Food budgeting

Shop at Aldi or Marc's instead of Giant Eagle for lower grocery prices.

Giant Eagle is more expensive; for example, coffee was $7.99 there versus $4.99 at Marc's.

one person who lived it

Shop Aldi early Sunday or Wednesday morning.

Fresh foods are put at half off at that time.

one person who lived it

Buy the store's house brand for staples like soy milk to save money compared to name brands.

House brands are a great deal; for example, one source paid $3.29 for house-brand soy milk versus $4.99 for a name brand.

one person who lived it

Shop at discount grocery stores twice a week to keep fresh food from spoiling.

It keeps fresh food from going bad and costs about half the price of standard supermarkets.

one person who lived it

Buy frozen pizzas in bulk from warehouse clubs like Costco.

It offers a low unit price that is hard to beat for a quick meal.

3 people, independently

One approach that helped: buy crushed tomatoes at scratch-and-dent stores when on sale.

to save money

one person who lived it

Buy a used bread machine from a thrift store for around $6 to automate dough making.

It avoids paying higher prices for new equipment.

one person who lived it

Shop at Aldi for cheap hot dogs, buns, bread, milk, eggs, cereal, ramen, and fresh fruit or vegetables.

4 people, independently

Buy staples and produce at low-cost retailers such as Aldi, Dollar Tree, Save-A-Lot, or Asian markets.

These shops typically sell basics far below standard store prices; ethnic outlets offer superior bulk rates for rice and beans.

6 people, independently

• Shop at Asian, Hispanic, or Indian markets for cheaper produce and staples.8
• Shop at local ethnic grocers for cheaper staples like fish, rice, and other items.8
• Shop at Asian grocery stores for cheaper rice, produce, and meat compared to regular supermarkets.2
• Buy basic groceries at ethnic grocery stores.1

Buy a bottle of hot sauce for under $1 instead of salsa for $3.99+.

The hot sauce will last you ages.

one person who lived it

Make your own pancake mix using flour, baking soda, and salt to save money and improve taste.

It will taste better than store-bought mix.

one person who lived it

Buy Friendly Farms almond milk at Aldi as a cheaper alternative to Silk or Almond Breeze.

It costs $2.09 for a half-gallon and tastes the same.

one person who lived it

Buy store brands that are on promotion.

They can be very cheap.

one person who lived it

• Buy store brands for most items and reserve name-brand purchases for when they are on sale, such as buy-one-get-one-free deals.1

Ring up customers for multiple smaller orders if it is cheaper than one large order.

Two 4-piece nugget orders at $1 each were cheaper than one 8-piece order at $2.68.

one person who lived it

Buy coconut milk from the international or Hispanic aisle to save money.

It is cheaper than in main market stores.

2 people, independently

Buy spices in bulk bins rather than pre-packaged jars to reduce costs.

Bulk spices cost pennies compared to the $3-8 per jar price at grocery stores; one user saved from $30 to $3 for six common spices.

one person who lived it

• Buy spices in zipper bags instead of small jars to avoid paying for packaging.2
• Buy spices in bulk from Indian stores to save money.1

Go to mainstream grocery stores early to buy herbs on clearance.

It adds taste to items with almost no cost.

one person who lived it

Ask bakeries at the end of the day if they will sell you day-old bread at a discount.

It is still fresher than supermarket bread.

one person who lived it

• Check your area for brand-specific bakery outlets or day-old bread stores for discounted baked goods.5

Buy dried rice and beans in bulk from international stores or clubs like Costco for significant savings.

Dried rice and beans are cheaper in the 'ethnic' section or at clubs compared to mixed or instant varieties.

2 people, independently

Buy frozen meat (chicken breast, hamburger, sausage) instead of fresh to save money.

It is much cheaper than fresh meat.

one person who lived it

Check the bakery section for sale bread instead of buying standard loaves.

It is usually much better quality and costs around a dollar.

one person who lived it

If the trip to a bulk store is long, calculate whether travel costs negate the savings.

A 150-mile round trip can eliminate any financial benefit.

one person who lived it

Look for ground turkey in the freezer section.

It is often very cheap and good quality.

one person who lived it

Consider buying London Broil (Top Round steak) if it is cheaper than ground beef, particularly in regions where this pricing occurs.

One person observed this price difference while living in the mid-south.

• Pricing may vary by region; this was observed specifically in the mid-south.

one person who lived it

Buy spices from Webstaurantstore.com for bulk deals despite shipping costs.

It is still way cheaper than local options even after shipping diminishes the deal slightly.

• Shipping costs reduce the savings somewhat.

one person who lived it

Buy ghee from Indian stores instead of standard grocery stores to save money.

Prices are lower.

• Verify the product is real ghee and not vegetable oil.

one person who lived it

Buy large, food-safe, airtight containers from restaurant supply stores to store bulk dry goods like rice, flour, and powdered sugar.

They are considered a best investment for storing bulk items.

one person who lived it

Buy appliances like crockpots from thrift stores to save money.

3 people, independently

• Thrift or accept secondhand canning jars to save money on supplies.1

Buy bulk trail mix ingredients from discount stores every few weeks and store them in gallon-sized zip-lock bags to avoid unwanted items.

Allows you to control ingredients and avoid items you dislike, such as pretzels.

one person who lived it

If your living situation is prone to pests, buy rice in 5 lb bags to avoid bugs.

Buying smaller amounts prevented bugs in one person's living situation.

one person who lived it

Buy bulk spices and herbs at WinCo.

They are very cheap and allow you to buy small amounts so they do not go stale.

2 people, independently

Stock up on rice and flour when on sale, and buy seasonal produce to save money on a vegetarian diet.

Buying in-season vegetables and fruits saves loads of money.

one person who lived it

Buy a standalone freezer to stock up on sales.

It saves money quickly.

one person who lived it

• Buy a chest freezer to stock up on deep-sale groceries, which can eliminate the need for store visits some weeks.1

Buy nuts from wholesale clubs like Costco, Aldi, Trader Joe's, or Woodmans for lower prices than regular grocery stores.

Prices can be a fraction of local grocery store costs.

one person who lived it

Buy short grain sushi rice at Asian markets for better prices than standard retailers.

Asian markets offer lower prices per pound compared to Walmart.

one person who lived it

Use empty boxes from the store instead of paid bags.

Stores charge for grocery bags to cut costs.

one person who lived it

When buying bulk or ethnic spices, check for bright colors and strong smells to ensure freshness.

Dull colors or weak scents indicate the spice is old or was not sealed well.

one person who lived it

Buy spices like caraway seeds in large containers online instead of small vials at grocery stores.

Large containers are much cheaper than small vials.

one person who lived it

Buy house-brand or generic coffee (e.g., Great Value, Maxwell House) instead of name brands.

Name brands are overpriced compared to these cheaper options.

one person who lived it

Shop at ethnic markets for inexpensive produce and fresh herbs.

These markets offer such items at low prices.

one person who lived it

Buy turkeys at Thanksgiving and Easter sale prices to eat throughout the year by barbecuing or smoking them.

Sale prices are lower than normal rates.

one person who lived it

Buy groceries in bulk at Costco or similar stores to save money long-term.

Buying in bulk saves money in the long run.

one person who lived it

Purchase rice in large bags from Indian markets for less per unit than small bags at local grocery stores.

Indian markets sell massive quantities of rice for a flat low price, whereas local groceries sell tiny bags.

one person who lived it

Buy produce on massive clearance at grocery stores if it is nearing expiration but still edible.

It is still edible even if it does not look pretty.

one person who lived it

Buy tofu on sale or from Asian markets to save money.

Asian markets often sell it cheaper with more brand choices, and tofu freezes well.

2 people, independently

Skip organic and non-GMO labels unless they are on sale.

These items cost more due to production resources but are not more nutritious; the labels are largely marketing.

• Some foods may be better organic, while for others it does not matter at all.

one person who lived it

Buy large packs of herbs and spices at Asian markets if available, and split them with friends or family.

Pack sizes are larger but cheaper.

one person who lived it

• Go to actual Hispanic, African, Indian, Middle Eastern, or Asian markets where spices are sold in bulk.2
• Purchase spices in bags from Asian grocery stores for better value and freshness.1

Ask deli counters for 'ends and pieces' of processed meats and cheeses.

These items are sold at a significant discount compared to standard cuts.

one person who lived it

Check prices at chain supermarkets in high-cost-of-living metros to ground your expectations.

It serves as a reality check for pricing.

one person who lived it

Skip milk and buy cheese or butter instead because milk is expensive.

Milk is expensive.

one person who lived it

Purchase small bags of rarely used spices from specific ethnic brands to cut down on waste.

Small packages are cheaper and prevent wasting money on large bottles that may go unused.

one person who lived it

Buy sesame oil and seeds at Asian grocers for better quality and price.

Main market prices are high enough that you may worry about using the product before it expires.

one person who lived it

Choose Honeysuckle brand turkey instead of Butterball to save money.

Butterball is twice the price and no longer includes butter inside the bird.

one person who lived it

Season cheap ingredients properly.

Marketing creates a false perception that cheap equals bad taste.

one person who lived it

Buy ham when it is offered as a loss leader at low prices per pound.

3 people, independently

Seek good value rather than just the lowest shelf price when buying canned goods.

Frugality involves finding true value.

one person who lived it

Buy rice in large bags instead of boxes to save money, as the cooking effort is the same.

There is no difference in preparation between plain and boxed rice.

one person who lived it

Buy spices like garlic powder at dollar stores instead of paying higher grocery store prices.

The product is the same everywhere.

one person who lived it

Buy produce that is in season and purchase organic items only when they are on special.

This approach is cheap and adds variety.

one person who lived it

• Buy produce that is in season to get better prices and quality.1

Buy Roma tomatoes for cooking.

They are usually cheap and good for cooking.

one person who lived it

Check the regular aisle for prices before buying items from end-cap displays.

End-cap displays often look like sales but lack a price comparison point.

one person who lived it

Buy basic non-Japanese rice cookers like Aroma or Hamilton Beach instead of expensive Japanese brands if you do not make rice every day.

Expensive models are overkill for most people who don't cook rice daily.

one person who lived it

Comparison shop to verify regular prices before buying items in 'Buy One Get One' sales, as some stores raise prices during these promotions.

Some stores increase prices during sales, making the deal actually more expensive than the normal price.

one person who lived it

Collect empty glass jars from recycling centers to refill from bulk bins.

It provides better quality and savings.

one person who lived it

Have students reuse food-safe disposable containers, such as yogurt cups, to reduce costs when buying in bulk.

It will be cheaper

one person who lived it

Look for pasta in the Hispanic or international sections for better pricing.

These sections often sell the same semolina pasta at a lower cost per ounce.

one person who lived it

Buy instant pasta sauce packets and pasta from Walmart.

They are space-conscious and cheap compared to other options.

one person who lived it

Buy large containers of Gatorade powder and mix it with water yourself instead of buying premade bottles.

It is much cheaper and still tasty.

one person who lived it

Shop at both Walmart and Aldi; buy meat and vegetables at Walmart and other items at Aldi.

Meat and vegetables are slightly cheaper at Walmart, while most other items are less expensive at Aldi.

one person who lived it

Ask store managers for unadvertised discounts on aging meat.

Managers may offer deals if they know the product is getting older.

one person who lived it

Buy coriander seeds from Mexican stores instead of mainstream grocery chains.

The price difference is significant.

one person who lived it

Buy Mexican oregano from ethnic food stores for better flavor and lower price.

It tastes sweeter and has a huge difference compared to grocery store versions, and it is cheap.

one person who lived it

Buy whole carrots and cut your own veggie trays instead of buying baby carrots.

Baby carrots are considered a rip-off compared to normal ones.

one person who lived it

Mix name-brand cereal with off-brand cereal before storing it in jars to save money.

No one has noticed the difference, including picky eaters.

one person who lived it

Avoid buying expensive cilantro seeds from Raley's if possible.

They can be priced higher than alternative sources.

one person who lived it

Skip organic produce when regular options are similarly priced or cheaper.

Regular carrots were found to be cheaper per pound.

one person who lived it

Buy red meat on clearance or as manager specials near its expiration date to save money.

Red meat is often drastically reduced in price at local grocery stores when nearing expiration.

2 people, independently

Buy whatever ingredients happen to be cheap at the shop rather than specific items, keeping only bouillon, carrots, and potatoes as staples.

This allows you to take advantage of daily discounts.

one person who lived it

Calculate cost per serving rather than comparing box prices to determine true value.

That's a better indicator.

one person who lived it

Buy larger packages of food even if you discard some, if the unit price is lower.

It is sometimes cheaper overall despite the waste.

one person who lived it

Buy Grape Nuts for a long-lasting, economical cereal despite high initial appearance cost.

A little goes a long way, making it cost-effective over time.

one person who lived it

Shop at local Asian supermarkets for sushi ingredients to get lower prices than general grocery stores.

Prices at other stores sound a bit high.

one person who lived it

Compare the price-per-weight unit prices across different brands and sections before buying.

A lower price-to-weight ratio indicates better value.

one person who lived it

Check farmers' markets for produce that may be less expensive than grocery stores.

• prices vary by region and season

7 people, independently

• Buy ingredients at Hispanic grocery stores for cheaper prices.4
• Buy fresh fruit at specialized ethnic or local markets instead of large grocery chains for better prices and variety.2

Check local Asian markets for discounted sashimi trays around dinnertime.

Stores hope to sell them before closing for the night.

one person who lived it

Get toppings from a grocery store salad bar.

It is cheaper than buying individual containers of peppers, mushrooms, or onions.

one person who lived it

Check for pricing errors or mistakes on tags, such as mislabeled items, to get deep discounts.

one person who lived it

Avoid buying expensive categories like meat and fish at premium grocery stores; buy those items elsewhere or stick to vegetarian options there.

Meat and fish at these stores are really expensive, but avoiding them prevents sacrificing your whole paycheck.

one person who lived it

Buy chili crisp or crunch at local Asian import stores to save money compared to regular supermarkets.

