Food budgeting
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Buy staple foods like pasta, potatoes, beans, and rice in bulk to form the foundation of meals.
A large sack of rice lasts a long time.
4 people, independently
Purchase flour and yeast to bake bread yourself.
It is very inexpensive and offers a cheaper, fresher option.
4 people, independently
Rinse canned beans before eating to reduce gas issues.
It resolves the gas issue.
5 people, independently
Warm a thermos with boiling water for three minutes prior to adding hot soup or stew to maintain temperature for several hours.
The contents remain warm for a longer duration.
4 people, independently
Use dry beans instead of canned beans to save money and achieve better texture without preservatives or excessive salt.
They are cheaper and taste better.
- They take more work/time.
4 people, independently
Cook twice as much dinner and save the extra for lunch the following day.
7 people, independently
Meal prep all meals for the week on Sunday to have everything ready to go.
3 people, independently
Shop at Asian, Hispanic, or Indian markets for cheaper produce and staples.
These stores offer much lower prices than supermarkets.
8 people, independently
- Check farmers' markets for produce that may be less expensive than grocery stores.7
Shop your freezer and pantry first before buying new groceries.
10 people, independently
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Use rice as a versatile and filling base for meals because it is inexpensive.
3 people, independently
Buy bulk meats and share them with friends or family who can store them.
3 people, independently
Add eggs to ramen or fried rice for a cheap source of protein.
3 people, independently
Use fast-food mobile apps to access exclusive deals and push notifications for discounts.
9 people, independently
Treat meat as an addition to meals instead of the main component.
4 people, independently
Split massive restaurant portions, such as soups, burgers, fries, and salads, across two or three separate meals.
3 people, independently
Buy ham when it is offered as a loss leader at low prices per pound.
3 people, independently
attend campus club events or lunch meetings to access free snacks and meals.
4 people, independently
Mix eggs in a bowl with a little water and seasonings, then microwave them.
3 people, independently
Adopt one minor habit change at a time, like skipping restaurant meals on weekdays, and let it settle before adding another.
6 people, independently
Simmer meat bones with broth and potatoes in a pot to make a stew.
5 people, independently
- Make basic stock or broth by simmering leftover vegetable peels, ends, chicken bones, bay leaf, and salt.3
Donate back to the food bank once you are financially stable to pay it forward.
4 people, independently
Pour your home-brewed coffee into a travel mug when running errands to avoid buying mall coffee.
4 people, independently
Go to a Sikh Gurdwara for complimentary meals, since they generally provide food to all visitors without inquiry.
16 people, independently
Rub chickpeas before blending hummus to remove skins for a velvety smooth result.
3 people, independently
Collect free condiment packets like salt, pepper, hot sauce, ketchup, and mustard from fast-food restaurants or coffee shops.
5 people, independently
Microwave a potato wrapped in a damp paper towel, then top it with items such as cheese, sour cream, butter, bacon bits, or chives.
5 people, independently
Ask bakery managers directly for leftover food during closing hours, as smaller businesses may give them away.
4 people, independently
Prepare inexpensive, easy dishes like pasta with salad, chicken over rice, stew with bread, or omelets with fresh fruit.
4 people, independently