Food is the one expense we’re often most casual about, yet we all know that it can cost us bundles every month, especially if we aren’t smart about the way we shop. If you’re spending more than you would like to and looking for ways to cut the cost of food, then our quick guide will help you to get the best bargains and make the most of the food you have. Say goodbye to waste and hello to a happier bank account.
- Buy Reduced Food. Just because food is reduced doesn’t mean that it’s bad, and most of it still has a good few days of life left in it. Buy as much reduced food as you can and stick most of it in the freezer for later. It saves on general food waste, and you can end up with some amazing deals. Most supermarkets have one day of the week when they just throw reduced stickers on everything, so keep an eye out.
- Go Local. Your local market has fresh fruit and vegetables for half the price of the supermarket, and it will last just as long (sometimes longer). It tastes better, and the best part is the fact that you will get everything for practically nothing at the end of the trading day when the farmers are getting rid of the last of their stock.
Similarly, your local bakery will have a variety of bread, wraps, and even naans for you to try. They don’t last as long, but they are cheaper and taste much fresher. Additionally, if you won’t eat it all in time, you can put it in the freezer for a later date.
- Prep and Cook in Advance. We all have lazy days when we just don’t feel like cooking anything, and this is where advanced prep and cooking comes in handy. At the end of each weekend, you should take some time to prep all of the ingredients for the week ahead so that they are ready to go. Even better, you can cook some or all of your planned meals and put each portion in the freezer so that you just have to heat it up. It saves you money on takeout and quick supermarket trips because you have nothing quick at home.
- Don’t Refrigerate Potatoes. A major mistake people make is putting potatoes in the fridge. This won’t lengthen their life and it can actually end up shortening it. Instead, keep it in a cool and dark place – like a pantry or shed – and in a paper bag to allow moisture to escape. If you do this, they will last a good month (and maybe a little more).
- Don’t Buy Bags of Salad. Pre-packed bags of salad start to wilt and die from the moment you open them, and therefore they often go bad pretty fast. Instead, buy a whole head of lettuce as this will last you a lot longer due to its better lifespan.
- Freeze Dairy for a Longer Life. Are your dairy products coming to the end of their time? Instead of wasting them, you can freeze them instead. Milk can be put in the freezer and defrosted when needed. Cheese can also be put in a pot and frozen for things like pizza and pasta. You can even take yoghurt, mix it with some berries, and create delicious ice lollies before it hits its use by date.
To Conclude. Your food doesn’t need to be wasted, and these tips are just what you need to reduce the amount of money you spend on food each month. You should also open a bank account online to track your transactions at the press of a button.