It is not expensive there.

one person who lived it

Ask friends who manage restaurant ordering for help securing food supplies, as their larger orders may allow them to get better distributor prices for you.

Distributors favor larger orders, which benefits the restaurant owner without much effort on their part.

one person who lived it

Buy Saskatoon berries instead of other berries for more flavor and lower cost.

They have way more flavor, are generally cheaper, and are grown domestically.

one person who lived it

Buy frozen fish instead of fresh if you live inland, as shipping makes fresh fish expensive.

Fresh fish is pricey in inland America due to shipping; frozen fish is relatively reasonable.

one person who lived it

Shop at local immigrant or independent markets in working-class areas for cheaper vegetables rather than boutique markets.

Local ones are cheaper.

one person who lived it

Compare prices between stores like Walmart and local markets to find better deals on specific items.

Some stores are more expensive for namebrand items.

one person who lived it

Use dehydrated herbs and garlic for long-lasting, budget-friendly flavor.

They are shelf-stable, require less quantity, and last longer, making them budget-positive despite higher initial cost.

one person who lived it

Shop for TVP and soy products at Asian or South Asian supermarkets to find lower prices.

Regular grocery stores often hike prices on these items compared to ethnic markets.

one person who lived it

Buy large bags of nuts such as pistachios, walnuts, almonds, or cashews from Costco for their long shelf life and versatility.

long shelf life and extremely versatile

one person who lived it

Mix your own garlic salt using individual ingredients instead of buying pre-mixed blends.

Pre-mixed brands vary in saltiness, and mixing allows you to control the ratio while potentially saving money.

one person who lived it

Buy high-quality hard cheeses like Asiago or Parmigiano Reggiano, as their intense flavor allows you to use very small amounts, making them cost-effective.

They are dense and packed with flavor, so you only need a tiny increment for happiness.

one person who lived it

Check if store-bought tubs are labeled 'ice cream' or 'frozen dairy dessert' to compare quality and price accurately.

Frozen desserts often use cheaper ingredients like less cream, making them artificially cheaper than true ice cream.

one person who lived it

Read ingredient labels carefully because cheaper options may contain undesirable additives like sugar or fillers.

Cheaper isn't always worth buying garbage; some queso dips have added sugar.

one person who lived it

Consider wages and other basic costs alongside grocery prices when evaluating living expenses in different countries.

Groceries may be cheap while wages are low and other basics like gas, electricity, or car ownership are expensive.

one person who lived it

Contextualize grocery prices by considering local income levels before judging affordability.

Income situations vary by location, making direct price comparisons misleading.

one person who lived it

Buy shank halves of ham instead of butt halves as they are usually cheaper.

one person who lived it

Bulk up shopping trips with lesser-purchased vegetables like beets, collard greens, and chard instead of popular ones like kale or avocado.

Lesser-purchased items can be crazy cheap compared to popular veggies.

one person who lived it

Eat seasonal fruits and vegetables as they are more affordable.

Seasonal produce is very affordable.

one person who lived it

Check the sale rack at your grocery store for discounted pastries and similar items.

3 people, independently

• Check the manager's special section in the cheese aisle for discounted items.1

Buy bulk food items and separate them yourself into smaller portions to save money.

3 people, independently

Publicly praise vendors with low prices online.

Increased business volume allows vendors to afford keeping prices lower.

one person who lived it

Order commercial-grade supplies (like toilet paper) from box and paper stores to save money and avoid cramming cars during grocery trips.

one person who lived it

Shop at expired food stores for non-perishable items like coffee, cereal, and paper products.

one person who lived it

Check the international aisle in mainstream supermarkets for cheaper Hispanic-brand spices.

3 people, independently

Substitute turnips for potatoes in soup if you plan to freeze it.

Potatoes do not freeze well in soup.

one person who lived it

Store pet food in a closet to block light.

Light entering the container can spoil the food or help bacteria grow easier.

one person who lived it

If freezing food in mason jars, leave space for expansion and defrost slowly to prevent shattering, though some report no issues.

Jars may break easily in the freezer or pop if not handled correctly.

• One person reported no breaking issues, suggesting proper spacing and slow defrosting are key factors.

one person who lived it

Freeze bone broth flat in gallon ziplock bags to save freezer space.

It prevents the bags from becoming bulky and difficult to move around.

one person who lived it

Use a wetted terracotta piece or lid in the sugar container to maintain moisture.

It keeps the sugar moist for months when stored in an airtight jar.

one person who lived it

Store bread at room temperature rather than in the fridge.

fridges draw out moisture and make bread stale faster

one person who lived it

Cook Persian stews for meal prep as they hold up well to freezing and reheating.

sour and acidic flavors keep them tasting bright and fresh

one person who lived it

Store dry goods like oats in sealed containers to keep out moisture and pests.

This allows them to last indefinitely.

one person who lived it

Store bulk yeast in the freezer to ensure supply during shortages.

Having stock prevented issues during past yeast shortages.

one person who lived it

Use ghee instead of butter for backpacking.

It keeps well and stays solid without melting easily.

• You must use a leak-proof container.

one person who lived it

Buy sugar, maple syrup, and salt as they do not spoil.

they never spoil

one person who lived it

Freeze bread to prevent staling and take out only what you need shortly before eating it.

Bread goes bad quickly if not frozen.

one person who lived it

Buy lactose-free milk for its long shelf life, even if you are not lactose intolerant.

It has a very long shelf life.

one person who lived it

Store spices in the freezer for a few days after purchase to prolong shelf life.

This should prolong 'shelf' life.

one person who lived it

Chop salads fresh for each meal rather than storing them in advance.

Pre-chopped stored salads have an off-putting stale crunch.

one person who lived it

Keep the fat cap on homemade broth to help preserve it if the seal is broken and for flavor.

The fat acts to preserve the broth and is considered good for you; you are paying for the fat.

one person who lived it

Add frozen berries to cereal to keep the milk cold and save money.

They are very cheap.

one person who lived it

Slice an apple and secure it with a rubber band to keep air out and prevent browning.

Keeping air out prevents the fruit from turning brown and keeps it fresh.

one person who lived it

Store sauce in a small separate container in the fridge for the week.

to keep it fresh

one person who lived it

Use reusable plastic lids for mason jars.

They don't rust.

one person who lived it

Meal prep foods that freeze well to avoid the stale food feeling associated with fridge leftovers.

There is not the 'stale food' aspect grossing you out.

one person who lived it

Transfer loose seasonings from plastic packaging into your own jars or sealed containers.

This simplifies usage and tidies up your storage space.

4 people, independently

Freeze extra shredded cheese in portions to extend its shelf life and prevent waste.

It ensures the cheese lasts longer and is not wasted.

one person who lived it

Store extra flours and oils in the freezer to prevent rancidity.

The oils don't go rancid.

one person who lived it

Stock up on canned tomatoes while they are in season to have them available year-round.

They keep forever.

one person who lived it

Freeze extra-firm or firm tofu in its original package, then thaw it to create a spongier, more meat-like texture.

Ice crystals force soy protein into a sponge-like structure, making it chewier and extending its shelf life.

3 people, independently

Buy only small amounts of vegetable oil at a time.

It has a limited shelf life once opened.

one person who lived it

Portion meat into usable sizes before freezing to ensure it gets used.

Defrosting large chunks takes time and busy people tend to forget.

one person who lived it

• Portion ground beef into small amounts matching actual consumption before freezing to avoid waste.1

Portion beans into quart-sized freezer bags and freeze them.

Beans freeze beautifully this way.

one person who lived it

Freeze leftovers in single-serving batches to prevent throwing them away due to boredom or overeating.

It allows you to enjoy the food weeks later when it feels new again.

one person who lived it

Spray cut avocado with lemon juice or keep it sealed well to prevent browning.

Black discoloration does not mean the food is bad

one person who lived it

Freeze the majority of bulk spices and herbs in labeled plastic freezer bags to prevent staleness.

Freezing works well to preserve freshness.

one person who lived it

• Store spices in airtight containers out of light to prevent staleness; freeze them if necessary.1

Freeze seasonal strawberries and other berries to preserve them for year-round use; using frozen fruit in drinks adds flavor without watering them down like ice.

Frozen fruit provides more flavor and avoids the watered-down taste of melting ice.

one person who lived it

If you lack refrigeration, cook meat or vegetables only when ready to eat and consume 100% of it immediately.

Leftovers cannot be saved.

one person who lived it

Purchase milk that is a day past its expiration date from local grocers and freeze it for later use.

one person who lived it

Replace jelly with honey in sandwiches because it does not spoil and is available in sauce packets.

Honey never goes bad.

one person who lived it

Refrigerate meatloaf for a day or two before eating it as sandwiches.

Meatloaf gets better after refrigeration.

one person who lived it

Store unshelled walnuts properly for up to 3 months without refrigeration or freezing.

They are shelf stable for that duration if stored properly.

one person who lived it

Use Pyrex glass containers instead of plastic Tupperware if you are concerned about chemical leaching.

Plastic may leach into food.

• Only necessary if you are concerned with plastic leaching.

one person who lived it

Freeze goat cheese as an alternative to cow-milk soft cheeses, especially for dips where the difference is minimal.

Goat's milk has smaller fat globules that disperse on their own, allowing it to freeze well.

one person who lived it

Use kimchi, sauerkraut, or curtido as preserved cabbage options that keep well and add probiotics.

They keep with less work and are often not refrigerated; plain cabbage won't last as long.

one person who lived it

Do not freeze spices.

Freezing crystallizes plant cells and destroys flavor.

one person who lived it

Invest in a vacuum sealer to preserve close-dated or bulk-purchased food items.

Vacuum sealing helps extend the life of items that might otherwise spoil quickly.

one person who lived it

Store homemade or bulk brown sugar in an airtight container.

It prevents the sugar from hardening into rocks.

one person who lived it

Thaw frozen meal portions in the refrigerator for a full day before reheating for best results.

• You can microwave from frozen if you are out of options.

3 people, independently

Place a coin on top of a container of water in your freezer to detect if power outages cause unsafe thawing.

If the coin ends up at the bottom or inside the ice, it indicates the food temperature rose to unsafe levels.

one person who lived it

Avoid freezing soft cheeses like brie, as the high fat content causes the texture to break down, becoming greasy or grainy upon thawing.

Fat bursts and separates during freezing, causing the cheese to 'break'.

one person who lived it

Freeze chicken soup without noodles to prevent texture issues; add fresh egg noodles when reheating.

noodles can freeze weird

one person who lived it

Sort, wash, and freeze fresh fruit immediately to prevent it from spoiling, then use the frozen fruit for smoothies later.

Prevents spoilage

one person who lived it

Place a paper towel in the bottom of salad bags to absorb moisture and extend freshness.

The paper towel absorbs released and condensed moisture, which has been reported to extend the life of spinach and other greens.

one person who lived it

Freeze soffrito components in small bags.

It is handy to have already chopped soffrito ready for nearly everything.

one person who lived it

Avoid storing fatty foods in plastic containers to prevent chemical leaching.

Plastic can leach chemicals into fatty foods.

one person who lived it

Freeze broccoli for use in soups and stews where texture is irrelevant.

Texture becomes irrelevant in these dishes.

one person who lived it

Remove fruits and vegetables from plastic bags immediately after shopping to extend shelf life.

Condensation inside the bag as food ripens shortens shelf-life dramatically.

one person who lived it

Chop vegetables into smaller, uniformly sized pieces and toss them in olive oil before roasting to ensure even crisping.

Uniform size and oil help with crisping.

one person who lived it

Avoid using silica gel packets in food storage containers.

They pose an ingestion risk if accidentally consumed.

one person who lived it

Eat shelf-stable fruits and vegetables like cucumbers, bananas, apples, and carrots when lacking refrigeration.

They provide fiber and require no fridge.

one person who lived it

Label prepped meals clearly to manage multiple stored items.

Labels help identify contents when multiple items are prepped.

one person who lived it

Clarify butter into ghee before using it for high-temperature cooking.

Regular butter is not suitable for higher temperatures.

one person who lived it

Attribute cauliflower shortages to unusually cold weather in California and Arizona.

Cold weather affected crop yields in growing regions.

one person who lived it

Expect cauliflower prices to spike during December due to shortages, with normalization expected afterward.

December shortages drive up prices temporarily.

one person who lived it

Add more salt than usual when preparing meals intended for freezing.

The freezing process can diminish perceived saltiness upon reheating.

one person who lived it

Keep wet ingredients like tomatoes, cucumbers, and condiments separate from sandwiches and add them right before eating.

This prevents sogginess.

one person who lived it

Freeze green beans directly without blanching if you prefer simplicity and do not mind potential texture differences.

One person reported seeing no difference in quality when skipping blanching.

one person who lived it

Dice aromatics like onions, celery, and carrots, then freeze them in small, single-recipe quantities for quick sautéing later.

3 people, independently

Press plastic wrap directly onto stored avocado to prevent browning from oxygen exposure.

Oxygen causes the avocado to brown.

one person who lived it

Set aside extra caramelized onions before serving to freeze them for future meals.

Leftovers may otherwise be eaten immediately.

one person who lived it

Lightly steam broccoli and blanch asparagus before adding them to cold pasta salad to prevent excessive crunchiness.

to avoid excessive crunchiness

one person who lived it

Repurpose pepperoncini buckets from Greek restaurants for storage.

One user reported everything stored in them smelled like spicy perfection.

one person who lived it

Blanch vegetables before freezing them according to blanching charts to preserve quality.

• Some people report good luck freezing sliced bell peppers without blanching.

4 people, independently

Eat oatmeal topped with sweet or savory ingredients for a filling meal.

It is cheap and makes you feel full.

one person who lived it

• Add oatmeal to your budget staples.1
• Eat oats as a cheap, long-lasting, and filling food source.1
• Eat oatmeal for breakfast as a hot alternative to drive-thru food that takes less time and costs about 50 cents.1

Switch to oats instead of cold cereal for breakfast if standard oats are affordable for you.

Oats are cheaper and last longer than a week compared to other options.

