grocery shopping

5 Ways Your Instant Pot Can Save You Money

Ashley Eneriz — Thu, 27 Dec 2018 09:00:09 +0000

Maybe you've used your Instant Pot a few times, or after pinning several feast-size recipes, you've started using it once a week. If you love your Instant Pot but don't use it on weekdays because your schedule is just too hectic, these quick tricks will turn you into a frequent user. You can cook faster and easier, no matter how busy you are, and you can even do it on the cheap! Here are five ways your Instant Pot can save you time and money. (See also: 3-Ingredient Instant Pot Recipes That Fit Any Budget)

1. Freeze food in round containers

Take advantage of how much time and money homemade freezer meals can save you. You can batch-cook healthy meals in large quantities for the week, freeze them in individual servings, and freeze in round containers that will fit inside the Instant Pot for the week ahead. When you're ready to eat the frozen dish, rest your container on a trivet inside the Instant Pot with a half cup of water added to the bottom of it in order to heat it thoroughly. This is called the pot-in-pot method (PIP). This will save time on busy workdays, and loads of cash you might usually spend on eating out for lunch or dinner.

2. Add one-pot pasta dishes to your weekly menu

We've all had those crazy days where making dinner seems like an impossible feat. This is where one-pot pasta dishes can save you time and money. The Instant Pot allows you to cook the meat and pasta all in the same pot in less than 15 minutes, which helps curb the desire to order takeout on a Tuesday night.

There are several recipes available — even ones that use only pantry goods, so you know you'll always have what you need on hand. (See also: 10 One Pot Meals That Will Transform Dinner)

3. Use a steam basket for a side of veggies

Using a steam basket that fits inside the Instant Pot will allow you to make a healthy side of steamed vegetables to go alongside any meal in about five to 10 minutes. Even frozen vegetables can be heated perfectly this way, by setting the Instant Pot to "Manual" for zero minutes. That means your frozen vegetables — which are almost always budget-friendly staples — will be ready to go in the time it takes the IP to build and release its pressure.

4. Use the Instant Pot as a sterilizer

Baby bottle sterilizers can cost as much as $60, and most parents use them for baby items and breast pump parts for only a year or so. Not to mention that a separate sterilizer can take up valuable counter space.

Instead, use your Instant Pot as a sterilizer. To do this, add a half a cup of water to the IP, then place a steamer basket in the pot and place your baby items/pump parts in the steamer basket. You don't want your baby items to be touching the bottom of the Instant Pot as they will get too hot. You want to sterilize them with steam. Set the IP to steam for one minute and then let it come back to base pressure on its own before opening. (See also: 12 Instant Pot Recipes That Will Save You Money)

5. Can foods to extend their life

Canning is a method of food preservation that has been around centuries. The process is also a little intimidating, since most people don't want to serve a side of botulism with their homemade applesauce. For food safety, can high-acid foods, such as fruit, jams, jellies, and pickles, not meat or vegetables. Here's a video to show you how to can in the Instant Pot safely.

If you and your Instant Pot aren't best friends yet, then what are you waiting for? There's a small learning curve with the cooker, but once you learn how to use it, it can save you money on cooking, electricity (i.e. not heating up the house during the summer), and by replacing other kitchen gadgets.

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This article is from Ashley Eneriz of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

25 Low-Cost Foods Packed With Nutrition

Dr Penny Pincher — Fri, 23 Mar 2018 09:30:18 +0000

If you are on a tight food budget, it's only natural to prioritize the cost of food over nutritional value. After all, junk food is the cheapest food you can buy. But I have found that some of the most nutritious food can be surprisingly affordable.

Here is a round-up of my favorite cheap and highly nutritious foods, listed in order of lowest cost first. The entries below are all priced for four-ounce portions that are all under $1, to make it easy to compare prices. There are even some superfoods on this list. Of course, prices for these items may vary by location and season. Keep an eye out for sale prices on them in your local grocery stores, and you might be able to buy some or all of these items for even less than the prices listed here. (See also: 31 Foolproof Ways to Lower Your Grocery Bill)

*All food prices were determined using HyVee's online grocery store.

1. Bananas

Bananas are highly portable, and are packed with potassium, dietary fiber, and magnesium. They make the perfect sweet treat, and they come with their own natural packaging.

Cost per 4 oz: 12 cents

2. Carrots

Carrots are delicious raw or cooked, and make a great addition to any lunch. In terms of nutrition, carrots are bursting with vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium.

Cost per 4 oz: 22 cents

3. Cabbage

Cheap and nutritious, cabbage is great in a stir fry, eaten steamed, or microwaved with a little butter on top. Cabbage offers loads of vitamin C, vitamin K, and vitamin B6.

Cost per 4 oz: 22 cents

4. Onions

Onions pack a lot of flavor for very little money, and you don't need to use much to get the taste you need. Nutritional highlights for onions include potassium, vitamin C, and dietary fiber.

Cost per 4 oz: 25 cents

5. Mandarin oranges

Mandarin oranges are another great on-the-go snack option. For those afternoon sugar cravings, reach for one of these instead of a candy bar. They have vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium.

Cost per 4 oz: 25 cents

6. Black beans, canned

Black beans offer protein, fiber, and potassium, and they're tasty right out of the can, or cooked into chili, soups, or served on tortillas.

Cost per 4 oz: 26 cents

7. Garbanzo beans (chickpeas), canned

These are an excellent pantry staple because you can eat them cold in salads, warm in soups, or use them to make your own hummus. Chickpeas contain plenty of dietary fiber, protein, and iron.

Cost per 4 oz: 26 cents

8. Brown rice

This healthy carb is a wonderfully versatile base for meals. All you need to add is vegetables or meat. Brown rice contains protein, fiber, and magnesium.

Cost per 4 oz: 30 cents

9. Sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a healthy alternative to white potatoes, as they have more fiber and vitamin A, and a lower glycemic index. They are also packed with potassium. (See also: 11 Ways to Turn Leftover Sweet Potatoes and Other Starchy Foods Into Something Special)

Cost per 4 oz: 32 cents

10. Whole wheat bread

The question is not, "What can you do with whole wheat bread?" It's, "What can't you do?" The sky's the limit, really, when it comes to this healthy alternative to white bread, which offers your body plenty of iron and potassium.

Cost per 4 oz: 38 cents

11. Cauliflower

You can buy it frozen, fresh by the head, or fresh and pre-cut. It's a filling, hearty meat alternative for vegetarians, and loaded with vitamin C. If you prefer it pre-cut, look for fresh or frozen bags to go on sale.

Cost per 4 oz: 40 cents (fresh head)

12. Barley

You can use barley in stews or as a savory side dish with herbs and spices. Barley offers iron, protein, and magnesium.

Cost per 4 oz: 45 cents

13. Strawberries

Strawberries are naturally super sweet, bursting with vitamin C and potassium, and make for a great, healthy dessert.

Cost per 4 oz: 47 cents

14. Dried lentils

Toss some dried lentils in your slow cooker or Instant Pot and you can do some easy meal prep for the week ahead. You can use lentils in soups, stir fry, dips, and spreads, and they provide iron, fiber, and protein.

Cost per 4 oz: 47 cents

15. Steel cut oats

You can make your own oatmeal at home using steel cut oats that are cheap and delicious. And with tons of calcium, iron, protein, fiber, and potassium, they're also nutritious.

