Grocery Budget for an Australian Family: How to Set One and Stick to It
Groceries are one of the few big costs you can adjust week to week, which makes them a good place to start when money feels tight. This guide shows how to set a grocery budget that fits your family, rather than a number borrowed from someone else's. General information only.
Start with what you actually spend
Before setting a target, look at the last four to six weeks. Add up supermarket, butcher, bakery, fruit shop, and online grocery orders. Include the top-up shops, because they add up quickly. Divide by the number of fortnights to get your real fortnightly figure.
Set a target that's realistic
If you currently spend more than you'd like, aim to trim by a modest amount first, perhaps 5–10%, rather than slashing it. A number you can stick to beats a heroic number you abandon after a week.
Example only: a family spending A$500 a fortnight might set a first target of A$460 and review it after a month.
Plan meals around what you have
- Check the fridge, freezer and pantry before writing a list.
- Plan five or six dinners and leave a night for leftovers.
- Use the same ingredients across meals (a bag of spinach for pasta and omelettes).
- Cook once, eat twice: double a bolognese or curry and freeze half.
Shop smarter
- Compare unit prices on the shelf label (price per kg or per 100g), not the pack price.
- Try home brand for staples like flour, rice, tinned tomatoes and frozen veg.
- Buy fruit and veg in season, and use frozen for out-of-season items.
- Shop with a list and, if possible, without hungry kids.
- Check the catalogues for staples you use anyway, and stock up only on long-life items.
Cut waste
Food thrown out is money thrown out. Keep a "use first" shelf in the fridge, freeze bread and leftovers, and plan a clean-out-the-fridge meal each week.
Track it simply
Move your grocery amount into a separate account or card on payday. When it's gone, it's gone, or you consciously move money from another category. A quick note of each shop in your budget helps you see patterns.
Example: a fortnightly grocery plan
- Big shop week 1: A$260
- Top-up shop week 1: A$40
- Big shop week 2: A$120 (using freezer meals)
- Top-up shop week 2: A$40
- Total: A$460 (example figures only)
Kids and lunchboxes
Lunchboxes can quietly cost a lot. Buying large tubs and portioning into reusable containers is usually cheaper than individual snack packs. Bake a batch of muffins on Sunday and freeze them.
Make it easier
Grab the free Mini Paycheck Budget, see the Fortnightly Budget Spreadsheet (our Aussie best-seller), or try Slate Money HQ, the offline budget app.
FAQ
How much should a family spend on groceries?
It depends on household size, location and diet. Start with your actual spending over the last month and trim gradually.
Are home brand products worth it?
For many staples they're similar and cheaper. Compare unit prices and try a few.
How do I stop top-up shops blowing the budget?
Plan meals, keep a list on your phone, and include a set top-up amount in your grocery budget.
General information only, not financial or tax advice. Check ato.gov.au or a registered tax agent for your situation.
Try it in an app
Meal Plan & Grocery Budget (A$19, one-off): Plan the week’s dinners, auto-build your shopping list, and keep the grocery spend on budget.