While we all know that meal planning is a great way to save money and make your family’s meals more frugally there are so many other great options you have to help make your family’s food much more affordable.
Easy ways to make your meals more frugal
Buy in bulk
Buying staples like rice, beans, and pasta in bulk can save you money in the long run. You can also buy meat in bulk and freeze it for later use. If you have the time and skills you can even take these bulk buys and preserve them to make themself stable for later on.
Shop seasonally
Buying fruits and vegetables that are in season is a great way to save money. These foods are often cheaper and more flavorful than out-of-season produce. This is why even if you do not grow a garden yourself, feeding your family over the summer can be much cheaper.
Use leftovers
Don’t let leftovers go to waste! Instead, use them to make new meals. For example, leftover roasted chicken can be used in a salad, sandwich, or stir-fry. You can even use the scraps from your meals to make something else.
Use cheaper cuts of meat
Cheaper cuts of meat, such as chicken thighs, pork shoulder, and beef chuck, can be just as flavorful and nutritious as more expensive cuts. Using your slow cooker or instant pot you can make the cheapest meat cuts tender and juicy.
Use meat as a garnish
Instead of using meat as the main component of your meal, use it as a garnish or flavouring. For example, add a small amount of bacon to your salad or soup for flavour.
Make your own snacks
Instead of buying expensive pre-packaged snacks, make your own snacks at home. For example, air-popped popcorn or homemade granola bars are healthier and cheaper than store-bought options. A dehydrator allows you to make a lot of fun snacks from fruit rolls to banana chips to feed your family.
Use frugal ingredients
There are many frugal ways you can add flavour to cheaper blander foods to make a great meal that your family can enjoy while saving money at the same time. From having a well-stocked spice cabinet to experimenting with sauces and fresh vegetables you can make an amazing difference in your grocery bill by using more expensive options.
Avoid convenience foods
Convenience foods, such as pre-cut fruits and vegetables, pre-cooked grains, and individually packaged snacks, are often more expensive than making them yourself. Though you will find that to get the best deals you will need to buy items in bulk.
Is it easy to make foods more frugally?
Making your meals more frugal doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming.
By planning your meals out ahead of time, buying in bulk, shopping seasonally, using leftovers, cooking at home, using cheaper cuts of meat, making your own snacks, using frugal ingredients, and avoiding convenience foods, you can save money on your meals without sacrificing taste or nutrition.
With a little bit of planning and creativity, you can create delicious and healthy meals that won’t break the bank.