Cost per 4 oz: 50 cents

16. Peanut butter

Whether you like it smooth or crunchy, this spreadable goodness can be put on bread with bananas for a great sandwich packed with protein, potassium, fiber, and iron.

Cost per 4 oz: 53 cents

17. Whole grain pasta

Who doesn't love pasta? And if you opt for the whole grain version, you're also getting a healthy meal base with plenty of protein and fiber.

Cost per 4 oz: 55 cents

18. Greek yogurt

Plain Greek yogurt makes for a protein- and calcium-filled snack that you can add cinnamon or honey to in order to satisfy that sweet tooth.

Cost per 4 oz: 62 cents

19. Raisins

The dried version of grapes, raisins are generally cheaper and have a longer shelf life due to the way they've been dried and preserved. Raisins make for a great snack, or they can be added into salads and other dishes. They are also packed with potassium and vitamin B-6.

Cost per 4 oz: 74 cents

20. Peanuts

A handful of peanuts is all you need for a filling and protein-packed snack. Choose low sodium or unsalted for the healthiest option.

Cost per 4 oz: 74 cents

21. Avocados

Use avocados on sandwiches, in salads or guacamole, or just cut one in half and eat with a spoon. Avocados are delicious and filled with protein, potassium, and vitamin C.

Cost per 4 oz: 75 cents

22. Frozen blueberries

Fresh blueberries are great, but often pricey. Buy the frozen version and you've got a cheaper cereal topper or snack option that is bursting with vitamin C.

Cost per 4 oz: 75 cents

23. Spinach, bagged

The great thing about bagged greens is that they're typically already cut and washed. Use bagged spinach for salad, add it to omelettes, or steam it in the microwave. Spinach also has vitamins C, A, and K, as well as zinc and fiber.

Cost per 4 oz: 75 cents

24. Broccoli

Enjoy broccoli florets raw or microwaved, and reap the health benefits of eating this nutritious gem, which is loaded with vitamin A, B1, fiber, and potassium.

Cost per 4 oz: 83 cents

25. Mushrooms

You can add mushrooms raw to salads, or grill or sauté them for extra flavor. Mushrooms give the body iron, fiber, and lots of vitamin D.

Cost per 4 oz: 94 cents

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This article is from Dr Penny Pincher of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

13 Ways to Cut Costs on Holiday Feasts

Mikey Rox — Tue, 14 Nov 2017 09:00:09 +0000

Every time I plan a big holiday meal, I brace for the bill. Even after making these family-style feasts several times over, I'm still annoyed when I hear the total at the supermarket checkout. "How do turkey, green beans, and mashed potatoes cost that much?" I ask myself. Yet year after year, I overspend on Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners while continuing to scratch my head.

But not this year. No. This year I'm setting a reasonable budget and sticking to it (so I can have more money to buy presents!). Here's how you can do it, too.

1. Take inventory of what you already have

One of the biggest mistakes is not itemizing all the dinner ingredients at once and checking your pantry and cabinets for what you already have. I've gone to the supermarket countless times and questioned whether I have enough butter or olive oil just to return home to realize I did, in fact, have plenty — after I bought more, of course.

Stocking up on these items unnecessarily is a massive budget suck, and you're better off taking the time to figure out what you need to buy and what you don't before hitting the store. (See also: 9 Pantry Tricks That Save You Big)

2. Map out your menu

Based on the ingredients you already have on hand, you can start planning your menu, then fill in the gaps with new items you buy. I go through my bookmarked recipes on my phone and visit my favorite food sites to choose my recipes, keeping in mind the money-plus-time investment. I don't want to spend 12 hours slaving over the stove, so I make sure that all dishes can be prepped in less than 10 minutes, not including set-it-and-forget-it cook time. Just because the recipes are efficient, however, doesn't mean they can't be delicious. Maybe they're not overly fancified, but I've come to learn that most people aren't that impressed by my cooking and presentation skills when they've been growing hungrier since the moment they walked through the door.

3. Compare prices

Just because something is on sale doesn't mean it's not cheaper elsewhere. Don't limit yourself to one supermarket. Pick up the circulars and flip through to price out what you need. Use a price comparison tool like PriceBlink or Camelizer to make sure you're getting the best price before stepping into the store. If this means you have to visit two supermarkets to save, decide if it's worth your while. Generally, if I'm saving more than $10 between stores, I'll take the detour. (See also: 31 Foolproof Ways to Lower Your Grocery Bill)

4. Check your cash-back apps before heading to the store

Hopefully you're clipping your coupons before you go to the supermarket — and being smart enough not to fall for the "buy more and save" deals because you're not really saving if you're buying more than you need — but I also want you to scroll through your cash-backs apps like Ibotta and Checkout 51 before you start shopping to see what deals are available. Many times I've gone grocery shopping and checked the app after the fact, only to realize that I could have bought a similar item at a discount. Open the app and browse what's offered so you have the items fresh in your head as you work your way through the aisles. Afterward, submit your receipt and claim your cash. (See also: The 8 Shopping Apps That'll Actually Save You Money)

5. Set your budget and stick to it

Once you've priced out all the items you need, create a shopping list and set your budget. Try not to exceed more than $10 of the total you've set, but your real goal is to come in under budget. This requires discipline, especially when factoring in impulse buys at the supermarket. To avoid this, it's best to go food shopping right after eating since you won't be hungry in the chip and cookie aisle — my biggest weakness. Another trick to maintain efficiency in the supermarket is to go on a busy day. I know, it sounds dreadful, but on those days, you're likelier to want to get in and out instead of shopping more leisurely. The less time you have in front of all that food, the better. (See also: 7 Effortless Ways to Prevent Budget-Busting Impulse Buys)

6. Opt for generic

I'm usually against buying generic (yes, I know it's the cheaper option, but I prefer name-brand food; it's a quality issue for me), but when I'm planning a big meal, I relax my anti-generic policy to shave money off the bill. Butter, for instance, doesn't have to be Land O'Lakes, and I'll settle for store-brand spices, which are already pricey. Pastas, nuts, sugar, and flour are also good options to buy generic. These substitutes make zero difference in my recipes, but you do have to be savvy about what you're swapping. Namely, not all cheese is created equal, and I would recommend sticking to what you know, lest you want an oily mess on your hands. Some corners should not be cut.

7. Load up on cheap carbs

Know how to feed a crowd and actually fill them up? Ask any working family in America and they'll tell you the secret is carbs. Serving breads, potatoes, and pastas is a great way to extend your reach in the bang-for-your-buck department, which means you can skimp a bit on already love-it-or-hate-it vegetables like Brussels sprouts, spinach, and asparagus, which all come at a premium.

