Grocery Bills Up 24%? Here's How Notion Can Save You Money

Since 2020, grocery prices have surged by about 24%. Unfortunately, many of us haven't seen a corresponding increase in income. This imbalance makes managing household budgets more challenging than ever. Finding ways to save money without compromising on quality is essential for today’s families. That's where smart planning tools come into play.

Notion is widely celebrated for its note-taking and habit tracking capabilities, but its versatility extends far beyond that. This powerful application has become my go-to solution for meal planning. With its customizable features, Notion simplifies organizing daily meals, tracking ingredients, and managing grocery lists. Whether you're a seasoned meal planner or just starting, Notion offers tools to streamline your culinary routines.

Among the various templates available, the Meal Planner and Grocery List by BewitchingSelf is my preferred choice. It's exceptionally well-organized, automatically generates a shopping list based on your meal selections, and can even suggest meal plans for the upcoming week using leftover ingredients. This template not only simplifies meal planning but also helps in minimizing food waste, ensuring you make the most of your grocery purchases.

After installing the BewitchingSelf template, the first step is to add your favorite recipes. While this involves some manual entry, especially if you have numerous recipes, it pays off in the long run. Consistently using the same meals can speed up this process. Start by selecting 'Meals' from the side panel, creating a new page for each recipe, and entering the necessary details like ingredients and instructions. Over time, your meal planner will become a comprehensive repository of your culinary options.

With your recipes in place, the next step is to decide what you'll cook each day of the week. The template allows you to assign meals to specific days, and even designate who will be responsible for cooking. Once your weekly menu is set, Notion generates a shopping list based on the ingredients required. This list provides a clear overview of what you need to buy, helping you avoid unnecessary purchases and ensure you have everything needed for the week's meals.

One of the standout features of the BewitchingSelf template is its ability to incorporate leftover ingredients into your meal plans. By updating the amount of each ingredient you have left over, the template suggests meals that utilize these extras. This not only reduces food waste but also helps you save money by making the most of what you already have. It's a smart way to ensure that no ingredients go unused, making your meal planning both economical and sustainable.

While the BewitchingSelf Meal Planner template isn't perfect—particularly in tracking specific ingredient amounts—it remains a valuable tool for anyone who enjoys cooking and planning ahead. By simplifying the meal planning process, reducing food waste, and saving money, Notion can make your daily routines a little easier. Give it a try and discover how effective meal planning can enhance your kitchen experience.