Cut grocery bills by paying attention to just two items!

Like many households, we are trying to reduce food costs without cutting nutrition.  We found we could save a lot of money with no loss in quality by concentrating on just two items.  Those items are breakfast cereals and beverages.

Cereal is a popular breakfast item because it is fast, tasty and satisfying.  However, that $5-$6 per box price tag on a box of quality dry cereal is not so satisfying.  Reduce your serving cost to pennies rather than quarters.

If you are a granola fan,  search the internet for a variety of great home-made granola recipes you can make up in bulk.  A big batch can last for weeks, especially if you store the extra in airtight containers.  Customize your granola with the ingredients your household most enjoys. 

If you prefer a hot, hearty breakfast, you can still have it fast by pre-cooking a batch of whole grains.   A big batch will last for about a week in the refrigerator, and breakfast-sized portions are easily reheated on the stovetop or microwave.  Try slices of polenta grilled in a little butter and topped with yogurt, cinnamon or maple syrup.  Pre-cooked oatmeal is delicious pan grilled in the same way.  Other pre-cooked grains like buckwheat or quinoa mix nicely with yogurt, or you can reheat them.

The second item is beverages.  If you are buying bottled water, you're getting tap water in many cases.  You're paying only for convenience, not better quality. 

If the tap water in your area is truly sub-par, you can still get top-quality water by installing a good water filter at the kitchen sink.  This has the added benefit of providing better water for cooking and soups.  Your houseplants will notice the difference. Your pets will also appreciate drinking chlorine-free water.  Our two dogs definitely prefer the water from the filter.

Invest in a  nalgene water bottle and fill it up fresh every day for better water than you can buy anywhere. Bottled water that is "enriched" with vitamins, anti-oxidants or other health boosts is probably a waste of money if you are already eating good food and take a multi-vitamin.

If you regularly buy soda, you may want to see if you can kick the habit.  Soda in all forms is nutritionally deficient and loaded either with sugar or sugar-substitutes, neither of which is health-promoting.  If you like the "fizz" consider mixing plain soda water with a quality fruit juice or with a tasty herbal tea.

Cut your fruit juice costs by cutting your fruit juice with water.  Most nutritionalists recommend diluting fruit juice to avoid high concentrations of fruit sugars.  We were pleasantly surprised to find that diluted fruit juice is even more refreshing than the straight stuff.  Better yet, eat a piece of whole fruit and reap the benefits of great taste combined with additional vitamins and valuable fiber.

Bottled tea products are expensive convenience.  It takes very little time to make up a big jar of tea, and you can choose tea varieties or herbs that you like best. 

Coffee drinkers, if you do not own a great thermal mug, consider investing in one.  Your investment will come back to you quickly if you are buying coffee for a dollar or more for a cup.

Try these two simple buying changes with cereal and beverages.  We bet you'll save $$ off your monthly grocery bill.