Money Saving Meals

10 ways to cut your food bills

10 easy ways for any home to cut their food bills and reduce waste.

1. Plan ahead (at least a couple of days), so that you make the most of the food you buy. Planning also takes out the daily 'what's for dinner?' angst. We find having some regular 'theme' nights can make planning easier - spicy night every Monday sounds good to us.
2. Make a shopping list and stick to it so you avoid impulse purchases or stockpiling for a famine when you see 'specials'. There's no point overstocking the fridge or pantry and then finding you have to throw out yellowing vegetables or green potatoes.
3. Reduce waste by storing food properly. It's estimated we waste about 20% of the food we buy! So, don't throw out those bits and pieces lurking in the fridge and vegetable basket, transform them into a stir fry, soup or frittata or add them to a stew. There are plenty of ideas in Money Saving Meals.
4. Buy specials that you know you will use. There is no point in buying the jumbo packet, if you eventually throw half of it out, or stocking up on foods that aren't family favourites.
5. Save dollars with generic and house brands, especially with canned fruit and vegetables.  Most times you won't notice the difference.
6. Enjoy fruit and vegetables at their best and cheapest (generally) when they are in season. This is where you can really save. Just think about the food miles and cost and say 'no' to eating summer fruits and vegetables in mid winter. Your taste buds will thank you, too.
7. Pick your own produce (fruit and vegetables) and pass on the shop's pre-packed portions unless it's sized right for your meal or recipe or you know you can freeze the extra or eat it in the next few days. You'll save on packaging too.
8. Buy fewer processed foods. You do the prepping, you pocket the change. Convenience (like ready-made sauces and precooked rice) costs. In fact, precooked rice costs about six times more per cup of cooked rice than regular rice. See for yourself:

   A 500 g pack of rice @ $1.60 gives you 7-8 cups cooked rice. Cost per cup cooked rice = 23 cents.
   A 250 g pack of pre-cooked rice @ $1.99 gives you 1-1/3 cups cooked rice. Cost per cup cooked rice = $1.51

9. Serve up moderate portions on the dinner plate in the kitchen rather than at the table where it's all to tempting to help yourself to 'a little more'. This one is good for the waistline and the wallet!
10. Make the most of leftovers. Spoon them promptly into reusable airtight containers you can store in the fridge or freezer. Tip: There is a free lunch if you use last night's leftovers.