• Gluten-free oats can be way too expensive.

one person who lived it

Buy hot dogs, gelato, or churros from the Costco food court for low-cost meals.

4 people, independently

Eat khichdi (lentils and rice) as a cheap, high-protein vegetarian meal.

It is described as always being the cheapest meal.

one person who lived it

Cook Cajun dishes like Jambalaya and Gumbo to stretch meals cheaply.

They are filling, inexpensive, and last a week.

one person who lived it

Eat cold Chef Boyardee straight from the can as part of a cheap lunch.

It tastes bad either way.

one person who lived it

Mix ground beef, rice, and beans in a 1:1:1 ratio for a cheap meal.

It is super cheap.

one person who lived it

Substitute rice for hot dog buns if you have access to a cooking space.

Rice is quick and cheap.

• Requires a place to cook.

one person who lived it

Substitute walnuts, peanuts, cashews, pecans, or almonds for pine nuts in pesto to reduce cost.

pine nuts are the most expensive thing

4 people, independently

Add egg whites, Greek yogurt, or cottage cheese to meals to increase protein content.

Buying egg whites in bulk works out cheaper.

one person who lived it

Bulk buy pasta and pair it with sauce for cheap, filling meals.

It is cheap

one person who lived it

Make shrimp boils in the summer to take advantage of cheap corn and potatoes.

Corn and potatoes are dirt cheap in the summer.

one person who lived it

Buy chuck eye steak as a cheaper alternative to ribeye.

It tastes almost the same but costs much less.

one person who lived it

Use whole or brown rice for fullness, as it is cheap by fullness standards.

It is cheap by fullness standards.

one person who lived it

• Use rice as a versatile and filling base for meals because it is inexpensive.3

Make bowls by mixing rice, veggies, and protein, or make soups that include beans.

They are easy, fast, and cheap.

one person who lived it

• Prepare inexpensive, easy dishes like pasta with salad, chicken over rice, stew with bread, or omelets with fresh fruit.4

Swap half or all of the meat in a dish with lentils.

Lentils are cheap in bulk, nutritious, store well frozen, blend in well, and add plant-based protein and fiber.

one person who lived it

Cut costs on meatballs, meatloaf, tacos, or spaghetti by mixing ground pork with ground beef.

Ground pork is often cheaper than other meats.

one person who lived it

Eat zucchini on hotdog buns as a cheap staple if you are on a tight budget.

One person found it similarly priced to Top Ramen and not bad when poor.

one person who lived it

Roll sushi logs using smoked salmon, cream cheese, cucumber, carrot, and sushi rice.

This combination can result in a cost of about 20 cents per maki roll.

one person who lived it

At salad bars priced by weight, choose light, fluffy foods like greens and add small amounts of protein, avoiding dense items like ground beef or rice.

dense items cost more per volume

one person who lived it

Consider beans or lentils as more cost-effective protein sources than tofu if maximizing protein per dollar is your goal.

Tofu provides less protein per dollar compared to legumes like beans and lentils, and even pasta or bread.

• Tofo may be a cheaper way to increase vegan protein intake without adding significant carbohydrates.

one person who lived it

Buy a cheap personal pizza from a discount retailer and add fresh vegetables like onions, mushrooms, and spinach to create a larger meal.

This approach provides enough food for two meals at a low total cost.

one person who lived it

Focus on whole plant foods like grains, greens, nuts, and vegetables rather than processed fake meats.

Whole foods are generally more affordable than fancy meat substitutes.

• A vegetarian diet is only cheaper if you avoid expensive substitute products.

2 people, independently

• Eat simple, unprocessed plant foods like rice, beans, vegetables, peanut butter, and bread instead of packaged vegan products to save money.1

Bring your own cheese to McDonald's and add it to a hamburger to save money compared to buying a cheeseburger.

A hamburger is cheaper than a cheeseburger (e.g., $1 vs $3.10).

one person who lived it

Buy breakfast sausage instead of bacon if it is cheaper in your area.

Bacon can be expensive compared to sausage.

one person who lived it

Make lentil tacos using dried split red lentils purchased at low cost.

One person found this method delicious and affordable.

one person who lived it

Buy ramen, peanut butter, bagels, oatmeal, rice, and beans from dollar stores or sales.

These items are sold for insanely cheap prices.

one person who lived it

Buy super firm tofu or tempeh as a cheap, complete protein source that serves as a blank canvas; consider freezing them to improve texture.

It is a cheap, complete protein and a blank canvas; freezing gives better texture.

one person who lived it

Put ready meals in the oven and pair them with bagged salad for a low-effort dinner that costs less than takeaway.

It requires little to no real effort and is cheaper than ordering out.

one person who lived it

Stock lentils as a regular pantry item.

They are tasty, healthy, satiating, very inexpensive, and keep well on shelves.

3 people, independently

Add eggs to ramen or fried rice for a cheap source of protein.

3 people, independently

• Add an egg to ramen to substitute for meat when it is too expensive.1

Make hummus and pita bread yourself.

They are super cheap and surprisingly easy to make.

one person who lived it

Combine legumes such as beans with grains like rice to create a complete protein source.

This combination provides all essential amino acids, which the body processes similarly to meat.

4 people, independently

Use tofu as a meat substitute in meals like spaghetti to save money.

it is cheaper

one person who lived it

Make your own chips for chilaquiles to save money.

It is cheaper than buying them.

one person who lived it

Eat a can of chili with a box of cornbread.

It is cheap and filling.

one person who lived it

• Top chili spread in a baking dish with Jiffy cornbread mix (mixed per box instructions) for an inexpensive and tasty meal.1

Boil chickpeas, blend them, and mix with chickpea flour.

Super cheap.

one person who lived it

Eat eggs as a snack or meal component.

They are cheap, calorie-dense, and nutritious.

one person who lived it

Add rice and bean curry as a weekly dish, and check for cheap frozen fish like tilapia on sale.

might work well

one person who lived it

Include bananas, cabbage, onions, potatoes, and apples in your shopping list for cheap, nutritious, and filling options.

Bananas are high calorie; cabbage is healthy.

3 people, independently

Make mashed potatoes using a 5 lb bag of potatoes and evaporated milk, freeze individual servings, and use them to bulk up other meals cheaply.

This method yields about 16 servings averaging $0.23 per serving.

one person who lived it

Rely on beans and cabbage as staples and use a good spice cabinet to add to flavor.

Seasonings are an investment that improves cheaper foods.

one person who lived it

Add dandelions (picked or grown) to a budget diet of brown rice and lentils for nutrition.

One person survived on this combination for years.

one person who lived it

Serve fried eggs over jasmine rice as an inexpensive family meal.

It can feed a whole family for approximately $2–$6 depending on egg prices.

one person who lived it

Replace ground meat entirely or partially with lentils in dishes like sloppy Joes, tacos, and lasagna.

This allows you to stretch the meat.

one person who lived it

Make roasted broccoli garlic soup using free produce from food pantries or rescues, supplementing only with pantry staples like butter and seasoning.

This allows for a meal costing nearly nothing when resources are tight.

one person who lived it

Eat instant Mi Goreng noodles as a cheap alternative.

It tastes good for the price.

one person who lived it

Avoid processed foods like canned meats and pre-made seasoning packets; DIY with dry beans and plain spices.

You pay extra for processed food; dry beans are cheaper than canned, and mixing your own plain spices is cheaper than using packets like taco or ranch dressing mixes.

one person who lived it

Eat cheap carbohydrates like rice and potatoes to stay full and maintain weight while reducing food costs.

They are the cheapest food options and provide satiety and calories.

one person who lived it

Recreate expensive store-bought sauces at home by identifying simple ingredients like cilantro, lime, mayo, and salsa.

It is super simple to recreate and cheaper.

one person who lived it

Bulk out meals with grated carrot and cucumber served poke-bowl style.

It freshens up cheap salad ingredients.

one person who lived it

Make potato wedges.

They are cheap to make and considered 'mint'.

one person who lived it

Use fresh potatoes instead of rice for meals to increase nutrient intake.

Fresh potatoes contain more nutrients than rice, including vitamin C.

one person who lived it

Use dried chickpeas when making hummus.

It results in even cheaper hummus.

one person who lived it

Eat black beans and rice with hot sauce and onions as a cheaper and more nutritious alternative to instant noodles.

Cheaper and more nutrients than Roman Noodles

one person who lived it

One approach that helped: eat strictly potatoes (made into fries or mashed) for a month, as they are super cheap.

one person who lived it

• Eat potatoes as a cheap, delicious, and calorically dense staple that requires little effort.1

Incorporate rice and beans into your diet as a valuable and nutritious staple.

They offer significant nutritional value.

2 people, independently

Add carrots, apples, or frozen veggies to your diet for extra nutrition.

Frozen veggies are cheaper than fresh produce.

one person who lived it

Use frozen mixed vegetables for fried rice to save money.

to save money

one person who lived it

Use cabbage as a substitute for lettuce or as an ingredient in soups, salads, burritos, stir fries, and curries.

It is a cheap and versatile vegetable.

one person who lived it

• Use cabbage instead of lettuce for salads and tacos because it is inexpensive and lasts practically forever.1

Use stock cubes as a cheap base for soup or hot drinks, optionally adding dumplings or bread.

They are inexpensive and come in various flavors including vegan options.

one person who lived it

Make dal (lentil stew), specifically trying the 'Dal Nirvana' recipe.

Lentils are so cheap.

one person who lived it

Eat breakfast items at night, like oatmeal, pancakes, waffles with eggs, fruit, bacon, yogurt, or omelets.

This option is inexpensive, nutritious, and simple to prepare.

3 people, independently

In egg-based dishes like omelettes, frittatas, or quiches, reduce the amount of eggs and substitute cottage cheese, goat cheese, or regular liquid dairy.

This helps keep costs down.

one person who lived it

Choose soup or pasta over sandwiches for a cheaper lunch option.

Sandwiches are expensive.

one person who lived it

Eat canned mackerel instead of tuna for a cheaper, tasty option that lacks mercury.

Mercury content is important if eating fish frequently.

one person who lived it

Make kale chips at home using online recipes instead of buying packaged ones.

Packaged kale chips are ridiculously expensive, while easy online recipes are available.

2 people, independently

Consider chicken livers as a frugal meal choice.

They are described as insanely nutritious and cheap.

one person who lived it

Make chicken salad sandwiches, using celery or sunflower seeds for crunch if walnuts are too expensive.

Celery or sunflower seeds are much cheaper than walnuts.

one person who lived it

Learn to prepare dishes from scratch and substitute expensive ingredients with cheaper alternatives.

It is really useful.

one person who lived it

Make vegetarian sushi rolls using cucumber, avocado, or tamago to reduce costs.

Vegetarian sushi is cheaper than fish-based options.

one person who lived it

Choose protein sources that offer the highest percentage of protein for the lowest price per gram.

Getting enough cheap protein provides necessary calories, fat, and carbohydrates automatically.

one person who lived it

Look into Indian or Pakistani recipes based on grains, lentils, and vegetables for affordable, delicious meals.

These cuisines are built around affordable eating using staple ingredients.

one person who lived it

Add vanilla whey protein powder to Greek yogurt to create a cheaper alternative to individual flavored containers.

It is way cheaper than paying for individual containers.

one person who lived it

Substitute black beans with pinto, navy, chickpeas, kidney, or lima beans if unavailable or expensive.

Pinto beans are unbelievably adaptable.

one person who lived it

Eat baked potatoes as a cheap, easy meal base that can be customized to avoid boredom.

3 people, independently

Buy basic ingredients like beans, diced tomatoes, sausage, and vegetable stock at Target to prepare multiple hearty meals cheaply.

one person who lived it

Use a hot plate with a metal cup to heat soup, coffee, noodles, or beans.

It allows for easy cleanup in a bathroom sink.

one person who lived it

Use an Instant Pot to speed up slow-cooker recipes, such as reducing beef stew time from 8 hours to 1 hour.

To save time.

one person who lived it

Add egg noodles and canned mushrooms to beef stew meat to stretch the meal for two to three days.

It makes the meal filling and comforting.

one person who lived it

Prepare large weekend meals like stew or lasagne, freeze them in portions, and reheat during the week to limit cooking days.

Freezing bulk quantities reduces the need to cook more than a few times per week.

4 people, independently

• Make large batches of sauces, curries, and stews from scratch, then cool, divide, and freeze them for quick future meals.1
• When cooking a proper meal, freeze extra portions to serve as low-maintenance meals later.3

Cook twice as much dinner and save the extra for lunch the following day.

7 people, independently

Cook simple meals like canned soups or rice and beans on a camp stove in parking lots if you are traveling and need to eat.

It provides easy, filling food when necessary.

• It may feel weird and attract looks from others.

one person who lived it

Prep plain base proteins and grains, then add different sauces and veggies to create variety throughout the week.

It adds spontaneity to meal prep.

3 people, independently

Combine a can of corn, a can of lentils, and a can of peas for two shelf-stable meals that cover all macros.

The combination provides all your macros and is shelf stable forever.

one person who lived it

Use a slow cooker for ongoing meal prep and bulk savings, such as making chili, curry, soups, and stews.

• Requires freezer space.

5 people, independently

• Use a slow cooker to prepare meals by adding ingredients before bed and waking up to a finished dish, conserving energy and effort.3

Roast green coffee beans in a cast iron skillet or popcorn popper, stirring constantly to ensure an even roast.

Cast iron provides great heat application; non-stick pans may get too hot.

• Do not use non-stick pans as they may overheat.

one person who lived it

Serve split pea soup with croutons made from bread ends.

They were super yummy

• Based on one person's memory of their mother's cooking

one person who lived it

Make large batches of vegetable soup in winter and freeze them in four-cup containers.

It provides a hot, thawable meal when you get home.

one person who lived it

Cook simple four-ingredient meals like seasoned beef with cheese and tortillas.

They are warm and filling.

one person who lived it

Use black lentils instead of red or brown if you want them to hold their shape.

Red and brown lentils often turn to mush.

one person who lived it

Mash cooked beans with spices and cheese to create a pâté for bread or toast.