8. Buy in bulk when it makes sense

Buying in bulk doesn't always save you money, especially if you don't plan to use all of whatever it is you're buying before it expires. However, if you're getting a better deal in a large quantity versus buying several smaller versions, go for it. I don't, however, suggest you buy a wholesale club membership solely for your large holiday meal. You most likely will not get back in savings the $60 you spent on the membership in that single shopping trip. If it makes sense for your family the rest of the year, consider it, but otherwise it's not a good idea. (See also: Bulk Buying Basics: What to Buy, How to Store, and Money Saving Tips)

9. Turn your holiday feast into a potluck

If you really want to slash your own out-of-pocket costs for the holiday meal you host, leave the side dishes and desserts up to your guests. You make the main course — turkey, ham, or whatever you like to serve — plus a few pre-dinner treats, but request that your guests fill in the blanks. An easy way to keep track of who's bringing what is to create a Google spreadsheet that you can share via email with all of your guests. It will save updates automatically for everyone to see. When sides and desserts are claimed, feel free to pawn off drinks and ice on whoever's left empty-handed on the list. There's nothing wrong with a party where everyone pitches in. (See also: Throw an Awesome Potluck Dinner With These 6 Easy Tricks)

10. Ask your guests about their food preferences

To avoid wasting food that people don't like or can't eat, get a sense of your guests' palates before planning your menu. If only one person likes lima beans, it's not the best side dish to serve if most of it will end up in the trash. Ask about any dietary restrictions and allergies while you're at it, too. Nobody will expect you to cater the entire meal to the vegetarian or gluten-free guest at the table, but it's appropriate to provide at least a few items that guest can and will enjoy.

11. Stretch the food dollars into leftovers

I'm not a super fan of leftovers (you're probably getting a good idea of how picky I am when it comes to food), so I do make a concerted effort to plan my quantities carefully and focus on foods that I don't mind having a second or third time. Since everyone is different, I won't tell you how to eat your leftovers if you so choose, but I will suggest that you mind the parts of the meal that usually hit the trash first, like the ham bone and turkey carcass. These are great for making soups and stocks; it's fairly easy to do with recipes you'll find online. (See also: 17 Ways to Use Thanksgiving Leftovers)

12. Bring only your budgeted cash to the supermarket

The best way to force yourself to stay on budget when shopping for your holiday meal is to leave all debit and credit cards at home and only bring the cash that you've set aside for the ingredients. This will stop impulse buys in their tracks, and you'll be forced to find the most inexpensive items and alternatives to ensure you have enough money to pay the bill. It will also help to use your calculator along the way. I saw my mom doing that on more than one trip to the supermarket when I was a kid and it stuck with me.

13. Establish a BYOB rule

I wouldn't ask my guests to bring a potluck dish plus their own booze. If you're taking on all the food, it's perfectly acceptable to ask your guests to bring what they'd like to drink and share. On the other hand, if guests are bringing dishes to complete the meal, reward them with adult beverages. Don't feel obligated to satisfy everyone's tastes though. Serve white and red wines and a light beer. If they're not happy with that selection, they can sip the soft drinks that you'll also provide until they're able to hit the neighborhood bar.

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This article is from Mikey Rox of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Best Money Tips: Avoid These Costly Grocery Shopping Habits

Amy Lu — Fri, 27 Oct 2017 08:30:12 +0000

Welcome to Wise Bread's Best Money Tips Roundup! Today we found articles on costly grocery shopping habits, things you should throw out day by day, and simple ways to make $500 fast.

How Smart Shoppers Will Save at Amazon's Whole Foods

Christa Avampato — Mon, 11 Sep 2017 09:00:06 +0000

Amazon is looking to repeat its e-commerce success in the grocery vertical. Its recent acquisition of Whole Foods brought sweeping and immediate changes to the notoriously pricey grocery chain by taking a page from Amazon's traditional playbook — slashing prices. Here are details on the price changes that were implemented, and how you can cash in while shopping.

Look for the signs

All over Whole Foods stores, you can now find tags and large signage that clearly explain the recent price drops that Amazon has implemented. The produce market of Whole Foods, opulent and historically expensive, is one of the hallmarks of the chain. It makes perfect sense that Amazon would begin there. Certain varieties of apples have dropped a full dollar per pound, from $2.99 to $1.99. Avocados, which have been extra pricey this summer due to crop shortages in California and Mexico, have dropped, too, from $2.50 a piece to $1.49. Bananas dropped from $0.79 to $0.49 per pound, and lean ground beef dropped from $10.99 per pound to $6.99.

Overall, prices have dropped an average of 43 percent on the store's most popular items. To find the best deals in-store, be on the lookout for these signs and tags.

Lock it up

One of the signature benefits of being an Amazon shopper is a relatively easy return policy on many items. Amazon will start placing Amazon lockers in select Whole Foods locations where you can drop off your packages for easy returns, and also pick up packages that you order if you don't want them shipped to your home. This makes it more convenient for people to shop both brands in one, while having a single location where returns can be managed. (Lockers are ideal for people who aren't home during the day and don't have a doorman to collect their packages. With Amazon Lockers, there is less of a chance of packages being lost or stolen off of your doorstep.)

Shop Whole Foods products from Amazon

Amazon is in the process of adding Whole Foods private label brand items to the website for ordering through Prime Pantry, Prime Fresh, and Prime Now delivery programs. The Whole Foods private label brands include 365 Everyday Value and Whole Foods Market. They have long been touted as the best deals in the store. Now Amazon is elevating them even higher by making them available online.

Become a Prime member

Amazon is crafting big plans to integrate Amazon Prime into the Whole Foods shopping experience to further enrich the Prime program. Jeff Wilke, CEO of Amazon Worldwide Consumer, said in a recent statement that Amazon Prime will become the customer rewards program at Whole Foods and will trigger lower prices and other benefits for Prime members over time. Whole Foods created a pilot customer rewards program of its own in the Philadelphia and Dallas/Fort Worth areas, but it never took off nationwide. Amazon provides an opportunity to change that with a quick solution that already has a large and loyal user base. (See also: 7 Amazon Prime Perks You've Forgotten to Use)

We're in the early days of Amazon's ownership of Whole Foods. What's clear is that the two brands intend to continue co-inventing ways to improve the shopping experience, provide enhanced value to customers, and compete with innovation in a traditional market.

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This article is from Christa Avampato of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

How to Feed a Large Family on a Small Budget

Annie Mueller — Wed, 30 Aug 2017 08:30:05 +0000

Feeding a large family is a challenge. You need plenty to eat for plenty of hungry people, and you'd like to accomplish that without draining all of your free time and money. As the mother of four hungry kids, I've learned a few strategies that work well for our family. I also called in an expert: my friend Jeff Page, father of eight and founder of Hectic Meals.

Plan your meals

You need to plan your meals in advance. Winging it on meals, especially with a large family, will cost you. You'll stress every day over that, "What's for dinner?" question, and end up depending on fast food, takeout, or multiple grocery store trips to feed hungry people. It's impractical and terrible for your budget. Jeff calls meal planning, "a matter of self-preservation." (See also: How to Stop the Takeout Meal Cycle and Save)

Meal planning doesn't have to be complicated, though. It's usually easiest to plan a week's worth of meals at a time. Jeff recommends collecting your favorite recipes and using them on a regular rotation.

Get input from your family

You may be the meal planner, but you can get great ideas on favorite meals by polling the crowd. I've found that my kids are quite happy to eat the same basic thing for breakfast everyday, but they get tired of that kind of repetition for lunches.

Work with the seasons and the sales

If you pay attention to what's in season for produce, and what's on sale at your local grocery store, you can plan your menu around these items. You'll not only get fresher, better produce with this approach, but you'll also save money.

Combine new and old recipes

Depend on your tried-and-true favorites for the bulk of your meal planning, but add in some new and interesting recipes here and there. It's a good way to expand your family's eating repertoire without alienating your picky eaters. (See also: Save Money and Eat Better With These 6 Online Meal Planners)

Buy and prepare food in bulk

If your family eats in high volume, buying and prepping your food in correspondingly high volume makes sense. Meal planning will help you determine what you need in advance, and buying in bulk will help you get it at the best price.

