Get the most for your food budget. There are many ways to save money on the foods that you eat. The three main steps are planning before you shop, purchasing the items at the best price, and preparing meals that stretch your food dollars.
Get the most for your food budget. There are many ways to save money on the foods that you eat. The three main steps are planning before you shop, purchasing the items at the best price, and preparing meals that stretch your food dollars.
Plan, plan, plan. Before you head to the grocery store, plan your meals for the week. Include meals that will use leftovers, such as a roast chicken one night and chicken soup the next.
Make a shopping list based on your meal plan and stick to it. You'll save money by buying only what you need and avoiding impulse purchases.
Locate the "unit price" on the shelf directly below the product. Use it to compare different brands and different sizes of the same brand to determine which is the better buy.
It is almost always cheaper to buy foods in bulk. Smart choices are large containers of low-fat yogurt and large bags of frozen vegetables. Before you shop, remember to check if you have enough freezer space.
Buying fruits and vegetables in season can lower the cost and add to the freshness. If you are not going to use them all right away, buy some that still need time to ripen.
Convenience foods like frozen dinners, pre-cut vegetables, and instant rice cost more than if you make them from scratch. Take the time to prepare your own — and save money.
Certain foods are typically low-cost options all year round. Try beans for a less expensive protein food, and for vegetables, buy carrots, greens, or potatoes. As for fruits, apples and bananas are good choices.
Prepare a large batch of favorite recipes on your day off, such as soups, stews, or casseroles. Freeze in individual containers so you have ready-made meals for the week.
Spice up your leftovers — use them in new ways. For example, try leftover chicken in a stir-fry, over a garden salad, or in a chicken soup. Remember, throwing away food is throwing away your money.
Restaurants can be expensive. Save money by getting the early-bird special, going out for lunch instead of dinner, or looking for "2 for 1" deals. Stick to water instead of ordering other beverages, which add to the bill.