It makes wonderful pâté.

one person who lived it

Use Souper Cubes to freeze single-serving portions of soups, sauces, or stocks.

They are described as a game-changer for meal prepping, allowing you to make soup only once every other week.

• Avoid cheap off-brand versions, which are considered terrible.

4 people, independently

Soak dried kidney beans in water overnight in the fridge before cooking.

The beans will absorb water and swell.

one person who lived it

Place a Sterno can inside a pot with a metal grid on top to create an indoor cooking surface.

Sterno cans can be used indoors.

one person who lived it

Cook quinoa in a rice cooker using a 1:2 ratio of quinoa to water or broth on the quick setting.

Broth is noted as better than water.

one person who lived it

Organize a group assembly line to make and freeze large batches of burritos.

This can provide meals for a month and teach cooking skills.

one person who lived it

Add a small amount of epazote herb when cooking beans to reduce gas production.

The herb breaks down compounds that the gut biome would otherwise turn into stinky gas.

2 people, independently

Boil tomato-based drinks and mix in ketchup to serve over cheap noodles.

It is better than being hungry.

one person who lived it

Use less water (2 cans worth) when making bean soup to ensure it is thick enough for multiple meals.

using almost 3 cans was too much for 3 meals

one person who lived it

Cook cabbage with boiled potatoes and optional smoked sausage or shrimp for a warm, cheap meal.

You can make big batches.

one person who lived it

Cook when your energy and time are best, such as Sunday mornings, rather than when tired at night.

Cooking at night is difficult when tired and hungry.

one person who lived it

Teach foundational cooking skills such as boiling pasta, making rice, knife skills, weekly meal planning, and grocery budgeting.

These provide skills usable for the rest of one's life.

one person who lived it

Heat water, add it to couscous, wait, fluff, and consume.

Pretty easy.

2 people, independently

If you want to speed up making roux for gumbo, try using a microwave and stirring frequently.

It is much quicker than using a stovetop.

one person who lived it

Donate canned ravioli to food pantries because it is a full meal that stores well.

It allows recipients to store the full meal away.

one person who lived it

Do not rinse cooked beans to retain nutrients and starches that help prevent gas.

Rinsing removes nutrients and starches that help prevent gas.

one person who lived it

Use a rice cooker to simplify cooking by dumping ingredients in and turning it on.

It is worth the investment for the amount of rice cooked.

one person who lived it

• Use a rice cooker to prepare large amounts of rice easily.1
• Use a rice cooker for cooking rice.1

Cook dried beans, which will double in volume; one pound typically yields 8-10 servings.

It provides enough food for dinner and leftovers for lunches.

one person who lived it

Cook split peas with rice and serve with mackerel or sardines for a protein-rich meal.

Mackerel or sardines go well with it

• One person's preference

one person who lived it

Make big meals and eat or freeze the leftovers; use a crockpot when you cannot hover over the stove.

Crockpots allow cooking without hovering.

one person who lived it

Cook boiled dinner in a crock pot while at work for more flavor and less hassle.

It provides more flavor and less hassle.

one person who lived it

Make apple juice from apple peels and cores to cut down on waste.

The resulting juice is not watery and tastes good.

one person who lived it

Steam or sauté dark greens with garlic and mix them into rice.

Dark greens hide nicely in rice this way.

one person who lived it

Make split pea soup for colder weather.

It freezes well.

one person who lived it

Cook half brown rice and half Knorr side dish packets together in a rice cooker for a filling meal.

It creates a pretty filling dinner.

one person who lived it

Clean as you go during cooking to avoid a large pile of dishes later.

There is downtime in cooking that can be used for cleaning.

one person who lived it

Pan-fry spam for a filling addition to meals.

Sometimes it hits just right.

one person who lived it

Salt bean cooking water heavily from the start to improve seasoning without preventing softening.

The myth that salt prevents beans from cooking through is not true.

one person who lived it

• Soak beans in salted water to make them more tender.1

Microwave a whole potato with skin on, seasoned with oil, salt, pepper, and thyme, and serve with frozen peas.

It is fast and easy.

one person who lived it

• 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

Ration a jar of spaghetti sauce to last for four meals.

one person who lived it

If your fridge is running low, eat plain buttered noodles as a simple meal.

It is described as 'life' when resources are scarce.

one person who lived it

Cook pinto beans with canned tomatoes and green chiles for a flavorful, shelf-stable meal.

It adds nice flavor and remains inexpensive.

one person who lived it

Make potato, sweet potato, or pumpkin mash as a high-value root vegetable side or main dish.

It offers the best value for root vegetables, and leftover mash is delicious.

one person who lived it

Serve Rice-A-Roni as a nostalgic side dish.

It is wicked nostalgic.

one person who lived it

Add vegetables like onions, potatoes, bell peppers, broccoli, green beans, peas, or carrots to pork and rice meals.

You need some vegetables.

one person who lived it

Heat canned chili or beans in a microwave for a high-protein, high-calorie meal without using a stove.

This method provides the cheapest route with high protein and caloric content.

one person who lived it

Top baked potatoes with Campbell's Chunky Soup when it is on sale.

It is delicious.

one person who lived it

Prepare a cabbage omelet for a meal that is Halal, Kosher, and vegetarian friendly.

It is good for you and pairs well with beer.

one person who lived it

Cook lentils in an InstantPot with water, a trivet, and seasoning for 60 minutes with natural release.

It is a game changer.

one person who lived it

Stretch ready-made canned soup by adding water, bouillon, and available vegetables.

This makes the soup last for several days.

2 people, independently

Grind leftover bits of dehydrated vegetables into a fine powder to use as a nutrient-rich bouillon for soups, sauces, breads, and baked goods.

For more nutrients.

one person who lived it

Make your own applesauce.

So tasty

one person who lived it

Use a slow cooker to limit daily cooking time to weekend prep sessions.

This saves significant time, reducing active cooking to 2-3 hours max on weekends.

one person who lived it

Cook frozen green beans in the same water as ramen noodles since they take about the same time, then strain both together to save dishes.

It saves time and reduces the number of bowls used.

one person who lived it

Use a pressure cooker to prepare beans more quickly.

Pressure cookers are much faster.

one person who lived it

Keep dry milk powder on hand for instant meals like boxed macaroni and cheese or potatoes au gratin.

It can save dinner when needed.

one person who lived it

Add a splash of water and cover pasta dishes when reheating to steam them.

to help with dryness

one person who lived it

Peel and roast beets to make them palatable.

This method often converts people who dislike beets into believers.

one person who lived it

Mix eggs in a bowl with a little water and seasonings, then microwave them.

• you may not be able to keep them runny

3 people, independently

Cook a batch of dried beans weekly and use them in various dishes like hummus, salads, cakes, snacks, or sauces.

one person who lived it

Make Pasta e Fagioli (pasta and bean soup) as a frugal family meal.

It was a staple for large Italian American families.

one person who lived it

Make your own yogurt using a cheap yogurt maker.

It works really well with standard yogurt recipes.

one person who lived it

Batch cook base dishes like curries, dhals, lentil bakes, or nut roasts and vary the accompaniments with rice, potatoes, vegetables, salad, or nothing.

The same base dish can be varied hugely by changing what it is served with.

one person who lived it

If you lack access to heat, soak ramen noodles in cold canned vegetable liquid for about 30 minutes to soften them.

• This is based on one person's experience living in their car without a way to heat water.

one person who lived it

Prepare a fast, frugal meal of rice, frozen vegetables, a fried egg, and sauces.

It is a satisfying option that one person eats daily.

one person who lived it

Repurpose a washing machine drum propped up with bricks as a backyard fire pit for cooking.

One person reported this setup works really well.

one person who lived it

If you have leftover gravy from a full Thanksgiving dinner, make turkey hash.

It is amazing.

one person who lived it

Make ricotta gnocchi and freeze them after cutting to have ready-to-cook pasta later.

They are amazing when cooked from frozen.

one person who lived it

When mashing potatoes or making bakes, swap some of the potatoes for cauliflower and carrots.

They can be mashed up for the same texture.

one person who lived it

Transform leftovers into new meals, such as soups, to avoid getting sick of them.

People often get sick of eating the same leftovers repeatedly.

one person who lived it

Rinse rice directly in the cooking pot to remove excess starch.

Extra starch contributes to gummy rice.

one person who lived it

Heat water first, then add grains like rice or oatmeal, rather than microwaving them together from cold.

Following instructions that do not separate these steps produces disgusting oatmeal.

one person who lived it

Prepare Shakshuka by cooking down a hot tomato sauce with peppers and spices, then adding eggs into pockets in the mixture.

It is simple, quick, affordable, satisfying, and flavorful.

3 people, independently

Parboil potatoes in a vinegar and salt solution before roasting to get crispy, crunchy results.

It creates flavor bombs.

one person who lived it

Use root vegetables like pumpkin, carrots, parsnips, swede, or sweet potatoes to bulk up soup and increase fullness.

Root vegetables work well for making soup feel more filling.

one person who lived it

Cook tougher, low-cost meat cuts in a slow cooker.

5 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

Vacuum pack leftover dinners at home to reheat later while car camping.

One person reported this changed their car camping experience forever.

one person who lived it

Dilute overly thick split pea soup with liquid to improve texture.

It may be enjoyed more when diluted

one person who lived it

Leave garlic cloves whole or smashed rather than slicing them finely for long-cooking soups to save time and prevent burning.

Keeping garlic in big chunks saves time, prevents burning, and suits long cooking durations.

one person who lived it

Use backpacking pouches that can be made with hot water.

They are surprisingly delicious.

one person who lived it

Prepare soup and pasta in batches, portion them out, and heat them daily to place in a thermos.

This saves money by reducing daily preparation effort.

one person who lived it

Make Japanese curry by adding a box of curry roux to water with potatoes, carrots, onion, and optional meat.

It is super affordable.

2 people, independently

Make a large pot of vegetable soup weekly using cabbage, potatoes, carrots, canned tomatoes, green beans, and kale.

for vitamins

one person who lived it

Save money by making sheet pan meals with kielbasa, vegetables, and whatever items are on sale.

Sheet pan meals allow you to throw in various ingredients easily.

one person who lived it

Accept that cooking speed improves with practice; do not judge initial efficiency against experienced standards.

You are slow because you lack practice.

one person who lived it

Pop popcorn kernels in a pot at home instead of buying pre-popped popcorn for snacks.

3 people, independently

Microwave potatoes as 'baked potatoes' for a simple preparation method that requires no refrigeration.

They come out great, keep you fed, and have nutritional value.

• Boring

one person who lived it

Cook frozen vegetables in a skillet instead of roasting them so steam can escape more easily.

Steam escapes easier in a frypan than in a non-convection oven.

one person who lived it

Make bangers and mash with chopped onion, green pepper, sausages, and mashed potato.

It is delicious.

one person who lived it

Make a hearty vegetarian dish with lentils, carrots, celery, peas, and mashed potatoes on top.

It is super filling and hearty.

one person who lived it

Embrace eating leftovers for lunch, as many dishes taste better the next day.

Many recipes are tastier as leftovers, particularly those made in a slow cooker.

2 people, independently

Cook rice in the bottom while steaming chicken, veggies, or fish on a rack above in a rice cooker.

3 people, independently

Use liners in your slow cooker to simplify cleanup when preparing beans and other dishes.

Liners reduce the effort required for cleaning.

one person who lived it

Top baked potatoes with cottage cheese, cheddar, and frozen broccoli for an easy meal.

adds protein

one person who lived it

Make chili using ground beef or turkey, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and a seasoning packet.

It is described as super easy and delicious.

one person who lived it

Cook pasta separately from stew or soup.

It prevents the pasta from overcooking.

one person who lived it

Melt spinach into curries or sauces while reheating them.

Classic Indian dish technique

one person who lived it

Make black bean patties by mashing drained and rinsed black beans with a binding agent like eggs or salsa, spices, and diced vegetables.

4 people, independently

Watch the 'Struggle Meals Too Hot to Cook' episode on YouTube for ideas.

one person who lived it

Mix ingredients directly in cans to cut down on dirty dishes when preparing slow cooker meals.

Minimizing dirty dishes reduces the burden of washing.

one person who lived it

Use microwave rice packets as an affordable, convenient meal base.

• isn't as cheap as raw rice

3 people, independently

Look up recipes for 'twice baked potatoes' for a delicious variation.

They are described as amazing.

one person who lived it

Use potatoes for versatile meals like pancakes, baked potatoes with toppings, or hash.

Potatoes are so versatile.

one person who lived it

Avoid using quick soup packets when boiling frozen mixed vegetables to reduce sodium intake.

cut down on sodium

one person who lived it

Start cooking with simple, minimal-effort meals like sandwiches, instant oatmeal, and bagged salads before elaborating.

It helps build familiarity and comfort before attempting more complex dishes.

one person who lived it

Double recipes when cooking to share with friends and family, building mutual care community.

one person who lived it

Pierce potatoes before microwaving them to prevent explosions.

to prevent explosions

one person who lived it

Use vegetarian soup recipes featuring lentils, beans, peas, or chickpeas, adding meat or stock only as a flavor enhancer.

This stretches available meat without feeling deprived.

one person who lived it

One person reported heating canned ravioli by leaving it on a hot roof surface all morning when no cooking facilities were available.

one person who lived it

Repurpose leftover carnitas by turning them into Mexican pizzas if the original dish is not appealing to your family.

• One person noted their kids did not like the original carnitas.

one person who lived it

Toss frozen mixed vegetables into boiling water when cooking ramen.

4 people, independently

Make a soup using leftover pasta bits, chopped hotdog, onions, potatoes, carrots, root veggies, frozen veggies, bullion cubes, and random spices.

one person who lived it

Roast a whole chicken, which costs about $10–$14 and yields four large or six medium portions of meat.

It is an inexpensive meal option.

one person who lived it

Treat chicken drumsticks like wings (e.g., buffalo or teriyaki style) for a cheaper meal.

