Cheap and healthy food by planning
Planning is one of the most important ways to save on your breakfast, lunch and dinner. Meal planning is not only good for your wallet but also for your health. If you plan what you cook, you will be less likely to reach for fast food restaurants or takeaways.
How can you plan this properly? It is simple. Make a list of what you want to eat in the coming week, and note the ingredients you need. Check your pantry and fridge to see which ingredients you already have and which ones you still need to buy. Make sure you only buy the ingredients you need to avoid food waste.
Smart shopping reduces the cost per person
Another way to spend less on groceries is to shop smart. Smart shopping means looking at the unit price of a product rather than just the total price. It is often cheaper to buy a larger pack than several small packs.
In addition, you can save money by looking at deals. Sometimes there are discounts on specific products or offers for two products for the price of one. Take advantage of these, but make sure you only buy products you really need.
Buy in bulk but use a shopping list
Another way to save money on groceries is to buy in bulk. You can usually save money if you buy larger quantities of a particular product. This is especially true for dry products like rice, pasta and beans.
If you buy in bulk, make sure you store the products correctly. Dry produce can be stored in airtight containers. Also, make sure you use the products in time to avoid spoilage. If you buy in bulk, freeze your food to save money.
Cheap cooking at home
Cooking at home is not only healthier than takeaway or fast food, but it can also save money. When you cook at home, you know exactly what ingredients go into your meals and can make healthier choices. It saves that you can save leftovers for lunch the next day.
If you are not used to cooking at home, start with simple recipes. You can find countless recipes online:
Cheap budget recipes (meat, vegetables, chicken, fish, pasta)
Reduce food waste (pay attention to fruit and vegetables!)
Food waste is a significant problem in many households and can lead to waste of money and food. One way to save money on food is to reduce food waste. This can be done by planning, as explained above, but also by freezing leftovers and using leftover fruit and vegetables in soup or smoothies.
You can reduce food waste by storing food properly, checking expiry dates and only buying products you really need.
Make use of seasonal produce when cooking
Buying seasonal produce is not only good for the environment but can also help you save money on food. Seasonal produce is often cheaper because it is grown locally and there are no extra costs for transport and storage.
Some tips for buying seasonal produce include visiting local farmers’ markets, looking for seasonal recipes and buying larger quantities to store or freeze. There are plenty of seasonal produce available, such as pumpkins in autumn and strawberries in summer, that can be used in simple and tasty recipes.
Opt for cheaper options (beans instead of meat)
Another way to save money on food is to choose cheaper options. This does not mean you have to compromise on quality or taste. Many cheaper options are available, such as private-label products and lesser-known brands.
You can find cheaper options by comparing prices, choosing seasonal products, or buying more oversized products. You can also choose cheaper alternatives to more expensive foods, such as beans instead of meat or frozen vegetables instead of fresh vegetables.
Use coupons and deals to eat healthy cheaply
Using coupons and offers is a great way to save money on food. It’s helpful to check if there are offers for food and drink so that you can make the most of any promotions.
Conclusion: With these tips and recipes, a healthy and cheap meal is possible
When you plan your shopping, you can also consider any special offers in the supermarket and adjust your behaviour accordingly. For example, you can save money by buying ingredients on sale and planning a meal around them. Moreover, meal planning prevents you from making last-minute decisions about what to prepare, often resulting in buying more expensive and less healthy options. It may take some time and planning initially, but in the end, it will save you money and ensure something delicious is on the table.
Also, read our saving tips on saving money while shopping: How to Save Money: 101 Great Ways to Get You Started.
