Finding the Right Coupons for Meal Time

A family meal plan isn’t complete without coupons. Coupons are savings you have to seek out, so they reward intrepid planners by slashing the costs of a variety of different foods. Coupons aren’t limited to the grocery store, either. Many takeout and delivery options have coupons that can provide an affordable and tasty meal on busy nights. From complete takeout feasts to mix and match pizza deals, here’s how to find the best coupons for your family’s needs.

The Power of Coupons

Are coupons really a better deal? The answer is a resounding yes. That’s because of the secret of coupons: Most of the restaurant’s customers don’t look for them or use them, opting to simply pay full price. This allows savvy meal planners to cash in on discounts that chains and restaurants can’t offer on every single order without losing money.

The Value in the Product

When considering your dinner and coupon options, it’s tempting to look at the total cost above all else. However, the total is only half of the equation when it comes to making dinner decisions. You also have to look at the value of what you’re getting for that amount.

For example, coupons for a small fast-food family dinner may total less than other options, but what are you receiving for that price? Can you use the dinner for leftovers? Is there a vegetable anywhere in sight? Probably not.

Papa Johns coupons, on the other hand, provide enough food for leftovers and are made from quality ingredients. Good pizza will survive a few nights in the fridge or half a day in a lunchbox. Look for deals that you can get more than one meal out of and foods that are made from filling ingredients.

Where To Find Coupons

To find current coupons for premade dinners, it’s best to check a variety of sources. Some of these include:

• Paper coupons delivered weekly in the mail
• The ‘coupons’ section of a restaurant’s website
• Searching Google for a restaurant’s name plus the word ‘coupons’
• Downloading a restaurant’s app to your phone
• Following a restaurant on social media
• Joining a restaurant’s loyalty program or mailing list
• Using a coupon-finding browser extension such as Honey

Remember that coupons and deals are always changing, so check frequently for deals that will suit your family. One advantage of using coupons over other food cost-cutting methods is variety. With rotating deals, your family won’t be stuck eating the same meal week after week.

Meals for Your Family

One of the biggest daily stressors for many families is what to serve for dinner. Coupons are an important tool to make this decision easier.

Remember that what you’re getting out of the deal is as important as the price on the coupon. Think beyond the grocery store checkout aisle and use coupons to make the occasional takeout meal an affordable treat that takes the pressure off of the cooks in the family. After all, free pizza is a dinner even the pickiest eaters can agree on.