Drumsticks are cheaper than wings.

one person who lived it

Include the fat and skin in each meal when stretching low-calorie chicken over many servings.

The meals are very low in calories and protein value.

one person who lived it

Brine chicken breasts before cooking to keep them moist and flavorful.

It raises the margin for error so they don't dry out.

2 people, independently

• Brine meat before cooking to prevent it from drying out.1
• Sous vide chicken breasts to prevent them from becoming dry.1

Freeze chicken carcasses and make a huge batch of stock when you have enough.

The resulting stock lasts ages.

one person who lived it

Skip turkey if your family prefers other proteins like duck, ham, or salmon to avoid wasted food.

Avoids wasted food.

• Alternatives may not always be less expensive.

one person who lived it

When buying rotisserie chicken, skip impulse additions like sides, chips, or drinks to keep the total cost down.

Adding these items can push the price over $20.00.

one person who lived it

Debone chicken thighs yourself to save money and use the bones to make stock.

It is an incredible deal.

one person who lived it

Use beef ribs for stew.

They are cheap and produce big flavor.

one person who lived it

Use a pressure cooker to make stock from chicken bones instead of simmering them for hours.

It reduces the cooking time to 10 minutes and saves energy.

2 people, independently

Use whole frozen chickens as a versatile, cheap, and easy source of meat.

They make a ton of food that is delicious and easy to prepare.

one person who lived it

Slice deli-style turkey from a whole roasted bird for sandwiches.

It is much cheaper than buying pre-sliced deli meat.

one person who lived it

Fry a small amount of liver with mixed herbs and flour, then stir the bits into broth to flavor it.

The fried bits break off and flavor the broth extensively.

one person who lived it

Use chicken livers in dishes like fried rice to add flavor.

They are often very cheap and flavorful.

one person who lived it

Buy whole pork loins, cut them into thin chops, and flash freeze them to cook directly without thawing.

This method provides cheaper meat.

one person who lived it

Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness no thinner than 3/4 inch before grilling so they cook evenly.

to make them all cook evenly

one person who lived it

Cook rice or barley in chicken broth instead of water to add nutrients and flavor.

Adds nutrients and flavour.

one person who lived it

Buy rotisserie chickens from warehouse clubs for a cheap, convenient source of cooked protein.

• One person paid five dollars for a roaster

3 people, independently

• Buy two whole rotisserie chickens instead of pre-pulled packs to get more meat for less money.1
• Look for chilled, fully cooked rotisserie chickens at Walmart as a budget option.3

If you have unappealing pre-cooked pork, marinate it in lime and orange juice, then broil it to crisp the exterior into carnitas.

This method can make the meat surprisingly flavorful.

• Skip adding salt because the pork may already contain some.

one person who lived it

Use full-spectrum compact fluorescent lights on a timer to maintain egg production in winter.

Hens need more light to produce as many eggs.

one person who lived it

Buy cheap cuts of meat like joints, shanks, or tails for stews and broths.

The collagen and gelatin in these tough cuts provide the flavor remembered from traditional cooking.

one person who lived it

Buy boneless skinless chicken thighs only if you would otherwise throw away the bones and skin.

It may be cheaper per pound of usable meat in that specific case.

one person who lived it

Shred bulk chicken breasts before freezing to save time later.

It is much more work to defrost, cook, and shred chicken every time you need it.

one person who lived it

Rub chicken skin with olive oil and paprika to give it a glow.

Paprika gives the skin some glow.

one person who lived it

Fold the wings under the breasts when roasting whole chicken to prevent them from cooking too fast.

They cook too fast otherwise.

one person who lived it

Do not trim all fat from meat, as it contains flavor.

trimming off all the fat means trimming off all the flavor

one person who lived it

If you prefer less bone-to-meat ratio, buy only chicken thighs instead of full leg quarters because the leg part has little meat.

The leg part doesn't have much meat.

one person who lived it

Salt chicken gizzards and cook them on high heat by baking or pan-frying.

Delicious!

one person who lived it

Bake BBQ or panko-crusted chicken legs or thighs, broiling them for the last few minutes; optionally cook potatoes and broccoli on the same pan with olive oil for a cheap, easy meal.

Chicken legs and thighs have not seen the same price inflation as beef or pork.

one person who lived it

Brine, dry rub, and grill chicken leg quarters, basting with BBQ sauce, for a tender, juicy, and cheap meal.

Results in delicious, tender, juicy, and cheap food.

one person who lived it

Use a grill pan to cook chicken pieces for improved flavor and texture.

it's wonderful

• not essential

one person who lived it

Bag cooked chicken into smaller portions within a larger bag for easy access in various recipes like curry, pie, stew, pasta, or rice.

It is cheap and easy.

one person who lived it

Use Goya seasonings on chicken.

They contain MSG which makes the chicken taste much better.

one person who lived it

Use the drippings from cooked chicken thighs to make broth or gravy.

Thigh meat produces better drippings for this purpose.

one person who lived it

Broil chicken skin in a toaster oven or air fryer to make cracklings.

It makes amazing cracklings.

one person who lived it

• Air-fry rotisserie chicken skin while breaking down the bird to create crispy chips.6

Grind whole chickens yourself if you have a grinder or blender, as whole chickens are often on sale.

one person who lived it

Choose chicken over beef because it is cheaper.

cheaper than beef

one person who lived it

Skip vegetables when making basic chicken stock if you plan to add them directly to the final soup.

It works fine to just cook the bones and freeze the broth, adding veggies later.

one person who lived it

Season ground turkey heavily to mask its distinct taste.

Most people can't even tell the difference when it is seasoned well.

one person who lived it

• Season ground turkey heavily.1

Grind chicken to make lean chicken burgers.

It is a great leaner alternative.

one person who lived it

Butterfly and pound chicken breasts thin before breading and deep frying.

to increase volume and ensure thorough cooking

one person who lived it

Choose bone-in chicken over boneless for grilling or roasting if flavor is a priority.

Bone-in chicken tastes better, whereas boneless breasts have little flavor.

one person who lived it

Consider buying pre-made rotisserie chicken to avoid heating up a small kitchen or turning on AC, saving energy costs.

It avoids the need to heat the kitchen or use AC, providing an unintended saving.

one person who lived it

After simmering chicken quarters, pull the meat off the bones by hand while hot and reserve the bones and skin for further broth extraction.

The meat falls right off after simmering.

one person who lived it

Sear chicken skin-side down in a greased pan without seasoning until it no longer sticks, then season the flesh side while searing.

seasoning would burn if added too early

one person who lived it

Add canned chicken to simple meals like pasta, soup, or cheese quesadillas.

It is super easy and versatile.

one person who lived it

Use Chinese batter mix with kosher salt and MSG to get restaurant-style crispy breading on chicken.

it tastes exactly like restaurant style

one person who lived it

Pressure cook chicken carcass with aromatics and vinegar for 45 minutes, then allow natural release.

Natural release prevents burning.

• Turmeric can get bitter if used in large amounts.

one person who lived it

Use leftover meat to make chicken tacos or quesadillas.

they are easy to do

one person who lived it

Make chicken enchilada casserole with green chilies, sauce, shredded chicken, cheese, cream cheese, and tortillas.

Its pretty good.

one person who lived it

Sprinkle milk powder over the chicken carcass before roasting to increase protein and sugars for better Maillard reaction results.

More protein and sugars result in more Maillard goodness.

one person who lived it

Prepare chicken wings at home using a trusted recipe instead of buying them from restaurants.

Restaurant wings are expensive, and homemade versions can be better quality.

one person who lived it

Place chicken carcasses and vegetable scraps in a clean pantyhose while making stock to simplify cleanup.

Makes cleanup easier.

one person who lived it

Recognize that parents may give children turkey legs to dispose of less desirable parts while keeping better cuts for themselves.

• Based on one person's retrospective realization

one person who lived it

Use rotisserie chicken in soups, rice bowls, quesadillas, enchiladas, or wontons rather than salads to mask lower quality.

The meat quality is not great and the texture issues are less noticeable when mixed with other ingredients.

one person who lived it

Buy chicken with kidneys included, as this is usually an indicator of better quality.

It's usually of better quality

one person who lived it

Purchase discounted chicken thighs and freeze them separately for individual cooking later.

3 people, independently

Save rendered chicken fat (schmaltz) from roasting chicken to sauté potatoes or other vegetables later.

3 people, independently

If you want to stretch meat in sauces, try using lentils in a 50/50 mix.

One person noted that others could not tell the difference.

one person who lived it

Brown ground beef in sesame oil for Korean-style flavor.

It adds extra flavor.

one person who lived it

Use plain yogurt as a substitute for sour cream to add protein.

It includes protein as well.

one person who lived it

Add tofu or thin-sliced beef round to cabbage soup to create a Japanese nabe hot pot.

It adds protein.

one person who lived it

Look for sales on V8 or similar products to use as a base for soups, stews, sauces, and broths.

It is an affordable way to make these dishes.

one person who lived it

Make your own cheese sauce from scratch using a roux, fatty liquid, salt, and spices instead of buying jarred dips.

It is better than jarred options.

one person who lived it

Sprinkle dried herbs like celery, tarragon, and parsley on cheap meals to improve their taste.

Herbs can upscale the tastiness of a meal.

one person who lived it

Add fish sauce, brown sugar, or lime juice to Thai curries to balance flavors if something feels missing.

These provide Sugar, Salt, or Acid.

one person who lived it

Use only half a packet of Trader Joe's taco seasoning when cooking a huge batch of meat.

The seasoning is superb.

one person who lived it

Dry roast whole spices on low flame until golden and aromatic, then cool and grind to get the most from flavor.

Lightly toasting enhances flavor.

• Turn often to ensure no burning.

one person who lived it

Double the amount of pepper in gravy made from drippings when using an apple juice concentrate stuffing method.

The sweetness of the juice requires extra pepper to cut through it.

one person who lived it

Treat meat as an addition to meals instead of the main component.

4 people, independently

Add a little milk when reheating mac and cheese.

It works for me.

one person who lived it

Use a little curry powder to add flavor to various dishes, even those that are not curry.

It goes a long way.

one person who lived it

Sprinkle fried onions on top of your meal.

One person claimed it will blow your mind.

one person who lived it

Use half and half in canned tomato soup.

It makes the soup so creamy.

one person who lived it

Add a fried or soft-boiled egg to stock cube soup.

It adds cheap protein and flavor.

one person who lived it

Use a food processor to shred cheese quickly if you have one.

It takes seconds and is super easy.

one person who lived it

Use an immersion blender to whip cream cheese.

It works better than a stand mixer for one person.

one person who lived it

Add vinegar to chicken and beans.

It adds flavor.

one person who lived it

Try making dessert-type hummus with chickpeas.

It is nicer than it sounds.

one person who lived it

Use block cheese instead of pre-shredded cheese for better quality.

Pre-shredded cheese is inferior; block cheese (like Tillamook) is preferred.

one person who lived it

Squeeze sausage meat out of its casings and add beans to spread the seasoning and protein across more meals.

This makes the sausage meat go further.

one person who lived it

Add lemon juice to marinara sauce for brightness.

It does wonders for bright red marinara sauce.

one person who lived it

Rehydrate Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP) with soy sauce or beef bullion cubes in boiling water to mimic the texture and flavor of cooked ground beef.

It rehydrates to the texture of cooked ground beef with a convincingly springy mouth feel and tastes good.

• Proceed with caution if you have stomach or digestive issues, such as IBS, as some family members experienced massive digestive issues.

one person who lived it

• If you are not vegetarian, rehydrate textured vegetable protein with beef broth concentrate to improve flavor.1

Buy bulk cheese powder online to make macaroni and cheese instead of using boxed mixes.

It avoids paying premium prices for boxed versions.

• The flavor can be very strong; start by using half the amount suggested on the jar.

2 people, independently

Add cabbage to meals for vitamin C to help absorb iron from beans.

Vitamin C helps iron absorption.

one person who lived it

Mix boxed macaroni and cheese with tomato soup.

It tastes like SpaghettiOs and costs about half the price.

one person who lived it

Add eggs to soup by frying one on top or cracking a raw egg into cooled soup and stirring quickly to thicken the broth.

Breaking a fried yolk or setting a raw egg gives the broth a fuller body.

one person who lived it

Add beef bullion cubes and Worcestershire sauce to dishes like meatloaf.

It makes the dish taste just like ground beef when using substitutes or stretchers.

one person who lived it

Sauté drained beans in neutral oil and dry spices until they pop rather than hiss, then semi-mash with cheese.

Refrying changes the texture slightly and adds a bit of char flavor.

one person who lived it

Use quick-pickled carrots as a substitute if fresh daikon radish is hard to find.

Fresh daikon can be difficult to source in some areas.

one person who lived it

Mix chopped cooked seafood with half mayonnaise and half Miracle Whip, plus a couple drops of Sriracha.

This mixture approximates Japanese style Kewpie Mayo.

one person who lived it

Use Better Than Bouillon cubes for flavoring instead of stock.

It is cheaper than stock.

one person who lived it

• Substitute bouillon cubes for pre-made stock as a cheaper alternative that lasts longer.1

Add nutmeg to quiche and other egg dishes for better flavor.

It is very yummy.

one person who lived it

Use whey protein powder as a protein source if you are a vegetarian but not a vegan.

It is considered a better route than other options for vegetarians.

• Not suitable for vegans.

one person who lived it

Use dry cheese like smoked provola instead of fresh mozzarella in baked pasta dishes.

Fresh mozzarella can contain too much milk and turn the dish into soup.

one person who lived it

Fry onions when cooking to make the food smell amazing.

People often comment that it smells amazing.

one person who lived it

Add a cube of vegetable bullion to vegan mac and cheese for extra flavor.

For extra flavour.

one person who lived it

Dice spam finely and brown it before adding other ingredients to prevent the dish from tasting overly salty.

If not done this way, the saltiness becomes overpowering over time.

one person who lived it

Cook shrimp separately in Old Bay seasoning if children dislike its strong flavor, rather than saturating the entire dish.

