How to eat well for less without compromising quality
With the rising cost of living, many of us are looking for ways to reduce our daily expenses. Food is one area where you can make significant savings. Eating cheaply doesn't mean sacrificing taste, nutrition, or enjoyment. You can enjoy delicious, nutritious meals without spending too much money by planning, making smart choices, and embracing a few thrifty habits. Here are some practical tips to get started.
1. Plan and shop smart
One of the most effective ways to save money on food is to plan your meals ahead of time. Meal planning helps you avoid last-minute takeaways and ensures you only buy what you need, reducing waste.
The first step is to take some time to plan out your meals for the week. Consider what's already in your pantry and fridge and plan around those ingredients to minimise extra purchases, then create a shopping list for anything else you need. When you hit the supermarket, stick to your list and avoid impulse buys, which often contribute to overspending. Another tactic is to watch for supermarket specials and plan meals around discounted items. It would help if you also stocked up on essentials like rice, pasta, and tinned goods when they're on special.
2. Cook at home
Eating out regularly or relying on takeaway meals can quickly drain your wallet. Cooking at home is usually healthier and significantly cheaper. By making your meals, you can control the ingredients and portion sizes, which helps you save money and eat more balanced meals. You can save even more by cooking larger quantities of food and storing the leftovers in the fridge or freezer for future meals. For example, you can make a big pot of soup, stew, or pasta sauce that lasts several meals. Or create meals like stir-fries, casseroles, or one-pot dishes that are easy to make, filling, and cost-effective. You can also make snacks such as popcorn, roasted chickpeas, or homemade protein bars, which are much cheaper and healthier than store-bought.
3. Learn to love budget-friendly ingredients
You don't need to buy gourmet ingredients to make delicious meals. Some of the cheapest ingredients are also the most nutritious. Remember to include these affordable ingredients in your diet:
- Rice and pasta are low-cost and filling and can be used in a variety of meals, from stir-fries to pasta dishes
- Beans and lentils are great protein sources and are much cheaper than meat. Try using them in soups, stews, and salads or as a meat substitute in dishes like tacos or Bolognese
- Frozen vegetables are often cheaper than fresh and last much longer. They are just as nutritious and can be used in stir-fries, casseroles, or as a side dish
- Oats are cheap, filling, and can be used in various ways, from porridge to burgers.
4. Bulk buying is your friend
Buying in bulk is an excellent way to save money on food, especially for pantry staples like rice, pasta, beans, flour, and spices. Many supermarkets and health food stores offer bulk-buying options, which usually result in lower prices per unit, making them much more affordable in the long run. Many bulk items have a long shelf life, so you can stock up without worrying about them going off too soon.
5. Cut back on meat and dairy
Meat and dairy products are often some of the most expensive products in your shopping basket. While these items can be a great source of protein and nutrients, reducing your consumption or finding cheaper alternatives can help save money. Try incorporating a few meatless meals into your week. Dishes like vegetable curry, lentil soup, and bean burritos are affordable and protein-packed. For some inspiration, check out these 40 easy meatless meals. But if cutting back on meat doesn't work for you, consider opting for cheaper cuts like chicken wings, mince, or stewing beef.
6. And cut back on waste
Food waste contributes significantly to unnecessary spending. Studies show the average Australian household throws away around 312kg of food each year, costing up to a whopping $2,500! Reducing food waste is a simple way to save money and make the most of what you buy, so don't let those leftovers end up in the bin. You can repurpose them into new meals, such as turning last night's roast veggies into a frittata or using leftover pasta sauce as a pizza topping. If you've made too much to eat, freeze the leftovers for another day.
7. Grow it yourself
If you have space in your garden or just a small balcony, consider growing your own herbs, vegetables, or fruit. Even a few pots of herbs like basil, parsley, or mint can save you money in the long run, as fresh herbs from the supermarket can be quite pricey. Tomatoes, lettuce, and spinach are perfect for beginners and can be grown in pots or small garden beds.
There's no need to compromise on quality or nutrition
Eating affordably doesn't mean sacrificing the quality of your meals or compromising nutrition. You can enjoy delicious, budget-friendly meals every day by planning, cooking at home, and using cost-effective ingredients. With creativity and effort, saving money on food can become an easy and enjoyable part of your lifestyle.
And if you need a little financial support to get things started, we're here to help. Check out our cash loans up to $5,000 to see how quick and easy it is to get extra funds. Once your loan is approved, the cash is usually in your bank account within a few hours - so you can stock your pantry with bulk buys or maybe even buy a new freezer to store your leftovers.