My fav frugal foodie tips

I've found being frugal in the kitchen is really, really fun. And it doesn't mean sacrificing taste or variety. With a little planning and creativity, you can enjoy delicious meals while keeping your food bill in check.

Making meals from scratch is really the OG of frugal foodie tips. I make pastry, pestos, dips, tapenades, mayonnaises - they are all made cheaply at home, and you know what it is in them!

By meal planning, buying in bulk, using leftovers, growing your own produce, and focusing on seasonal ingredients, you’ll find that cooking at home can be both economical and enjoyable.

1. Plan Your Meals in Advance

Meal planning is one of the most effective ways to cut down on food costs. By planning your meals for the week, you can create a shopping list that ensures you buy only what you need. This reduces impulse purchases and helps you make the most of ingredients you already have. When planning, try to include recipes that share similar ingredients, so nothing goes to waste.

Tip: Consider batch cooking and freezing meals in portions. This saves time and prevents the temptation of ordering takeaways on busy days.

2. Buy in Bulk and Store Properly

Buying in bulk can save a significant amount of money, especially for non-perishable items like rice, pasta, beans, and canned goods. However, the key to making bulk purchases work for you is proper storage. Invest in airtight containers to keep your pantry staples fresh for longer.

Tip: For perishable items, consider freezing what you don’t immediately need. Many fruits, vegetables, and even some dairy products freeze well and can be used later in smoothies, soups, and sauces.

3. Use Leftovers Creatively

Leftovers don’t have to be boring. With a bit of creativity, they can become the base for an entirely new meal. For instance, roast chicken can be transformed into a chicken salad, stir-fry, or soup. Cooked vegetables can be blended into sauces or used in omelettes.

I use banana skins, onion skins, carrots tops - anything that is vaguely edidble! You can store veggie and meat scraps and bones in the freezer for making stock.

Tip: Keep a “use it up” list on your fridge to remind you of what needs to be eaten soon. This prevents food from being forgotten and going to waste.

4. Grow Your Own Herbs and Vegetables

Herbs can be surprisingly expensive, especially if you buy them fresh for every recipe. Growing your own herbs and vegetables is a cost-effective alternative.

Even if you have limited space, many herbs can thrive in small pots on a windowsill. Vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and lettuce can be grown in containers on a balcony or patio.

Tip: Start with easy-to-grow herbs like basil, mint, or parsley. These are commonly used in cooking and can save you a considerable amount over time.

5. Make Use of Seasonal Produce

Seasonal produce is often cheaper and fresher than out-of-season alternatives. Learn what fruits and vegetables are in season in your area and focus your cooking around them. Not only will this save you money, but it also supports local farmers and reduces your environmental impact.

Tip: Visit local farmers' markets toward the end of the day when traders might offer discounts to sell the last of their produce.

And also...set a budget for your food every week and use cash to help stick to it!