What to buy in bulk

Basic pantry items, such as baking ingredients and canned goods, are almost always a good idea for bulk purchases. The savings might not be huge, but since you can go through high quantities of these staples, you want to keep them on hand and buy them in large quantities when they go on sale. (See also: How to Shop for Food Once a Month and Save Big)

Another smart bulk purchase is your main protein source: meat, eggs, beans, dairy, etc. For Jeff's family, their biggest value has been in purchasing meat in the largest quantities possible, then freezing it for use as needed.

Fresh produce can be a great bulk purchase, as well, if you're able to process or preserve it. Otherwise, you might watch it go to waste, which is the opposite of budget-friendly. (See also: 13 Food Items to Always Buy in Bulk)

How to prep your food in bulk

Whether you bring home 15 pounds of ground beef or a couple of overflowing boxes of ripe tomatoes, you need to do something with your bulk food to make it easily usable. Some bulk purchases are best treated with a partial prep. For example, if you bring home 10 pounds of fresh carrots, you can peel and slice them, divide into portions, freeze some for use in soups later and refrigerate the rest for easy snacking. You can buy chicken in bulk, chop and season it, then freeze.

For the most efficient bulk food prep, Jeff recommends a high-quality set of knives and a vacuum sealer. That way you can work your way quickly through a big pile of whatever's in season and ensure that it won't be frostbitten and gross by the time you eat it. Another great tool for bulk prep and preservation is a food dehydrator; couple it with that vacuum sealer for maximum prep and storage efficiency.

Go local

Check into your local grocery options for other bulk food purchases. You may find grocery co-ops, ethnic food stores, and local farmers markets can offer you great ingredients at a much better price than your regular grocery store.

Have a storage plan

Don't bring home the bacon (or any other food in bulk), unless you have a plan for how you will store it. You need to have adequate pantry or cabinet space for dry and canned goods, and adequate freezer space for other items.

Implement a meal schedule

You need a healthy amount of organization to keep a big-family kitchen from falling into chaos. When multiple people access the food and food spaces, basic rules can keep things clean, organized, and usable.

The most important rule is to clean up after yourself. Even young children can learn to wash a dish after they use it. Yes, you will have to remind them of their ability to do so approximately 4,327 times before they will learn it, but stick with it. Eventually, they will remember. Or they'll move out. Either way, fewer dishes for you!

Get organized

For large families, it's very helpful to have a secondary refrigerator and/or freezer, perhaps in the garage or on the patio, for food storage. You can designate the kitchen refrigerator for this week's snacks and meal ingredients, and the other refrigerator can be used for less-often used items and ingredients you're storing for later use.

A key part of food organization is finding a way to communicate it with the rest of your family. Use labels to mark where things should go, and bins or other storage items to keep things separated in the freezer or pantry. (See also: 9 Pantry Tricks That Save You Big)

How to schedule meals

A schedule and a list will help you get through the grocery shopping as quickly as possible. Jeff generates a list from his meal plan and, with that in hand, he's usually able to keep his weekly shopping trip under an hour.

Share the information

Print out your meal plan, so all the hungry members of your family can see at a glance what's for dinner. That might encourage them to quit asking you about it. In an alternate universe, it might encourage them to start making dinner. I have not found the entrance to this universe. If you do, let me know. Please.

Designate shelves

In the pantry, Jeff recommends labeling shelves so there's a designated area for particular items. This can make the putting away process faster for everyone after grocery shopping. We have a designated snack shelf, and when it's snack time, the kids know what they can have and help themselves.

Keep it simple

An endless variety of food costs money. My kids would like to have a pantry that looks like the snack aisle at Costco. I would rather pay the bills — all of them — because having that much variety would cost a small fortune. I keep three to five snack options on hand, along with a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, and that's enough for us.

Incorporate change every once in awhile

The same snacks or dishes over and over again can get boring for you and everyone in your family. You can rotate options, but you don't have to have all the options at one time. So, choose a few snack options this month, and different ones for next month.

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This article is from Annie Mueller of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

12 Delicious Ways to Go Meatless for the Newly Vegetarian

Marla Walters — Tue, 22 Aug 2017 08:00:10 +0000

I have the hang of Meatless Monday, and I'm even able to cruise through Tofu Tuesday. By the time I get to Tempeh Thursday, though, the Golden Arches start calling to me. Sound familiar? The science behind eating more plant-based foods is compelling, but if you aren't used to it, it's just harder to figure out what to put on the table.

While I might be inclined to try making veggie burgers, will my family eat them? How in the heck can grilled tofu compete with a rib-eye? If you're just starting out with more meatless meals, here are 12 recipes for hearty, meatless dinners. (See also: 35 Slow Cooker Recipes for Busy Vegetarians)

Jackfruit

Have you seen packages of jackfruit popping up in stores? Popular in Brazil and native to South India, it has made its way to the U.S. and there are some good reasons to try it as a meatless dish. Besides being full of dietary fiber, minerals, and vitamins, it contains no cholesterol.

If you buy it prepared (which I recommend, as the fruits are large and a little daunting to cut), it looks a lot like pulled pork. It comes in prepared pouches or canned. If you buy canned, be aware it comes two ways: with syrup and without. You don't want the sweetened kind. Jackfruit tastes like mild pineapple and if you add a little barbecue sauce, you've got the perfect tangy treat.

1. Jackfruit Rice Bowl

This Spicy Jackfruit Rice Bowl is a good jackfruit tester dish. See if you like the flavor in a very simple preparation. It's also nice with jasmine rice and some chopped avocado.

2. Jackfruit "Pulled Pork" Sandwiches

Try this vegetarian take on "Pulled Pork" sandwiches. Great with sweet-potato fries!

Tofu

Tofu is mainstream now, but preparing it can still be a mystery. It's worth learning to cook, because it's a good source of protein, iron, minerals, and vitamin B1. When is tofu at its best? In my opinion, when the outside is crispy, and it's well-seasoned.

Many people make the mistake of selecting the wrong type of tofu for cooking. Look for firm tofu, and not the "silken" variety. Slice it into the shape as directed in your recipe and let it dry out on a clean towel.

3. Crispy Tofu Bowl

This Crispy Tofu Bowl is a good beginner recipe. I liked their recommendation of letting the tofu sit for 30 minutes, not just 10, before cooking for extra crispiness.

4. Crispy Tofu Nuggets

Need a kid-friendly meal? These Crispy Tofu Nuggets will fit the bill. If you don't have corn flake cereal, panko crumbs are a great substitute.

Mushrooms

If you are wary about making the move to a vegetarian lifestyle, mushrooms are a great "bridge" food.

5. Mushroom Bourguignon

One of my favorite meals is Julia Child's Boeuf Bourguignon. This Mushroom Bourguignon amazed me, because the flavors are dead-on. If you like farro, it's a delicious, chewy grain to go under the stew. This is also good with crusty French bread.

6. Vegan Portobello Pizza

Pizza is another great "transition" food when you are trying out a vegetarian diet. These Vegan Portobello Pizzas will really wow you. Pro tip: Let the edges get crispy when you broil.

Black Beans

Black beans are an excellent source of protein, and I personally love their flavor, so I use them a lot in vegetarian recipes. (See also: 35 Delicious Rice and Bean Dishes)

7. Black Bean Burger

Leave it to a rancher's wife to come up with a seriously delicious meatless Black Bean Burger. These are so yummy that you will, like me, start watching for black beans to go on sale.

