Food hacks
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Buy store-brand ingredients from bulk stores instead of name brands from standard supermarkets.
Store brands at bulk stores are cheaper than small size name brands at supermarkets.
one person who lived it
Tip at least $5 for pizza delivery regardless of order size.
A small order does not take less gas or time.
one person who lived it
Make pasta dishes yourself instead of buying them at restaurants.
You'll save so much more money.
one person who lived it
Order Domino's pizza through channels other than their website to avoid higher online prices.
Online orders may cost more than other ordering methods.
one person who lived it
Search for daily coupons before ordering from Domino's or Pizza Hut to avoid paying menu price.
Paying menu price means you are overpaying, as daily coupons often provide significant discounts.
one person who lived it
Request a split portion consisting of half one meat and half another to gain extra protein without incurring the cost for two full servings.
Employees are generally instructed to provide half portions of each meat and charge only for the single most expensive option, often resulting in nearly double the meat.
- This can disrupt workflow during rush hours.
- Results may vary depending on the server and manager.
4 people, independently
If you disliked mushrooms due to bad canned ones, try fresh mushrooms.
You may have been spoiled by the bad canned variety rather than disliking the ingredient itself.
one person who lived it
Enjoy small treats like decked-out pizzas occasionally to maintain morale.
It goes a long way.
one person who lived it
Avoid substituting toppings at Domino's, as they charge extra for substitutions.
Substitutions add up the cost quickly.
one person who lived it
10 more on this
Use Sriracha instead of hot sauce from pizza places for better control over spice levels.
One person preferred it to trusting a pizza place with their spice needs.
one person who lived it
Buy rotisserie chicken with sides, cereal, and sandwiches from Walmart as a cheap, high-protein alternative to pizza.
It is super cheap and keeps you full with a lot of protein.
one person who lived it
Order a large pizza and split the toppings across halves to get the most from cost-effectiveness.
Larger pizzas are more cost-effective.
one person who lived it
Recognize that pizza chains often use two-tier pricing to anchor customers with high advertised prices while expecting them to pay lower offer prices.
Retailers use this strategy.
one person who lived it
Look for signs at Little Caesars stating that breadsticks are free if not offered, and claim them if available.
- This policy may be removed after repeated use
one person who lived it
Recognize that targeting competitor brand names in ads is less effective for large companies but may still be attempted by smaller players.
Most companies have learned that this strategy isn't super effective for heavy hitters, such as Nike bidding on Adidas.
one person who lived it
Tip delivery drivers well, even when using coupons, because drivers can see the full receipt and recognize addresses of customers who consistently under-tip.
Drivers see the full receipt and get good at recognizing addresses; those who save money but don't tip well are noticed.
one person who lived it
Choose the handmade pan base at Domino's for better quality.
makes huge difference
one person who lived it
Ask for vegetables only after the employee has finished adding meat to your burrito.
Asking beforehand may result in receiving less meat because the employee assumes you want more veggies.
one person who lived it
Make homemade garlic bread by microwaving butter with minced fresh garlic and seasonings like parsley or oregano, then spreading it on Italian bread from the grocery store.
It is way better and probably costs $1-3
one person who lived it