Kids may not like the strong flavor.

one person who lived it

Roast butternut squash and caramelize onions for soup, adding sage, salt, pepper, and milk or sour cream for thickness.

Roasting brings out the flavor well.

one person who lived it

Roast tomatoes with real garlic to add to flavor.

Flavour will be amazing!!

one person who lived it

Try Lean Cuisine Swedish meatballs or Maple Bourbon Chicken.

One person found these options pretty good.

one person who lived it

Use lighter beers like blonde ale or lager in French onion soup to avoid bitterness.

Average pale ales or roasty stouts can often make the soup too bitter.

one person who lived it

Replace jarred pasta sauce with crushed tomatoes, garlic, and Italian seasoning.

It costs half as much, yields twice the volume, and tastes better.

one person who lived it

Use Maggi seasoning and Kewpie mayo as key flavor ingredients in homemade Banh Mi.

These ingredients are felt to be key for good flavor.

one person who lived it

Add chopped zucchini or green peas to Alfredo pasta to include greens in the dish.

needs some greens

one person who lived it

Use MSG to add umami flavor to dishes.

It is an extract of seaweed that makes food delicious.

one person who lived it

Substitute Cafe Yum! sauce with Annie's Goddess Dressing mixed with a little Greek yogurt and Sriracha.

Cafe Yum! sauce is really expensive.

one person who lived it

Add chickpeas and spinach to pasta to add protein and flavor.

to add protein and flavor

one person who lived it

Quick pickle onions with vinegar, salt, and pepper to boost flavor cheaply.

It boosts flavor very cheaply.

one person who lived it

Consider using venison as a ground beef substitute if available from hunting.

It tastes great.

one person who lived it

Fold frozen corn into cooked beans to create a lighter flavor.

add a lighter flavor

one person who lived it

Use canned tomatoes instead of fresh ones for sauces.

Canned tomatoes are processed when fully ripe, whereas fresh sale tomatoes are picked early for transport; one person found canned to be more flavorful in a side-by-side test.

one person who lived it

Gradually introduce disliked vegetables by hiding them in sauces, then increasing piece size and cooking less over time.

This helps adapt to eating vegetables.

• Give yourself permission to stop at any step: smell/feel, taste, chew, or swallow.

one person who lived it

Use vegetable oil instead of expensive oils like sesame for long-cooking vegetables to avoid wasting money on flavor that will be lost.

Expensive oils do not impart flavor after long cooking times.

one person who lived it

Make alfredo sauce at home rather than buying jarred versions.

Jarred sauce is inferior in taste and homemade is easy.

one person who lived it

Add sauces like Taco Bell mild sauce or sour cream to bland packaged meals to improve flavor.

Makes the meal less unbearable

one person who lived it

Serve caramelized onions and apples with pork, but offer only the juice and apple slices to those who dislike onions.

Caramelized onions do not have a strong flavor in this dish, so the difference is imperceptible.

one person who lived it

Sauté green peppers and white onions in spices to add flavor and nutrients to bean dishes.

adds flavor and added nutrients

one person who lived it

Mash canned garbanzo beans with tuna to increase protein content.

It really ups the protein.

one person who lived it

Reduce the amount of mushrooms used in homemade cream sauces.

It makes the dish cheaper.

one person who lived it

Substitute ingredients in hot and sour soup recipes based on what you have available.

Soup recipes are flexible and usually work with substitutions.

• Some argue that heavy substitution makes the dish unrecognizable.

one person who lived it

Use block cheese instead of pre-shredded cheese for sauce because it lacks cellulose anti-clumping agents.

Pre-shredded cheese contains cellulose which is an anti-clumping agent.

one person who lived it

Buy Sunny Paris seasoning instead of Foxpoint to control sodium intake and avoid paying for added bulk.

Sunny Paris is the same as Foxpoint but without the salt.

one person who lived it

Add cocoa powder to chili for depth and earthiness.

It makes the dish savory rather than sweet, similar to Mexican mole sauce.

one person who lived it

Cook brats longer to get more browning, utilizing the Maillard reaction for better flavor.

The Maillard reaction improves the taste of brats.

one person who lived it

Flavor simple rice and vegetable meals with Sriracha mixed with hoisin sauce, teriyaki, soy sauce, or Thai sweet chili sauce.

These combinations are easy and tasty.

one person who lived it

Make Caesar dressing at home instead of using bottled versions.

Homemade tastes so much better.

one person who lived it

Sauté diced onions in oil until translucent before adding other ingredients to build flavor.

This mimics the mirepoix technique used for sauces.

one person who lived it

Elevate ramen noodles by adding ingredients like Lao Gan Ma chili oil for an umami boost.

Chili oil gives an umami boost.

one person who lived it

Add tangy sauces like hot sauce or sriracha to frozen breakfast burritos.

It fixes flavor lost during freezing.

one person who lived it

Make macaroni and cheese using only extra butter instead of milk.

It creates a richer result.

one person who lived it

Add the water from mozzarella packaging to pasta.

It adds flavor.

one person who lived it

Include finely chopped onion and garlic in spaghetti sauce rather than discarding them to get the most from flavor.

Diced onion and garlic add much more flavor than an onion alone, and throwing away onions doesn't seem frugal.

one person who lived it

Mix Tabasco sauce with real mayonnaise to create a flavorful sandwich spread.

The resulting 'orange mayo' is described as quite good, particularly with chicken salad.

one person who lived it

Finely chop fresh parsley and garlic to add to baked potatoes.

Fresh ingredients provide better flavor than canned or jarred versions.

one person who lived it

Add elbow macaroni to canned tomato soup.

It makes the soup very tasty.

one person who lived it

Add oyster sauce to dishes.

To achieve an authentic restaurant taste.

one person who lived it

Rub chickpeas before blending hummus to remove skins for a velvety smooth result.

• Not necessary but improves texture.

3 people, independently

Use Gardein meatballs for a convenient, tasty option featuring fennel flavor.

One person described them as 'life' and praised the fennel flavor.

one person who lived it

Add whole grain or wheat rotini pasta to soup to add sticktoyourribsitiveness.

Adds some sticktoyourribsitiveness.

one person who lived it

Add avocado to lazy enchiladas for extra taste.

for extra taste

one person who lived it

Season textured vegetable protein with smoked paprika, cumin, tamari, or soy sauce to add to its savory, meaty flavor.

Smoked paprika and cumin make it taste more savory; tamari or soy sauce boosts the meatiness.

one person who lived it

Serve sliced beefsteak tomatoes seasoned with olive oil and salt alongside crusty bread.

One person found this combination delicious.

one person who lived it

Upgrade instant ramen by adding ingredients like eggs, spinach, cheese, or frozen vegetables.

9 people, independently

Shred pepperoni into tiny bits using a food processor and use it as a topping for macaroni and cheese.

One person reported this combination was exceptionally good.

one person who lived it

Marinate tofu with umami-rich ingredients like soy sauce, Worcestershire, mushroom seasoning, or MSG to add to flavor.

Tofu lacks inherent umami flavor.

one person who lived it

Use fajita seasoning as a substitute for taco seasoning.

The flavors are very similar.

one person who lived it

Use expensive oils like avocado or walnut oil in salads to provide additional good fats.

provides additional good fats

one person who lived it

Include cheese in homemade burritos because it adds distinct flavor and texture.

It is not superfluous; it contributes specific sensory qualities.

one person who lived it

Eat buttered noodles, optionally adding powdered Parmesan cheese.

6 people, independently

Make PB&J tortilla wraps wrapped in foil for a low cost per piece.

they are shelf stable

one person who lived it

Eat lunch meat, bread, condiment, and maybe cheese.

This will do.

• One friend's suggestion

one person who lived it

Avoid relying on instant ramen as a primary meal source.

It contains high fat and sodium with no nutrients or vitamins.

one person who lived it

Eat a portion of oats and water for breakfast to stay full until early afternoon.

It manages to fill the stomach longer than bread, preventing hunger by 11am.

one person who lived it

• Eat oatmeal with sliced banana and hot milk for a filling breakfast.2

Choose steel-cut oats over rolled or instant varieties.

They are more filling and have a lower GI.

one person who lived it

Use old popcorn tins or other large metal tins for food storage instead of plastic, as mice can chew through plastic.

Mice can chew through plastic.

one person who lived it

Focus on high-protein foods like protein powder or drinks.

With low protein, you are always hungry.

one person who lived it

Bring light lunches like hard-boiled eggs, fruit, veggies with hummus, or granola bars.

Keeping lunches light helps avoid feeling sleepy and tired by mid-afternoon.

one person who lived it

Prepare big-batch oatmeal to cover a week's worth of breakfasts, dressing it up with raisins or nuts.

Meal prepping helps keep the situation under control and is easier than trying to keep eggs interesting every morning.

one person who lived it

Make burritos from one pork shoulder and freeze them for breakfast.

One shoulder can yield about 20 burritos, providing breakfast for a month at a few bucks each.

one person who lived it

Add egg to burger patties to bind them and prevent falling apart during cooking.

It acts as a binding agent so the patty doesn't fall apart when it cooks.

one person who lived it

Eat Laughing Cow cheese, toast, sardines, pickles, and onion.

You don't need anything else.

• One person's preference

one person who lived it

Eat slowly to allow satiety signals to kick in before overstuffing.

You will eat less, feel full comfortably, and save excess food for later.

one person who lived it

Make a panade with breadcrumbs before adding them to meat to solve dryness problems.

It solves the dryness problem.

one person who lived it

Crisp up Spam cubes to add to egg and rice bowls.

It provides an explosion of grease in every bite.

one person who lived it

If you want egg bites to be more filling, try adding whole grain or high fiber flour.

One person found this made the dish much more filling, similar to a quiche they used to make.

one person who lived it

Open smelly foods like tuna and spam away from other people.

These foods have strong odors.

one person who lived it

Soak oats in the fridge overnight and add toppings in the morning for a cold oatmeal meal.

It tastes good.

one person who lived it

• Soak oats in liquid like coconut water, almond milk, or plain water with berries or raisins overnight for a ready-to-eat morning meal.1

Press tofu, cut it into sticks, season with salt and pepper, and air-fry or bake them for a portable protein snack.

It serves as a quick protein boost or lunch box item.

one person who lived it

Use a terra cotta teddy bear to keep brown sugar soft.

One person found it well worth the money.

one person who lived it

Use Kodiak Cakes mix from Costco for higher protein pancakes that hold off hunger longer.

The protein in the batter should hold off hunger for longer.

one person who lived it

Eat canned tuna fish straight from the can as an easy protein source that does not require refrigeration.

You don't have to keep it cold.

one person who lived it

Toast bread for sandwiches if you want improved taste and texture.

One person found they could not go back to untoasted bread after trying it.

one person who lived it

Add yogurt, bananas, berries, nuts, or milk to porridge for variety.

It tastes great with these additions.

• These ingredients are not free.

one person who lived it

Use eggs with oats or yogurt with semolina for binding in meals.

It helps in binding and tastes really nice.

one person who lived it

Split massive restaurant portions, such as soups, burgers, fries, and salads, across two or three separate meals.

3 people, independently

Use tortillas for half quesadillas, pizza bases, sandwich wraps, or bean and cheese burritos to add variety and make them last longer.

Using one wrap helps them last longer.

one person who lived it

If using breadcrumbs in burgers, add fat like oil or butter to prevent them from absorbing juiciness.

Breadcrumbs suck up juiciness.

one person who lived it

Use Clif Bar containers for overnight oatmeal if you find mason jars too heavy.

Mason jars can be too heavy.

one person who lived it

Pack a charcuterie-style lunch with cold cuts, cheeses, veggies, eggs, and dips.

3 people, independently

Use sturdy bread like bagels to prevent sandwiches from getting squished in a backpack.

Bagels are sturdy and won't get too messed up.

one person who lived it

Make overnight oats with berries and add yogurt in the morning for a quick, nutritious breakfast.

It is tastier than instant options and just as easy.

one person who lived it

Swap a standard burrito for a bowl plus two extra tortillas. This setup holds more food, letting you double up on beans and rice while adding extras.

3 people, independently

Use bento boxes or alternatives to easily contain and portion meal-prepped food for transport to work or class.

They provide good portion control.

one person who lived it

Pack solid home-cooked food like fried chicken, mashed potatoes with gravy, roast with noodles, or BLTs in containers for carry-on travel.

TSA allows solids as long as it is not soup.

one person who lived it

Choose low-moisture foods like salami instead of deli-sliced chicken for sandwiches if you do not have a cold pack.

Low-moisture options keep better without refrigeration.

one person who lived it

Add oil directly to pancake batter instead of greasing the griddle.

This eliminates the need to grease the griddle.

one person who lived it

Make 'weenie con huevos' (hot dog with egg) for a cheap, comforting meal.

The smell is described as very comforting, even to those who do not typically like the ingredients.

one person who lived it

Use tortillas instead of bread for more portable meals, such as wrapping them around peanut butter, honey, granola, or bananas.

Tortillas are more portable than loaves of bread when carrying supplies.

one person who lived it

Bring metal cutlery for travel meals to improve the eating experience.

It is nicer to use.

one person who lived it

Make rhubarb loaf by substituting cooked-down rhubarb for the water in strawberry Jell-O.

It makes a great sandwich topping.

one person who lived it

Wipe the warm pan with a paper towel to soak up excess oil and ensure even greasing before cooking pancakes.

This prevents splotchy results and ensures they come out golden brown.

one person who lived it

Serve simple store-bought rolls with individual butter pats shaped using candy molds to elevate the presentation.

It kicks up the wow factor.

one person who lived it

Vary the presentation of meal-prepped chicken by using corn tortillas, serving it on chips or rice, or chopping it over romaine lettuce.

To avoid getting sick of the food.

one person who lived it

Bring a bag of bakery dinner rolls with optional butter to holiday gatherings.

They are always a hit.

one person who lived it

Microwave or bake potatoes topped with cheese instead of eating junk food.

Junk food is less filling; this alternative is more filling and nutritious.

one person who lived it

Replace hash browns with rice in frozen breakfast burritos.

