Guides / Plan the week
Meal planning in 20 minutes a week
Plan dinners, not every meal, and plan leftovers on purpose.
Meal planning is the single biggest grocery saver for most households. It doesn't need to be fancy: a list of dinners for the week and a shopping list that matches.
The 20-minute routine
- Check the fridge, freezer and pantry first
- Look at this week's store flyer or app for what's on sale
- Plan five dinners and leave two nights for leftovers or something simple
- Write the shopping list from the plan, by store section
Tips
- Repeat favorites; most families rotate 10 to 15 dinners anyway
- Use one ingredient in two meals: a whole chicken becomes dinner and soup
- Theme nights (pasta Monday, tacos Tuesday) make planning faster
General information about food budgeting. Prices vary by store and region. The Nickels Budget isn't paid by any store or brand.