How much is your household's monthly grocery bill? Do you have a set max. figure for budgeting purposes?

I was stunned to hear from a newly wed couple who are in their early 30's. 2 months ago they moved from their university dorm residences for graduate students where all meals are prepared as part of the annual accommodation cost there.

Now they are in apartment and living with the reality of grocery shopping, and for him, learning to cook. And he is trying.

they spend $700.00CAN monthly for groceries. They entertain friends at home, once a monh. This cost excludes wine, beer. And does not include the coffees, little snacks that one buys outside of home. Nor does it include occasional restaurant meals.
They have no children.

I was abit shocked. But perhaps my partner and I buy and eat thriftily in the food area. For our monthly groceries it works out at maximum $400.00CAN monthly or under. We do not need to buy from Costcos. Makes no economic sense for just the 2 of us and when we don't have alot of pantry storage rm.

I should add we eat on this budget creative, diverse meals. It's not macaroni and cheese. I honestly believe that we do prepare and eat near gourmet like meals 2-3 times a wk. at home even on such a budget. It's more intuitive understanding of good cooking techniques from West-East cuisines.

Just curious to know...and are you sort of being more budget minded now or spending habits still the same now as it was 20 years ago on food?