Tips to help Kiwis save on their grocery bills

These days, a trip to the supermarket can feel like a lavish outing. It has come part and parcel with the rising cost of living, and it is making the weekly shop more and more challenging for many Kiwi households.

In our Generation Debt 2025 report, we found that 32% of those who had debt said it was due to the rising cost of living.

And while we can’t bring down the price of butter, we can share some stats and offer some tips for bringing those grocery bills down overall.

The rising cost of groceries in New Zealand 

The cost of groceries rose 4.6% in the last 12 months to June 2025, following a 4.4% increase the year before. And yes, the cost of groceries here in NZ is higher than other countries in the OECD.

When Stuff looked at how that all shakes out for the average Kiwi family of four, they found that the grocery bill will be about $25,000 per year, which is approximately $480 per week.

Whatever way you slice it, we’re paying a lot for everyday essentials. 

Budget and plan your grocery shop

First things first. Five grocery tips on budgeting and planning.

1. Keep track of your weekly grocery spend

To make improvements, it’s important to know where you’re starting from. That doesn’t mean taking a cursory glance at the receipt after your shop, but starting to track it.

Open up a spreadsheet and start jotting down those numbers. Separate them out into the basics (meat, fruit and veg, pantry items, household supplies etc.) and see where your largest purchases are coming from.

This should give you a better idea of exactly what costs you the most.

2. Meal prep

Meal prep has many perks, from avoiding buying lunches at work to saving time later in the week. For those looking to cut down on costs, the major perk is the fact that food preparation in bulk can mean savings.

Instead of buying numerous items for all sorts of meals, it means buying in bulk and cooking up a storm. It can also mean less food waste, which is a bit like throwing money down the insinkerator.

3. Love the specials

See a bright red or yellow special tag? Head straight for it.

That said, only pick up the item if it’s something you would actually eat or use, and make sure it’s actually a worthwhile special rather than just 10 cents off.

For example, if you were planning on making hot dogs one night, but the pre-made hamburger patties are an absolute steal, you could make an easy switch to a cheaper dinner.

4. Stocktake what you’ve already got

Do you remember the last time you moved, and how many random cans you had to pack from your pantry? How many things did you have to pull out from your freezer?

You might be able to avoid buying so much new food by doing a stocktake of what you already have – then working those cans and freezer dwellers into your meal plans.

5. Write a shopping list and stick to it

Sit down once per week and plan all your meals ahead of time.

Having a clear plan for the week will help you to stick to a shopping list at the supermarket (and not take detours into aisles you don’t actually need) and will help to avoid that last minute panic over what to eat, so you don’t end up ordering takeaways instead.

Shop smarter not harder

Aside from the budgeting tips, try these nuggets of wisdom for your shopping habits.

1. Go bulk or go home

In some instances, bulk buys can be your best friend at the supermarket.

From toilet paper to frozen veggies, giant bags of rice to bulk bags of oats, there are often bulk bargains to be found at supermarkets and stores. If your family consumes a lot of a certain product, consider taking advantage of buying in bulk as the overall cost per meal (or use) may be much lower than purchasing standard sizes more often.

2. Switch up your sources

Your local supermarket might be conveniently close, but it might not be so convenient to your budget.

You can try your own food price comparison between supermarkets with a number of basics (such as bread, butter, milk, and bananas) and see if making a change would save you money each week, even if it takes 10 minutes longer to get there.

Another option is to purchase your fruit and veg from a grocer and your meats from a butcher, which can also sometimes cost less than a supermarket.

And if you have a garden, your different source could be your very own veggie patch Even if you only have space for a few lettuces and a tomato plant, those little savings can add up over time.

3. Shop seasonally 

Fruits and veg are far more abundant and therefore affordable when they’re in season, so be sure to stick to seasonal produce for your fruit bowl and veggie draw to keep your shop costs to a minimum.

We’re all about planning ahead, because whether it’s a meal plan or considering life insurance, it means not having to worry so much about what’s to come and being able to focus more on enjoying the day to day. Request your OneChoice Life Insurance quote and take the first step today.

6 Dec 2025