8. Black Bean Chili

Next time you have a drizzly evening, cook up a batch of this Vegetarian Black Bean Chili. I think it's even better the next day, when the flavors have mellowed. Again, use soy cheese if you are avoiding dairy. The leftovers are great to pack in your lunchbox, too.

Chickpeas

I eat chickpeas right out of the can. I like them that much. My husband, however, will sprinkle them over a salad, but eating them out of the can? No. That's not a problem, because they are easy to prepare and contain protein, fiber, and manganese. (See also: 10 Tasty and Frugal Chickpea Recipes)

9. Chickpea, Barley, and Feta Salad

This Chickpea, Barley, and Feta Salad has a Greek flavor palate. It is satisfyingly chewy, thanks to the barley, and the feta adds a tart touch. I like to make extra so that I can tote leftovers for lunch.

10. Indian Chickpea Stew

As suggested, head for an Indian grocery for the spices needed for this easy "Chana Masala," or Indian Chickpea Stew. I like this with ready-made Garlic Naan, lightly toasted in the oven.

Eggplant

Eggplants are big, meaty vegetables, and when added as the main ingredient to a meal, they can be very filling. (See also: 14 Tasty, Frugal Eggplant Recipes)

11. Eggplant Bolognese

This Eggplant Bolognese takes less than an hour to prepare, and is still as hearty and delicious as the meat version. And if you have leftovers, it's a great freezable meal to save for later.

12. Eggplant Rollatini Quinoa Casserole

When you need a belly-filling meal that can be tossed into a baking dish and thrown into the oven, this Eggplant Rollatini Quinoa Casserole is a great option. Also? There is a ridiculous amount of cheese on top.

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This article is from Marla Walters of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Shop the Salad Bar and Other Ways to Save Big on Groceries

Mikey Rox — Wed, 12 Jul 2017 08:00:13 +0000

Feeling the pinch at the grocery checkout line? You're not alone. Food prices have risen an average of 2.6 percent a year over the past 20 years, according to The Balance. And though inflation has slowed recently, you can bet food prices will be back on the uptick when contributing factors change, like fluctuating oil prices, weather conditions, and good ol' supply and demand. In the meantime, give your budget a well-deserved break by adopting these supermarket-savvy practices to reduce your grocery overhead.

1. Shop the salad bar for almonds, bacon bits, and more

You might avoid the salad bar at your local supermarket because of its outrageous prices — my local Wegmans cold salad and fruit bar is a whopping $9.49 a pound — but there are deals hidden among all that overpriced produce.

Six ounces of name brand Diamond of California slivered almonds retails for $4.99 at the store, or roughly $13.30 per pound, compared to the flat rate of under $10 at the salad bar. Bacon bits are another big win for your wallet. A three-ounce bottle of Hormel Real Bacon Bits come in at $2.49, making a pound's worth more than $13, but who needs that when you can cop a full pound of the really "real" stuff at around 59 cents per ounce?

To do your own investigative work into how you can save at the salad bar, visit your local grocer's website and compare packaged products and fresh produce to what you might find in the salad bar. (See also: 7 Grocery Store Habits That Are Making You Broke)

2. Break off just the right amount of bananas from the bunch

Did you know that you don't have to buy the whole bunch of bananas? Most stores price the fruit by the pound, but don't require that all the bananas in a bunch stay together. If the bunch is too big for what you think you'll eat, just break off the amount that suits you and be on your way.

3. Compare bone-in and boneless chicken pound-per-pound

Boneless chicken is most people's go-to protein these days, but we're paying quite a markup for the convenience of skin-and-bone removal.

My store doesn't even carry nonorganic bone-in chicken breasts anymore, but nonorganic bone-in chicken thighs (store brand) are 99 cents per pound compared to their boneless counterparts at $1.99 per pound. More than double is quite a leap just to be bone-free.

You also may be able to shave a few bucks off your bill by buying your fresh boneless chicken breasts with rib meat instead of the hand-trimmed cutlets. Those prices are $1.88 per pound and $2.79 per pound, respectively, at my store, which is enough of a difference for me to learn to love to the rib meat. (See also: Great Summertime Grilling for Any Budget)

4. Ask for a rain check on out-of-stock sale items

If the shelf is empty on a sale product, you may be able to still get the deal with a rain check. You can usually obtain these at customer service, but be sure to have the sales circular or your mobile device showing the deal to expedite the process, just in case the cashier is unfamiliar with the promotion. (They shouldn't be, but it happens often when I'm shopping.) Your rain check will allow you to buy the product for the sale price even after the sale is over once the item is back in stock.

5. Stick with frozen seafood

"A lot of time the seafood you find frozen in the store is the same as the thawed stuff on display, which can be marked up by as much as 40 percent," says nutritionist and health coach Jamie Logie, author of the blog and podcast Regained Wellness.

Turns out, she's right. Farm-raised EZ-Peel Raw Shrimp at my Wegmans is $10.99 per pound, but the same exact shrimp frozen and bagged is only $8.49 per pound. Plus, with the frozen stuff there's no rush to eat it before it spoils; it's there whenever I want it.

6. Segment your shopping between grocery and drugstores

By and large, drugstores like CVS, Rite-Aid, and Walgreens have higher-priced items compared to the same products at the supermarket, but you can save in these stores on certain things. My local Rite-Aid offers coupons, sometimes up to 25 percent off, and it often has Buy-One-Get-One (BOGO) deals on the snacks we all love, like chips and ice cream. When I wrote this, Rite-Aid had Cheez-It crackers BOGO for $3.29, whereas two boxes of the same would cost $3.96 at Walmart.

At CVS, I've personally saved $139.33 using coupons, which are plentiful if you're a member of the ExtraCare Rewards program. I also took advantage of a one-time offer to try out its new curbside service to save $10 off a $15 purchase. These promos really add up if you use them the right way.

7. Make spices with your unused vegetables

Think twice about throwing away that half an onion you don't think you'll use before it rots. Yvonne Sanders, from healthy-eating and weight-loss program Slimming World, explains how to turn them into spices.

"Simply dehydrate onion or garlic, then crush it up to make garlic or onion powder seasoning," she says. Same goes for your herbs and hot peppers. Dehydrate them before they start to decay for more fresh and flavorful cooking.

8. Turn nearly expired milk into ice cubes for your morning coffee

If you know you're not going to drink all the milk before it expires or spoils, make milk ice cubes for your morning joe.

"If you're wont to drink coffee with some milk, this is a great way to preserve cartons of milk in your fridge," Sanders says. "Just use an ice tray to freeze and drop into your next coffee or even smoothie."

9. Ditch the cart and pick up a basket

It's scientifically proven that shopping with a large cart compels you to buy more than you actually need. Marketing consultant Martin Lindstrom told USA Today, "We did an experiment with that, and we actually doubled the size of the shopping cart," he said. "And you buy 40 percent more."

Don't let the psychology of shopping cost you. Opt for the smaller cart, or pick up a basket and head to the register once it's full.

