1Review recent food costs
Separate groceries from restaurant meals and non-food items if those have different limits. Keep a consistent definition when comparing months.
2Check what meals need covering
Look at what is already in the kitchen, who is eating at home and any dietary requirements. Plan around actual needs before choosing a number.
3Assign the remaining shopping money
Subtract spending already recorded and known restocks. Divide the rest across the trips still planned, leaving room for price changes where possible.
4Review receipts before the next shop
Compare the remaining amount with what you need. Change optional choices or reassign genuinely available budget money rather than omitting essentials to hit a target.
Try it with your numbers
Edit the free worksheet for your own income and costs. Download it without joining a list.
Build your monthly planFrequently asked questions
How much should one person spend on groceries?
There is no universal amount. Location, food access, dietary requirements and meals covered elsewhere all change the cost. Start with actual purchases.
Should toiletries count as groceries?
Choose a consistent approach. A separate household-supplies category can make food comparisons clearer.
Further reading
Consumer.gov: Making a budget ↗Educational examples, not individual financial advice.