During the autumn and winter of 2022/2023, many people in the UK had to prioritise heating and eating over all other expenditures. The arrival of the warmer weather should make heating less of an issue. That still leaves eating. With that in mind, here are three key tips on how to eat well for less.
Learn to meal plan
Learning to meal plan doesn’t mean that you have to take all spontaneity out of eating. It means that you always have a plan. You may choose to abandon that plan and pick another one. Doing so is, however, a choice. It’s not forced on you.
Upgrade your cooking skills
If you really want to eat well for less, then you need to be willing and able to cook at home. The more effectively you can cook from scratch, the more money you can save as compared to buying ready-made food.
Once you’ve got to grips with cooking, your next step is to learn how to adapt recipes to use more economical ingredients. In particular, learn to swap out more expensive cuts of meat for more economical ones. Alternatively, swap out meat for plant-based protein.
You don’t need to do this completely. You can just do it astutely. For example, instead of using all meat mince, use half meat mince and half lentils. You’ll still get the meat taste and the protein but the cost will be much lower.
Get smarter about shopping
Here are ten tips on how to make the most of your shopping budget.
Always shop your home before you buy
The UK is notorious for food waste. Getting on top of this is a win for both your wallet and the planet. Keep track of what is in your kitchen and use it. Ideally, keep an inventory on paper and/or electronically. At a minimum, check your stocks before you shop. Try to store food so that products that are close to going out of date are clearly visible.
Try growing your own
Even if you don’t have a garden, you may be able to grow some of your own food. You don’t need to be particularly green-fingered for this. Just about anybody can grow basics such as mustard, cress and sprouts.
You can also visit pick-your-own farms or possibly forage in the wild. You do, however, need to be careful with this. If you’re new to it, it\’s best to go with somebody experienced. Make sure they know the law as well as what’s safe to pick and eat.
Take a list whenever you shop
Only buy what’s on that list unless you’re 100% confident that you legitimately forgot and/or that a bargain is too good to pass over.
Try to shop without any pressure
Always try to shop on a full stomach, when you’re not in a rush and without children.
Look for reduced goods
Foods that are close to their use-by date are often marked down as are damaged foods.
Do your sums before buying in bulk
Buying in bulk can be more economical but it isn’t guaranteed. Do your sums before you part with your cash.
Only buy seasonal fresh produce
This is better for the planet as well as for your wallet.
Use preserved food
Foods that are preserved without sugar or salt are just as nutritious as fresh foods. They are also often a lot more economical.
Buy store brands
Store brands may not be quite as good as the best name brands but they are a lot more affordable.
Use your store card
Claim those points and use them.
Bonus tip – Use kitchen appliances astutely
You’ve probably already heard about air fryers and the way they can make food taste. You may have heard that they’re also very economical to use. That’s true but it may not be enough to justify the purchase.
On the other hand, you probably already have a microwave. You may, however, just be using it to heat up food. If you are, try learning how to use it for serious cooking. If you have a bit of money to spare, then a multicooker could be a great investment. They can be a lot more economical to run than traditional cookers.
Also, learn how to make one pot/tray meals as much as you can. This saves on energy costs (and washing up).