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This article is from Mikey Rox of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Great Summertime Grilling for Any Budget

Dr Penny Pincher — Mon, 03 Jul 2017 09:00:10 +0000

Grilling at home is a beloved summer activity but it can get really expensive, depending on what you buy and how often you grill it. In addition to the cost of food, you also have to pay for fuel to run the grill. A gas grill is cheaper to run than a charcoal grill, at about $1 per grilling session versus about $3 for a charcoal grill. But buying a gas grill is more expensive up front than a charcoal grill, depending on which grill you choose. I switched to a gas grill years ago, and the higher cost of the gas grill has been offset by the lower cost of operation over the years. (See also: 10 Reasons You Should Be Grilling on Gas)

I investigated prices for items to grill at my local grocery store and found several items you can grill for $1 or less per four-ounce serving, or $4 per pound. Chicken and vegetables are the big winners for the cheapest things to grill. Watch out for steaks and fish, as these pricier items can run over $5 per four-ounce serving. Using my account at my grocery store, Hy-Vee Aisles Online, I was able to gather these prices per serving. Prices in your area may vary somewhat, but these 24 items are sure to be among the cheapest things you can make on the grill.

1. Bananas

You can throw bananas right on the grill for a very cheap grilled dessert. Add flavors such as vanilla or cinnamon for a novel treat.

Cost: 15 cents per serving.

2. Chicken drumsticks

Add barbecue sauce or Sriracha sauce to chicken drumsticks before grilling for some flavorful grilled protein.

Cost: 24 cents per serving.

3. Chicken thighs

Not everyone likes chicken drumsticks, so grill some cheap chicken thighs, too.

Cost: 25 cents per serving.

4. Pineapple

Once McDonald's tried to sell a hamburger with a grilled slice of pineapple instead of meat. It didn’t catch on at McDonald's, but grilled pineapple is a cheap side dish, or you can throw it on a bun with condiments for a great vegetarian option.

Cost: 26 cents per serving.

5. Hot dogs (store or cheap brand)

Hot dogs are one of the cheapest meats you can grill, especially if you go for the cheapest brand.

Cost: 35 cents per serving.

6. Onions

Throw some sliced onions on a sheet of aluminum foil with some butter, and you’ll have a grilled treat to put on top of hamburgers or to serve as a side dish.

Cost: 44 cents per serving.

7. Zucchini

There is no reason not to grill some vegetables along with your meat. Wrap some sliced zucchini in foil with a pat of butter for some easy grilled veggies.

Cost: 50 cents per serving.

8. Eggplant

Slice up an eggplant, spray it with cooking oil, and grill it up for a side dish or even to put on a bun and eat as a veggie alternative to a hamburger.

Cost: 50 cents per serving.

9. Corn on the cob

With a little prep, you can grill a couple ears of sweet corn for well under $1 and avoid running the microwave on a hot day.

Cost: 67 cents per serving.

10. Chicken breasts (boneless/skinless)

Serve grilled chicken breasts on a bun, or on their own as a main course for well under $1 per serving.

Cost: 75 cents per serving.

11. Ground beef

You can sometimes find special offers on cheap ground beef, so stock up and put it in your freezer for cheap grilling all summer long.

Cost: 75 cents per serving.

12. Jalapeño peppers

Add some spice to your meals by grilling some fresh jalapeño peppers. Spray them with cooking oil and put them right on the grill or set them on a sheet of aluminum foil. Add some cheese in the middle of each pepper before grilling to make your own jalapeño poppers.

Cost: 75 cents per serving.

13. Pork loin

Grilled pork tastes great and is typically cheaper than most cuts of beef.

Cost: 83 cents per serving.

14. Pork loin butterfly chop

This is another cheap alternative to more expensive steaks.

Cost: 83 cents per serving.

15. Hamburger (fresh, 80% lean)

You can upgrade to fresh ground hamburger for a few cents more per serving, which can be worth it for the extra flavor.

Cost: 83 cents per serving.

16. Beef ribs

I picked up a cheap pack of boneless beef ribs and it was one of the best things I have grilled so far this year.

Cost: 87 cents per serving.

17. Frozen pizza

You can actually cook a pizza on your grill. This can be a great alternative to firing up your oven inside on a hot day. A grilled cheese pizza or veggie pizza is a nice option at your cookout for people who are not carnivores.

Cost: 93 cents per serving.

18. Ground chuck (steak burger)

Ground steak makes for delicious hamburgers, and even though it seems like it would be a pricey meat option, you can try ground chuck steak without going over $1 per serving.

Cost: $1.00 per serving.

19. Pork top loin chops

Pork typically costs less than beef, making it ideal for cheap grilling. A pork top loin chop is a boneless cut from the loin, which is lean and tender meat.

Cost: $1.00 per serving.

20. Pork loin rib-eye chop

Pork loin rib-eyes are a boneless pork chop cut from the rib area of the pork loin.

Cost: $1.00 per serving.

21. Pork loin porterhouse chop

A pork loin porterhouse chop usually has a "T" shaped bone in the cut and includes a section of loin on one side and tenderloin on the other.

Cost: $1.00 per serving.

22. Asparagus

Asparagus is an easy vegetable to grill and adds some class to any grilled meal.

Cost: $1.00 per serving.

23. Ground Turkey

The ground turkey was a bit higher than $1 per serving at my grocery store on the day I checked prices, but with a bit of digging I am sure ground turkey can be found for less than $4 per pound to bring it into the realm of cheap grilling.

Cost: $1.05 per serving.

24. Bratwurst

Bratwurst was also a bit higher than $1 per 4 oz serving at my local store, but this price was for some fresh bratwurst in a variety of flavors. With some power shopping, cheaper bratwurst can be had and enjoyed for less than $1 per serving.

Cost: $1.07 per serving.

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7 Grocery Store Habits That Are Making You Broke

Kentin Waits — Thu, 08 Jun 2017 09:00:10 +0000

It happens more often than I care to admit: I stumble to my car wondering how two bags of groceries set me back $40. After a particularly budget-busting grocery run last week, I got to thinking — maybe some of that sticker shock is less about rising food prices and more about my own bad habits. Let my humbling aha! moment save you some cash. Here are seven grocery store habits that are making you broke.

1. Assuming coupons are always money-savers

Though it may sound like a sacrilege to some, coupons can often end up costing consumers more in long run. How? Well, they get shoppers to buy products we normally wouldn't buy, often require the purchase of multiple items in order to score the deal, and tend to be skewed toward prepackaged and heavily-processed foods. Skip the coupon-clipping. In most cases, generic or store-brand options will offer a far better and more consistent value. (See also: 5 Reasons Why I Don’t Clip Coupons)

2. Staying loyal to brands

While brand loyalty isn't always a bad thing, it's easy to take it to the extreme and cost yourself money. If you're shopping with blinders on, you're likely missing out on new and more competitive brands, significant product improvements, and great promotional deals. Shake things up every once in awhile. Explore what other brands and generics have to offer. (See also: How We Brainwash Ourselves Into Brand Loyalty)

3. Ignoring expiration dates

Since I'm not a morning person, that first cup of coffee each day is more than a small pleasure — it's my oxygen. That's what makes the following anecdote all the more painful. One morning a few months ago, I opened up a brand-new container of half-and-half. Instead of pouring smoothly as expected, the contents plopped out with the consistency of cottage cheese. Yeah, eww. If only I'd checked the expiration date before buying it, I would have saved my morning and $2.99. Let my tragedy be a cautionary tale. Shop smart and always check expiration dates.

