If you can’t always eat out, shop for these kitchen staples.
Thinking about how much you spend at the grocery store each week? Sometimes it feels like the cashier must have made a mistake. While there are a few ways to save money at checkout, purchasing the raw ingredients to make your favorite dishes can go far and above your financial goals, even on a small scale. These food basics can go a long way towards meal planning and major savings.
Do Your Own Prep
Cut a whole carrot into sticks for a snack, and use the shavings on a salad or wrap instead of buying them packaged shredded. You’ll get a more robust taste and possibly dollars off your total at the register.
Sliced mushrooms are great with things like pasta, omelets and hamburger but they can wilt and go bad in the fridge pretty quickly. Buy a whole mushroom and slice it yourself when ready to cook to make it last.
There’s so much you can do with potatoes, and they’re cheap if you buy them before they’ve been prepped. Want homemade hash browns for breakfast? Don’t let the convenience factor sway you in the freezer aisle — shred some russets and throw them on a skillet in some oil (best of all, you can adjust the salt and oil content, for your health).
Bagged ceasar salad is nothing compared to one you prepared yourself with fresh romaine lettuce, which you can buy for a fraction of the cost.
Cheap Foods That Pack Major Nutritional Punch
Shredded cabbage is a great source of fiber and vitamin B1, and at home in a variety of dishes including dumplings, stir fry and cassarole. The fresher, the sweeter, and you won’t pay nearly as much.
Rice, which can be used to complement a wide variety of meals, costs pennies when bought in bulk compared to the boxes with serving sizes. Worried you might mess it up on the stove? Invest in a simple rice cooker and get peace of mind.
Saving on your weekly grocery budget is as simple as taking some extra time to cut up your own veggies and fruits. Get out there and save!
