. as soon as Bunnings have them in the shop.
You can use Pots if you don't have much ground, Fresh grown tomatoes have a flavour of there own sweet and flavoursome, you would never eat tomatoes from the supermarket again. So Why not plant some vegies in pots this summer. Go for it plant your own.

Well done! I have a Colorbond raised garden ( great for backs) and grow Root, leaf and branch vegies plus any Herbs you fancy. Chuck in a small Chicken run with 6 Chooks and believe me , you will be surprised at your Food savings. Go for it not much area required PLUS great for mental health with the project.

 

[Tygie]

Prices across the board are going up, and this worrying trend doesn't seem to be stopping anytime soon.

So, when we came across a thrifty tip from Melbourne-native Lulu Breen, who discovered a way to save a whopping $50 a week on groceries, we simply couldn't resist sharing it with all of you.

Lulu started noticing her grocery bill creeping higher and higher, particularly for items like chips, toilet paper, washing detergent and more. Frustrated, she decided to think outside the box and found innovative ways to still enjoy shopping without breaking the bank.

'Lots of individual items…have gone up by $2 in the past couple of years. Food and home supplies…have increased a lot,' Lulu said.

View attachment 28183

Lulu Breen shared tips on how to save on grocery bills. Credit: Daria Nipot/Shutterstock

Her solution? She stopped relying solely on traditional supermarkets as her source of groceries and decided to scout for better deals elsewhere.

And just like that, Lulu set off to the Queen Victoria Market in Melbourne. Here, she would opt for discounted fresh local fruits and vegetables instead of the full-priced products at mainstream markets.

She also shops at Cheaper Buy Miles, an outlet that sells foods nearing or past their 'best before' dates at hugely discounted prices.

For example, Lulu shared that oat milk—something that is typically priced as high as $4 to $6 in regular supermarkets—can be found for between just $1 and $2 at the outlet!

Another shopper shared a video on social media while they were shopping at Cheaper Buy Miles. You can watch it here:

A nugget of wisdom here for those worrying about using items past their 'best before' date: it’s important to differentiate between the ‘best before’ date and ‘use by’ date.

While the ‘use by’ date is an indication that food must be eaten or discarded by that date for safety reasons, ‘best before’ is more about quality.

The New South Wales Food Authority stated that these may have seen some deterioration in quality but can still be safely eaten as long as they are not damaged or perished.

Along with this shopping tip, Lulu said she incorporates meal prepping into her routine, resulting in an estimated savings of at least $50 per week–just imagine the annual savings with that!

At this point, some of our members might be wondering, 'What about us? We don’t have a Cheaper Buy Miles here!'.

Not to worry! Outlets like Beyond Best Before in Sydney offer a similar concept.

Sadly, research conducted by ING shows that the average Australian household now spends a staggering $162 per week on groceries.

The increase in food prices has led 44 per cent of people to shop only when products are on sale, 37 per cent have started opting for ‘home brand’ products, and 32 per cent have switched to cheaper supermarkets.

It does seem like compromises need to be made, but there are still areas where Aussies prefer to splurge a little. These luxuries include meat and fish (30 per cent), tea and coffee (29 per cent), fruits and veggies (25 per cent), bread (19 per cent), and pet food (16 per cent).

Despite using discount hacks, Lulu enjoys treating herself now and then with a $7 packet of chips or some fresh hummus dip from the market. 'I think it’s important to still enjoy what you eat despite the cost of living,' she shared.

Key Takeaways

• Melbourne-based Lulu Breen saves money by buying groceries at the Queen Victoria Market and a store named Cheaper Buy Miles.
• Cheaper Buy Miles and similar stores sell discounted food that is reaching or has passed its best-before date, which has helped Lulu save an estimated $50 per week on her groceries.
• ING research found that Aussie households spend an average of $162 per week on groceries. Strategies for saving include shopping in the reduced section, buying 'homebrand' products, and shopping at cheaper supermarkets.
• While looking for ways to save, Aussies continue to splurge on certain goods like meat and fish, tea and coffee, fruit and vegetables, bread, and pet food.

What do you think of this story, members? Do you have other tips on how to save on grocery bills? Share them in the comments below!

That's all good IF you have those sorta places in your local area - where i am there is jack $h&t just the main ones.