4. Falling for clever packaging

Packaging food is a science unto itself. Clever packaging is designed to stimulate our senses, convey quality, and express the personality of a brand. While product presentation is difficult to ignore, don't let it override other important considerations such as ingredients, nutritional value, and unit price. After all, why pay more for cute packaging that just ends up in the recycling bin?

5. Shopping when you're hungry

Grocery shopping on an empty stomach is a recipe (pardon the pun) for making bad food decisions. Remember, hungry is just one short step away from hangry. Both conditions make it much easier to buy more, eat more, and choose items that aren't as healthy. (See also: The Best and Worst Times to Go Grocery Shopping)

6. Buying pre-made foods

Ever notice that more and more grocery stores are transforming into mini food courts complete with full salad bars, panini stations, and even sushi counters? It's no accident. Stores know that convenience sells and busy people will pay a premium for pre-made food. If you're focused on your budget's bottom-line, don't let your grocery shopping routine turn into a pricey restaurant dining experience.

7. Jumping on trends

Sure, that pomegranate-infused kombucha smoothie looks magical, but it's $6.99! Trendy food and beverage products are developed for only one reason: to ride the wave of popularity and cash in on consumer curiosity. Save money by sticking to the basics and not falling for temporary food trends that suck the money right out of your wallet. (See also: 8 Hot New Food Trends — The Frugal Way)

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This article is from Kentin Waits of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Best Money Tips: Ways to Save Hundreds on Groceries

Amy Lu — Wed, 07 Jun 2017 08:31:12 +0000

Welcome to Wise Bread's Best Money Tips Roundup! Today we found articles on ways to save hundreds on groceries, how to make a travel itinerary, and surprising things you’ll find at libraries.

Best Money Tips: Grocery Shopping Tips from Extreme Couponers

Amy Lu — Tue, 02 May 2017 08:00:09 +0000

Welcome to Wise Bread's Best Money Tips Roundup! Today we found articles on grocery shopping tips from extreme couponers, ways to save at Amazon, and how to have a better morning.

How to Shop for Food Once a Month and Save Big

Ashley Marcin — Mon, 01 May 2017 09:00:07 +0000

I've changed my grocery shopping habits quite dramatically, and it's really paid off. First, I've saved several hundred dollars on food in a single month. And beyond that, I've saved a ton of time. What exactly did I do? Well, I started shopping for the majority of my groceries on just one day each month. It may sound overwhelming, but it's definitely doable, and has worked well for my family.

Here's how you can try this method, too.

Take stock

Before I even began meal planning or thinking about shopping, I took a look around my pantry and refrigerator shelves. We actually did a "use-it-up" meal week before the big shop. We ate the remaining pasta, cooked all the beans, and snacked on that rogue pudding cup in the back of the fridge. You know, just so we'd be down to basically nothing.

You don't have to clear out all your food to get planning. Still, it's a good idea to take stock of what you have before you start making grocery lists. That way you'll avoid buying duplicates. Heck, you may also realize that you mindlessly pick up a can of salsa or jar of jam every week even though you don't need them.

Begin meal planning

After you've assessed your situation, you can get to meal planning. This part of the process is the most important. It may even be the most time consuming. Taking time to plan your meals, though, is the key to success. You don't want to buy a mega load of groceries and then not know what to do with them.

What I do is sort of old school. I have a regular notebook and I write down the number of weekdays and weekends for that month. From there, I'll start planning the dinners. I write out how many we'll cook at home and how many nights we might eat out (or be out of town, in meetings, etc.).

Last month, I ended up with a total of 23 dinners at home.

Breakfasts, lunches, and snacks are a bit different. We tend to fall into habits with those. I'll eat oatmeal every day, my daughter likes cereal, and my husband noshes on eggs and toast for breakfast. On weekends, we may do something like pancakes.

Lunches are pretty much the same: PBJ, pretzels, and applesauce for my daughter. My husband packs salads and big Greek yogurt creations. I usually eat leftovers. The baby eats bits of what we eat since she only just started eating solid foods.

How to plan your meals

So, how exactly can you plan meals efficiently? We have a running list of the dinners that have been hits in our house. I'd say there are 15-20 meals on this list. When I'm meal planning, I choose maybe six of these meals to incorporate into our month.

For example, we may do something like this for our 23 dinners:

Breakfast for dinner x 4 nights
Slow cooker chili x 4 nights
Homemade pizza x 4 nights
Sloppy lentil sandwiches x 4 nights
Tofu stir-fry x 4 nights
Slow cooker chickpea curry x 3 nights

From there, I go through the recipes (they may be in my head or on a website, but it's helpful to actually look at them) and write down the ingredients I'll need for each. It can be helpful to pick recipes that use similar ingredients, so you can take advantage of bulk pricing, if available. (See also: 10 Fruits and Veggies That Stay Good a Month or Longer)

Pick a day and a store

Choose a day for your big shop when you have plenty of time and energy. For some, this may be the weekend. I am able to do my big shop during the week, so I avoid the crowds. I also try to leave my kids at home if I can.

You may not want to go to just one grocery store for this shop, either. I hit up Aldi and Wegmans and sometimes a bulk place like Sam's or BJ's. Where I go has a lot to do with what's on our meal plan and my knowledge of prices. Aldi wins out on most items. I've seen their eggs as low as 70 cents for a dozen. Their Greek yogurt prices can't be beat and I buy six tubs of it at a time. They also carry avocados for a fraction of the price I can find them anywhere else. I can't say enough wonderful things about Aldi.

But there are some things, like our favorite huge jars of organic peanut butter, that I like to buy at Wegmans. Tofu isn't an item I've seen at Aldi, so I buy a three-pack of that at Wegmans, as well. They also have certain bulk items, like lentils, beans, etc.

Find the best prices in your area and choose where you'll go from there. (See also: 10 Affordable Alternatives to the Grocery Store)

Set aside funds

For our monthly shop, we set aside $350 for our family of two adults, one kid, and one baby. We also set aside $150 each month for grocery trips throughout the month, when needed. That's to buy things that spoil more easily, like milk or certain produce (berries come to mind). Because we do the big monthly shop, these trips to the grocery store are extremely quick and easy, since we only buy a few items from the fresh sections of the store.

That means that we are spending $500 total on food for the month — a little over $100 a week. But as I got used to shopping this way, we've started spending less than the allocation. We were spending $800 a month on food before. This process has cut our monthly food spend by almost half.

Cook, cook, and cook some more

The other critical piece that makes this way of shopping work is to cook. Cook all the meals you have planned. You may feel like you're on food-overload when you first come home and put everything away. But if you stick to your list, you'll be using everything by the month's end. Stick with your plan and you'll be fine.

If you have the space and the time, I have found it incredibly helpful to batch cook and use our freezer space to make things ahead. For example, I make my daughter homemade Uncrustable sandwiches for each school day and store them in the freezer. I have even started experimenting with freezer dump meals where you do all the prep, put everything in pre-portioned freezer bags, and then cook in the slow cooker the day of your planned meal.

I also buy more frozen foods that won't spoil and can carry over into the next month if we don't use everything. (See also: Save Time and Money With a Monthly Assembly Cooking Weekend)

What about meat?

You may have gathered that I'm a vegetarian. Meat eaters can totally follow this type of shopping, too, though. Freeze your meat and thaw the night before in your refrigerator. If you don't have the freezer space, simply figure in how much meat will cost and add it to your small weekly shop.