Hash browns become gross and mushy when reheated inside something.

one person who lived it

Prepare overnight oats if you find them easier to digest than other oat preparations.

Easier digestion for some people.

one person who lived it

Freeze pancakes in sandwich bags with small pieces of wax paper between them for easy toaster reheating.

You can't even taste the difference when reheated.

one person who lived it

Heat beans and tortillas in the microwave between two plates to ensure thorough heating without making them rubbery.

It prevents the food from becoming rubbery while heating it thoroughly.

one person who lived it

Fry a battered ring of onion in a very hot pan with oil, then toss an egg into the middle so it solidifies immediately upon contact.

A hot pan ensures the egg solidifies immediately; otherwise, it slides under the batter.

• If the pan is not hot enough, the egg will slide under the batter.

one person who lived it

Use tortilla shells as a crust base with sauce, cheese, and sausage.

This combination provided sustenance during college.

one person who lived it

Prepare overnight oats in a container without a stove or fridge.

they keep you full longer than most recommendations I've seen

one person who lived it

Purchase juice or treats that include a small attached toy so the item qualifies as food while providing a toy.

qualifies as food and provides a toy

one person who lived it

Limit fillings to one type of starch.

Adding multiple starches (e.g., rice, potatoes, tortillas) is unnecessary.

one person who lived it

Use a splatter screen over a pot to steam buns or tortillas while cooking other items below.

Bread does not tear as easily and stays warm; tortillas become soft and flavorful, resembling restaurant burritos.

one person who lived it

Warm tortillas before rolling burritos to ensure they stay closed.

Warm tortillas make for happy burritos that do not unravel.

one person who lived it

If meal prep is too difficult due to executive dysfunction, try eating tortillas by themselves as a snack.

• specifically noted for ADHD and executive dysfunction struggles

one person who lived it

Prepare meal components (meat, grains, sides) in batches separately rather than assembling full meals to avoid taste fatigue.

This modular approach increases flexibility if you cannot stand eating the same thing repeatedly.

one person who lived it

Cover microwaving containers with a paper towel instead of a lid.

to prevent splattering and explosions

one person who lived it

Include colorful fruits and vegetables in meals.

Colorful foods contain antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

one person who lived it

Eat salad directly from the bag to avoid dirtying dishes.

It eliminates dishwashing.

one person who lived it

Make blackberry shortcake by baking Bisquick in a 9-inch round pan, warming milk with vanilla, and assembling with a large amount of blackberries.

one person who lived it

Avoid microwaving mackerel or sardines in shared workspaces.

The smell is considered offensive enough to provoke strong negative reactions from colleagues.

one person who lived it

Let pizza dough rise for at least 2 hours.

Fermented dough is much tastier.

one person who lived it

Use a stand mixer to handle most of the work when making dough.

It reduces the work time to about 5 minutes.

one person who lived it

Brush olive oil on the pizza crust before baking.

It adds color, taste, and texture to the edge.

5 people, independently

Repurpose leftover vegetables, meats, and cheese scraps from the fridge as pizza toppings to reduce waste and expense.

It clears out remaining proteins and produce that are nearing expiration.

4 people, independently

Let the yeast mixture rest for 15 minutes until bubbling before adding flour.

Temperature matters: too high kills the yeast, too low slows it down.

one person who lived it

Cook pizza on a steel or cast iron pan to ensure the center cooks properly.

The metal radiates heat.

one person who lived it

Add your own toppings to cheap frozen pizzas at home to replicate expensive carry-out experiences.

It hits the spot and costs less than carry-out.

one person who lived it

Add broccoli crowns and fruit to pizza meals for acidity and balance.

It adds acid and makes the meal fairly whole.

one person who lived it

Buy freshly made dough from local pizza places instead of using supermarket dough to save prep time and improve quality.

Freshly made dough is far superior to supermarket dough.

one person who lived it

Make French bread pizza by cutting a baguette in half, adding sauce, baking at 350 degrees for about 25 minutes, and topping with chicken.

Adds extra protein.

one person who lived it

Make rising-crust pan pizza at home instead of buying Boboli crusts.

One person found homemade crust way better than Boboli.

one person who lived it

Search online for pizza dough recipes each time without saving links to try different variations.

It prevents using the same recipe 100% of the time.

one person who lived it

Try making naan pizza with only three ingredients.

It is really delicious.

one person who lived it

Make pizza from scratch instead of buying frozen versions.

It is cheaper and uses better ingredients than premade frozen options.

one person who lived it

Use beer as a liquid ingredient in pizza dough to skip the rising period.

The yeast in the beer eliminates the need for waiting.

one person who lived it

Make and freeze several uncooked pizza crusts or entire pizzas at once.

This saves time for future use.

one person who lived it

Top a frozen pizza with desired toppings and frozen mozzarella to create a custom meal quickly.

You can have any pizza you fancy in about 10 minutes.

one person who lived it

Use unbleached all-purpose flour with high gluten content for better bread structure.

High gluten content supports the structure of breads.

one person who lived it

Use low-moisture whole milk mozzarella instead of fresh high-moisture mozzarella.

High-moisture cheese makes the pizza soupy.

one person who lived it

Reheat leftover pizza slices in an air fryer.

It makes the pizza taste even better.

one person who lived it

Do not stress over perfect dough shaping, as rising in the oven smooths minor imperfections.

The heat helps fix uneven edges.

one person who lived it

Roast watery vegetables like zucchini before adding them to pizza.

To remove most of the water.

one person who lived it

Mix dough ingredients and refrigerate the sealed container for 1 to 5 days before using.

The dough becomes usable after one day but improves with additional time.

one person who lived it

Dice pizza toppings like meat and vegetables small to stretch the amount needed to cover a pizza.

Small dicing requires less topping to cover the pizza.

one person who lived it

Use canned croissant dough as a pre-baked crust for quiche for a decadent texture.

It is described as decadently delicious.

one person who lived it

Place extra cheese under new toppings on frozen pizza rather than on top.

Placing cheese on top results in a 'baked over' texture; placing it underneath creates a different taste.

one person who lived it

Cut frozen pizza into slices before cooking and refreeze them to control portion sizes.

One person reported having little control when eating whole cooked pizzas and regretting it later.

one person who lived it

Dust pizza dough with coarser flour like semolina to prevent sticking.

One person reported this cured the problem entirely.

one person who lived it

Invite a friend to host a potluck where each person brings half the ingredients and shares the leftovers.

It is cheaper.

one person who lived it

Budget for eating out using cash only.

You can only spend what is physically present; once the cash runs out, you cannot spend more.

one person who lived it

Buy one new ingredient each week that you have never cooked with and try to make it work.

It broadens food horizons, provides party banter, and opens the mind to trying new things.

one person who lived it

Prepare additional food while making dinner and store the leftovers in containers for lunch the following day.

This approach is more cost-effective and demands less work than cooking a separate meal.

10 people, independently

• Pack extra dinner as lunch for the next day to save money on prepared meals.1

Replace sugary snacks with fresh berries.

One person used the money saved from cutting snacks to buy fruit.

one person who lived it

Stop eating out of boredom.

This reduced grocery spending by about a third.

one person who lived it

• Try new foods and attempt to replicate restaurant dishes at home to avoid boredom and reduce eating out.1

Make your own baby food instead of buying jarred versions.

Save a TON of money.

2 people, independently

Reserve eating out for rare special occasions only.

Eating out is a waste of money.

one person who lived it

• Treat eating out as a rare treat rather than a routine habit to manage costs.1

Meal prep all meals for the week on Sunday to have everything ready to go.

3 people, independently

• Plan meals on Sunday and have ingredients waiting to avoid wondering what to eat later in the week.3

Spend five minutes looking through grocery flyers to find deals.

It pays to look through them.

one person who lived it

Pay for a meal delivery service if it helps you stick to a grocery budget and reduces impulse trips to the store.

One person reported it reduced grocery trips from weekly to every other week and helped stay within a $600/month budget, despite being faster than fast food.

• The user noted they do not like cooking and are not good at it.

one person who lived it

Cut back on sugary snacks like pastries and cookies.

One person reported this saved them money.

one person who lived it

Refill water bottles at work, store bathrooms, or libraries to avoid buying bottled water.

Bottled water can cost $30 a week.

one person who lived it

Prep extra snacks to have on hand when cravings strike, avoiding the purchase of junk food.

It prevents buying junk food when cravings occur.

one person who lived it

• Prepare snacks in advance to avoid the temptation of ordering delivery or takeout.1

Write down your monthly takeout budget to visualize the total cost.

Seeing how much you spend makes you want to do it less.

one person who lived it

Avoid keeping tempting snacks like chocolate or crisps in the house if you tend to eat them all at once.

To prevent eating the entire supply in one go.

one person who lived it

Plan meals in advance to save money.

It is so cheap.

one person who lived it

• Include meat-free days to save money.1
• Plan meals before shopping rather than buying ingredients randomly to reduce costs and waste.1
• Prepare basic dishes at home rather than ordering delivery to reduce expenses.23
• Adopt a plant-based diet to reduce grocery bills compared to eating meat.6
• Use Budget Bytes recipes for budget-friendly meals that reuse pantry staples.4

Scale back on snacks and treats.

Snacks are expensive and not necessary.

one person who lived it

Mix your own spice blends to save money and control salt and carb content.

Pre-mixed spices often contain added salt and extra carbs.

one person who lived it

Pack your lunch daily to save money and potentially lose weight.

One person reported saving about $140 a month and losing weight after starting this habit.

one person who lived it

Make your own Bisquick mix instead of buying it.

It is more frugal.

3 people, independently

Carry a reusable water bottle everywhere to stay hydrated with free water instead of spending money on expensive drinks with empty calories.

Water is free from fountains and helps with diet.

2 people, independently

• Drink water to feel more satiated and save money.1
• Drink water instead of spending money on other beverages.2

Make homemade burritos to save money compared to fast food chains like Taco Johns.

Fast food prices keep going up.

one person who lived it

Eat only from your freezer and pantry for a set period, such as January, before buying new groceries.

It makes you more aware of what you actually eat and inspires creativity.

one person who lived it

• Inventory your freezer contents and expiration dates, then plan meals around existing stock instead of shopping.5

Gradually add staple items to your pantry between paydays.

to pay less for food

one person who lived it

Shop your freezer and pantry first before buying new groceries.

10 people, independently

Assemble salads using pre-chopped ingredients and batch dressing to save time and limit grocery trips.

It allows for only one store trip per week.

one person who lived it

Rotate your food storage by eating what you keep and storing what you eat; sample items in small quantities before stocking up, and avoid replacing foods near their shelf life if you do not like them.

Buying large amounts of food you dislike is not a bargain.

one person who lived it

Avoid eating in your car to force yourself to plan meals ahead.

This prevents impulsive purchases by making you use your knowledge to plan instead of grabbing food on the spot.

one person who lived it

• Eat a snack before shopping so you can stick to your list.1
• Carry snacks with you to eliminate the excuse to spend money on impulse purchases when hungry.1

Buy bulk meats and share them with friends or family who can store them.

3 people, independently

• Trade meal portions with friends who also meal prep to gain variety while keeping bulk-cooking savings.1

Consider food deserts and long work hours when judging others' reliance on fast food.

Fast food may be easier than traveling to a distant grocery store.

one person who lived it

Keep inexpensive frozen pizzas on hand to avoid spending more on takeout when tired.

A low-cost frozen option prevents higher spending on delivery.

2 people, independently

Use fast-food mobile apps to access exclusive deals and push notifications for discounts.

• Requires allowing the company to track your purchases.

9 people, independently

Ensure your partner supports your frugal habits, as it becomes impossible to maintain them if they are not on board.

Lack of partner support makes frugal habits impossible to sustain.

one person who lived it

Treat cooking at home as a special experience rather than a chore to add to enjoyment.

Making a big deal of preparing food makes it better than takeout.

one person who lived it

Meal prep and portion food immediately after shopping.

This allows you to supplement with fresh items later if sales occur or needs change, avoiding reliance on staples alone for weeks.

one person who lived it

Cook meals from scratch using basic ingredients instead of buying pre-made sauces or mixes.

You are better off financially by cooking from scratch.

one person who lived it

Teach children the cost difference between homemade and restaurant food by comparing prices to relatable currency like video game credits.

It helps them see the big deal in saving money for more important things.

one person who lived it

Stick to simple, small portions.

Makes food last.

one person who lived it

Avoid buying non-fuel items at gas stations.

They are described as a waste of money.

one person who lived it

Stick to black coffee, tea, or water in the mornings instead of buying breakfast.

These items are often available for free at work.

one person who lived it

Buy unsliced meat and slice it yourself when making sandwiches to save money.

You'll save a lot of money

one person who lived it

Stop buying bottled water, juice, or soda to reduce food expenses.

Expenses go down.

one person who lived it

Organize cans by size, placing wider diameter cans on the bottom and smaller ones stacked on top.

This makes it easier to find items quickly by flashlight if the power goes out.

• Some prefer organizing by type.

one person who lived it

Set a strict budget for a two-week period and adjust it based on adherence to learn sustainable spending habits.

Testing adherence allows for adjustments in subsequent periods.

one person who lived it

Use a crockpot and bread machine to stretch food budgets during tight financial times.

One person reported these appliances got them through their student years.

one person who lived it

Buy vegetables that are on sale each week rather than sticking to a fixed list.

Profit.

one person who lived it

Avoid buying microwavable foods.

You are paying for preparation labor rather than just the food.

one person who lived it

If you share groceries with a roommate, have them pay you a fixed monthly cash amount for you to buy everything.

It keeps their expenses consistent and makes shopping easier for you.

one person who lived it

Stack cashback rewards from websites like BeFrugal, credit card points, and gift card discounts to get the most from savings on large purchases.

Combining multiple reward sources increases the total return percentage.

one person who lived it

Adjust your home thermostat to tolerate hotter and cooler temperatures within reason.

It can save money on heating and cooling costs and may ramp up metabolism.

• Do not go to extremes.

one person who lived it

Use every part of produce to reduce waste, such as cooking radish greens, frying potato skins, or adding apple skins to muffins.

Food waste equals money waste; discarded parts are often palatable.

one person who lived it

Take a walk to a nearby grocery store to buy small snacks instead of eating out.

You get exercise, variety, and lower prices compared to restaurants.

one person who lived it

Order restaurant dishes like Thai, Indian, or pho that require specialty equipment, skills, or ingredients you would otherwise waste.

It is cheaper to buy these meals than to waste excess ingredients or lack the skill/equipment to make them at home.

one person who lived it

• Order restaurant foods that are difficult to make at home, such as fried chicken or ethnic cuisines requiring specific spices and techniques.1

Find creative ways to use large quantities of a single cheap ingredient with other items on hand to delay shopping trips.

It brings joy and helps work through supplies before needing to shop again.

one person who lived it

Research local store coupon policies to get the most from savings by finding stores that double coupons or accept expired ones.

Some stores are more lenient with coupons.

one person who lived it

Make iced coffee at home using concentrate and alternative milk instead of buying it daily.

One person refused to pay $8 every time they wanted iced coffee.

one person who lived it

Use deals listed on pizza websites or join text clubs to reduce delivery costs.

Using coupons cuts down the cost compared to ordering without them.

one person who lived it

Keep using old smartphones and gaming computers instead of upgrading frequently.

Old devices work fine and new equipment loses value quickly.

one person who lived it

Grocery shop and cook once a week to have breakfasts and lunches premade, which stops you from going out for lunch.

having premade meals reduces the temptation to buy lunch daily

one person who lived it

Order groceries online.

It helps you stick to your shopping list without making impulse buys.

one person who lived it

Switch between different meal kit services to use introductory discounts.

Most services offer steep discounts for the first few months.

one person who lived it

Tape a laminated blank sheet inside the spice cupboard to use as a dry-erase note board.

It allows you to write reminders such as 'jar getting empty' directly where the item is stored.

one person who lived it

Prepare and freeze multiple meals in the weeks leading up to major life changes like having a baby or moving.

It provides easy access to food during stressful transitions, saving sanity and money.

one person who lived it

Pay for convenience services like delivery if it saves you from tasks you hate, valuing your time appropriately.

Saving time on disliked chores is worth the extra cost.

one person who lived it

Buy pre-chopped or pre-grated food items.

Spending more on these items makes cooking feel less daunting, encouraging home cooking which saves money compared to ordering out.

one person who lived it

Adopt one minor habit change at a time, like skipping restaurant meals on weekdays, and let it settle before adding another.

6 people, independently

Eat at polytechnic butchery program restaurants for high-quality meals at below-retail prices.

It helps keep program costs down.

one person who lived it

Plan meals carefully to avoid spending money on impulse buys driven by cravings or lack of preparation.

Planning helps keep a balance of taste and time, preventing unplanned spending.

one person who lived it

Plan menus in advance to use food efficiently and reduce the likelihood of eating out.

Having a planned meal reduces the temptation to order in.

one person who lived it

Avoid establishing a habit of regular visits to prevent deals from becoming smaller over time.

Deals programs often lure customers in, build a habit, and then reduce the value of offers.

one person who lived it

Keep a list of owned spices to prevent buying duplicates while shopping.

Checking the list stops absentminded purchases of items already in stock.

one person who lived it

If strict frugality makes daily meals miserable, focus on your well-being by accepting that occasional luxuries are worth the cost.

Eating low-quality food every day is more miserable than skipping a trip.

one person who lived it

Eat leftovers even if you do not feel like them to prevent waste.

3 people, independently

Consult long-standing resources from creators who specialize in budget-friendly food advice.

Some creators have been providing reliable budget food tips for years.

one person who lived it

Pour your home-brewed coffee into a travel mug when running errands to avoid buying mall coffee.

4 people, independently

Explain that you prefer to stop sharing food because you like planning ahead, find food important, and have a strict schedule requiring specific items to be available.

food is very important; schedule is strict

one person who lived it

Use BudgetBytes.com or SpendWithPennies.com for budget-friendly recipe ideas.

These sites provide accessible resources for budget cooking.

one person who lived it

Ask Starbucks staff to fill a reusable bottle with ice water for free by mentioning TSA restrictions on bringing water through security.

staff will sympathize

one person who lived it

Treat yourself to eating out occasionally, such as on Sunday mornings, to maintain enjoyment without daily spending.

One person reported enjoying it more than they ever would have before.

one person who lived it

Subscribe to a local CSA during warm months to access varied produce not found in chain groceries.

It provides variety that prevents boredom compared to standard chain grocery shopping.

one person who lived it

Use employee discounts and app reward programs to save on food when funds are extremely limited.

one person who lived it

Do not ask store employees to open pre-packaged food items for partial sales.

Most stores are technically prohibited from selling opened packages and must discard them.

one person who lived it

Collect free condiment packets like salt, pepper, hot sauce, ketchup, and mustard from fast-food restaurants or coffee shops.

5 people, independently

Avoid using accusatory or finger-wagging tones when trying to persuade others to consider alternatives.

Such posts generally do not sell well for persuasion.

one person who lived it

Check labels for added sugar in prepackaged items.

Prepackaged items can trick you with hidden sugar contents.

one person who lived it

Do not assume organic food is pesticide-free, as even organic produce uses pesticides.

Buying organic based on the 'dirty dozen' list does not eliminate pesticide exposure.

one person who lived it

Read discussions about cost, time, and accessibility before criticizing others' spending habits on food.

Understanding these factors provides necessary context.

one person who lived it

Check dented food stores for savings, but verify expiration dates carefully.

• Items may be past expiry; one instance was 2 years past.

one person who lived it

Recognize that choosing convenience foods is often a response to exhaustion or a lack of time and resources, not laziness.

one person who lived it

Remove items from your stockpiling wish list if you do not like them, to avoid wasting money.

one person who lived it

Include occasional luxuries like soda in your budget to maintain enjoyment while eating cheaply.

It allows you to eat cheaply without sacrificing all pleasure.

one person who lived it

Split shipping costs with friends when ordering spices online.

It reduces individual expenses.

one person who lived it

Report broken vending machines that eat money to the manufacturer to receive a voucher for the lost dollar and an additional voucher for reporting the issue.

one person who lived it

Cook in large batches and freeze leftovers in individual containers to ensure consistent, cheap meals throughout the week.

one person who lived it

Sell homemade lunches to interested coworkers to help offset grocery costs, keeping the operation small due to time constraints.

• It takes extra time for meal prep
• Due to time constraints, it will never grow beyond a handful of people

one person who lived it

Take care of everyone's tab at a campus convenience store with leftover credits to spread joy.

one person who lived it

Use frozen vegetables as a cost-effective alternative to fresh produce.

11 people, independently

Buy beef only if you specifically desire its distinct taste.

one person who lived it

Start an herb garden from seeds to save money.

Seeds are cheaper than plants, many herbs are perennials that return yearly, and growing them in pots makes expensive seasoning basically free.

one person who lived it

Grow your own sprouts at home to save money compared to buying vegetables.

One person found their homegrown sprouts were cheaper than store-bought vegetables.

one person who lived it

Research the native climate of the herb you are growing to determine proper watering needs.

Plants evolved in arid regions, like rosemary and thyme, have roots that rot in constant moisture, while others tolerate high moisture.

one person who lived it

Grow tomatoes, green onions, and zucchini at home.

Tomatoes and green onions are worth growing; zucchini grows easily and is versatile.

one person who lived it

Forage for wild greens like mustard and radish in your local environment.

3 people, independently

Prune herbs often and prevent them from flowering.

This extends their useful life and encourages branching.

one person who lived it

Grow perennial plants like apples, blackberries, and artichokes to cut down on long-term labor and costs.

Perennials require very little maintenance, such as occasional trimming and minimal watering.

one person who lived it

Regrow green onions from their roots to harvest multiple generations.

4 people, independently

Propagate basil by rooting clippings in water after placing them on a wet paper towel, then transplanting to soil once roots appear.

one person who lived it

Use peanut butter as a cheap source of fat and protein that lasts a while.

3 people, independently

• Mix soy sauce with peanut butter and eat it with white rice for a cheap meal containing fats, carbs, and protein.1
• Eat peanut butter as a cheap, calorie-dense, and tasty bulk food.3

Spread peanut butter and honey on a tortilla, top with another tortilla, and cut into wedges for a filling sweet treat.

It is a cheap, instant, and filling sweet treat.

one person who lived it

Note that Clif Bars contain about 250 calories each.

Calorie count varies slightly by flavor.

one person who lived it

Eat peanut butter and chocolate chips together as a cheap dessert alternative.

It tastes like Reese's cups for a fraction of the price.

• Not suitable for those with peanut allergies.

one person who lived it

Process peanuts in a food processor to make your own nut butter.

to save money

one person who lived it

Stir peanut butter and jelly into oatmeal.

It is yummy.

one person who lived it

Eat bananas, nuts, trail mix, or old-fashioned oats (microwaved with soy) for calorie-dense, no-prep options.

Bananas and nuts require no preparation; oats are cheap and quick.

one person who lived it

Blend frozen banana slices with Nutella and optional peanut butter as an ice cream substitute.

It eliminated the desire to buy ice cream.

one person who lived it

Make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for lunch, optionally adding an apple or graham crackers, for about $0.60 per meal.

Peanut butter provides protein and calories while jelly offers variety.

one person who lived it

Add rum extract and raisins to banana nice cream for a Malaga/Rum-raisin style treat.

You barely notice you are actually eating bananas.

one person who lived it

Use crushed peanuts from ice cream sundaes in stir-fries at home.

one person who lived it

Top yogurt with homemade granola.

It provides additional protein.

one person who lived it

If you cannot afford fresh vegetables, check food pantries, as they often have surplus fresh produce.

Food pantries may be drowning in fresh fruits, veggies, and bread.

one person who lived it

If you are willing to share, offer to trade your prepared food for access to roommates' unused campus dining hall credits.

many meal plan points go to waste

• only if you are okay with sharing

one person who lived it

Visit your financial aid or campus offices to explain your circumstances and locate resources.

Schools do not want students failing because they are too hungry to focus.

one person who lived it

Visit family members around dinner time or tag along when friends visit their parents to receive leftover food and snacks.

Parents often feed the children of their friends and may send guests home with leftovers.

one person who lived it

File for unemployment benefits if you are eligible.

It is a benefit your employer has paid into on your behalf.

one person who lived it

attend campus club events or lunch meetings to access free snacks and meals.

4 people, independently

Apply for food stamps and use assistance for food so you can preserve hard cash for bills and required needs.

one person who lived it

Attend religious gatherings, such as church feeds, temple events, or gurdwara meals, to get free food.

3 people, independently

• Go to a Sikh Gurdwara for complimentary meals, since they generally provide food to all visitors without inquiry.16

Check small local churches for informal food pantries that may have available supplies.

4 people, independently

Check local college campus food pantries for free groceries; many require no proof of income or student status.

• Call ahead to explain your situation if you are unsure about eligibility.

one person who lived it

Visit a food bank to obtain groceries.

They serve working people and those facing temporary financial hardship, such as unexpected car, illness, or furnace repairs.

one person who lived it

Include manual can openers in food aid packages.

One person recalled their mother receiving donated food only to realize they no longer had a can opener.

one person who lived it

Donate back to the food bank once you are financially stable to pay it forward.

4 people, independently

Consult seasonal produce charts to see which fruits and vegetables are fresh in your region each month.

• One source found this underwhelming and slightly inaccurate, noting it needs way more details.

3 people, independently

Participate in community skill-exchange groups where members teach each other practical skills, such as growing unusual vegetables or navigating bureaucracy.

It builds community through the exchange of skills.

one person who lived it

Check your local library for food pantries available to patrons.

Some libraries have permanent food pantries, while others established them after SNAP issues during government shutdowns.

one person who lived it

Search local Facebook groups for community-based meal services that may be cheaper.

Local options are probably a lot cheaper.

one person who lived it

Contact the dean of students or housing director to access campus food pantries or funds for food insecurity.

one person who lived it

Ask bakery managers directly for leftover food during closing hours, as smaller businesses may give them away.

4 people, independently

Chew a freshly ground clove to freshen breath and benefit gums due to antimicrobial properties.

Cloves work better than breath mints and are antimicrobial.

• Be careful as eating them straight can burn people.

one person who lived it

Buy whole cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and bay leaves rather than pre-ground versions for superior flavor.

Pre-ground spices have inferior flavor compared to fresh-ground ones.

one person who lived it

Add a tiny bit of salt to sweet desserts to add to flavor.

It enhances the flavor.

one person who lived it

Select untreated scallops that are cylindrical with a pinkish-orange tinge rather than treated ones that look bulbous, moist, and white.

Treated scallops release retained water and cannot be seared.

one person who lived it

Substitute half of your regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for better nutrition.

Sweet potatoes offer much better nutrition and can be used in the same ways as regular potatoes.

one person who lived it

Eat navel oranges as a cheap, satisfying snack for late-night sugar cravings.

They are gigantic, cheap, and provide satisfaction.

one person who lived it

Gradually reduce the amount of coffee creamer added to oatmeal daily to wean yourself off it.

creamer is less delicious than sugar but makes it easier to transition to plain oatmeal

one person who lived it

Use water enhancers like Mio to improve the taste of tap water.

It is considered a good option for flavoring water.

one person who lived it

Add mint, lemon, lime juice, or cucumber slices to water for flavor.

Cucumber slices make water amazing and refreshing.

one person who lived it

Use flat chocolate candies instead of round ones in cookies for better melting and surface area coverage.

Round chocolates do not melt as well, resulting in less surface area coverage.

one person who lived it

Add fresh fruit to plain oatmeal for better flavor and nutrition rather than buying flavored packets.

Fresh fruit provides superior flavor compared to commercial options.

one person who lived it

Steam potatoes, especially sweet ones.

They taste even better.

one person who lived it

Add toasted coconut flakes to homemade granola for flavor.

It is described as unbelievably delicious.

one person who lived it