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This article is from Ashley Marcin of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

10 Affordable Alternatives to the Grocery Store

Marla Walters — Wed, 26 Apr 2017 08:30:09 +0000

Are you sick of taking weekly trips to the grocery store? Maybe you'd like to try to save some money, buy fresher produce, support your local farmers, or even grow food yourself. Here are 10 affordable alternatives to that hectic and tiring grocery-grind.

1. Contact farmers directly

If you know a farmer or rancher, consider approaching them directly about buying their goods. Personally, I have found this method enables me to purchase certain cuts of meat, or other things I need at a discounted price. It's also nice to know the source of your food and be assured that it is truly organic or grass-fed. If you don't know someone, try calling your local agricultural extension, 4-H Club, or FFA (National FFA Organization) chapter.

2. CSA shares

CSA is an acronym for Community Supported Agriculture. When you become a member of a CSA, you purchase a share of vegetables, fruits, eggs, or other agricultural goods from a farmer (or several farmers) in your regional area, often for less than you'd normally spend in the grocery store.

If you like a challenge and to learn about how to cook things, a CSA box is going to be right up your alley. I have cooked and eaten things I never would've tried. CSA boxes are a fun way to support local agriculture, save money, and learn how to cook new things.

3. Vegetable or fruit stands

During family road trips when I was a kid, my dad would take back roads in the California central valley in our family station wagon. Along the road, we'd stop at numerous fruit stands. We'd load up on peaches, nectarines, tomatoes, dates, and nuts. Everything was sold in bulk, in big flats, but at a huge discount from the grocery store. My mother would spend hot summer days canning, but what a treat when those jars of peaches came out, midwinter. I'll still hit the brakes for a fruit and vegetable stand, where I know I can get farm-fresh, locally grown produce.

4. Farmers markets

Farmers markets seem to be everywhere these days, and with good reason. Besides being a great place to stock up on fresh local food, they often offer food tents, music, plants, and crafts. Farmers markets have made shopping fun again.

5. Co-op grocery stores

You don't usually have to be a member of a grocery co-op to shop at one, but if you join, you will get a vote — and some input — on how the co-op is run. For a fairly nominal fee, you will become a member who can give input about the items purchased or carried by the store. While the prices may not be rock-bottom, you'll usually find high-quality organic and natural foods. During profitable years, you may receive a dividend. Co-ops tend to be very community-minded, and some have delis and household goods, as well.

6. Ethnic food stores

A Chinese exchange student, missing food from home, took me to our local ethnic grocery. Not only was it fun to have her explain the interesting selection of foods, but I was shocked to see those same foods at my regular grocery store at a considerably higher price. Similarly, when I make Mexican food, I head to one of those specialty stores to get ingredients. You may also be able to locate hard-to-find spices there.

7. Online Delivery

Online grocery delivery was something I pooh-poohed until our daughter moved to Brooklyn. I've stopped teasing her about it after she emailed me copies of her lists so that I could see the prices. Surprisingly, it's not unreasonable. Yes, she does pay an add-on price for delivery, but I pay for gas to drive to the market, so the difference is a lot closer than I assumed. With online delivery, you also avoid the lines and parking hassles. If you want to try it, do some comparisons between services to see which delivery policies best suit your lifestyle. Also be aware that ordering at "peak times" may result in not being able to get everything you need. Services such as FreshDirect even offer special deals and savings on specific items from week to week. (See also: 6 Ways Having Your Groceries Delivered Can Save You Money)

8. Trade

I have too many bananas, and my neighbor needs to get rid of avocados. (I get the better end of that deal, honestly.) It's great to be able to trade produce. Do you have an overactive orchard, or did you plant too many hills of zucchini? See if you can trade produce with a neighbor.

9. Discount outlets

Some outlet stores carry things that just didn't sell, but are still perfectly edible. Maybe the packaging was just too strange, or the label was off-putting. One of our friends carried a corkscrew and would just try some wines out in the parking lot of the local wine outlet after purchase. If they were good, she'd go back in and buy a case.

There are no bells and whistles in outlet stores, so come with an open mind. It's not Whole Foods. There are some amazing bargains at outlet stores, which can offer goods sometimes at 50-80 percent less than grocery stores. Cereal is usually a good buy, as are frozen foods. And don't forget a corkscrew.

10. Your own garden

I don't have the greenest thumb in the household, but I can handle growing green beans, carrots, beets, and tomatoes. Even if my carrots are misshapen, they are delicious. To get the best results, check out your soil. We took a soil sample to our local college's agriculture department, where they analyzed it and told us what to add (your local co-op extension may offer this service, too). Even a small garden plot is a very rewarding thing. Plus, the fresh air, vitamin D, and exercise are essential to your overall health. (See also: 10 Most Valuable Things to Plant in Your Garden This Spring)

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This article is from Marla Walters of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

8 Hot New Food Trends — The Frugal Way

Ashley Marcin — Thu, 20 Apr 2017 08:30:13 +0000

It seems there’s always a new health food trend going on, and companies are quick to capitalize by conveniently packaging and offering them on store shelves for us to try. Unfortunately, trying what's new and different isn't always affordable. You're in luck, though. Here are the trends, and how you can enjoy them on the cheap.

1. Wellness beverages

The chilled beverage sections at your grocery store are probably teeming with new tonics and juices. Many of them include ingredients like turmeric, vinegar, and maca. There are even beverages that contain medicinal mushrooms! While this is all very interesting and even quite tasty, these drinks come at a premium — costing anywhere from $5–$14 per bottle.

I make my own vinegar-infused beverage at home. It actually tastes a lot like kombucha, just at a fraction of the cost. First, I crack open a can of my favorite sparkling water from Aldi, usually lemon or lime. Then I pour it over a tablespoon of Aldi's organic apple cider vinegar. Mix and enjoy.

2. Oily byproducts

A company called Eco Olea has made a variety of house cleaners using the water that's left over after making olive oil. Another company is using the liquid from cooking chickpeas to make vegan mayonnaise. Incorporating byproducts into new products is definitely on the rise, and it's great to see that less is going to waste.

How can you try this trend at home? Stop before you toss the liquid you drained from that can of chickpeas. That gooey stuff is called aquafaba, and there are many good things you can make with it. Try this vegan chocolate pudding made from aquafaba. Sounds strange, but when you combine it with dark chocolate, maple syrup, and vanilla extract? Delicious.

3. All things coconut

You've probably tried coconut water and coconut oil to see what all the fuss is about. This year, the coconut is expanding its horizons. You can buy coconut flour, coconut chips for baking, and a whole host of other products. While coconut flour costs about $3 a pound, prepackaged foods made with this ingredient are even steeper.

Here's an easy recipe for homemade coconut flour tortillas. You need just three ingredients: coconut flour, eggs, and nondairy milk. It only requires a half cup of flour. Whisk the ingredients together. Then heat a skillet and cook it like a very thin pancake, flip, and fill with your favorite hummus or whatever else you like wrapped up. (See also: The Best Credit Cards for Groceries)

4. Purple foods

You may have heard that you should eat the rainbow — vibrant, fresh veggies that come in all colors. In 2017, the color everyone seems to be focusing on is purple. You can find purple cauliflower, purple potato chips, purple corn, purple asparagus, and much more at your local grocery store.

If you want to try this one at home, try making this gorgeous purple sweet potato pie. If you don’t want to deal with the almonds and dates for the crust, you can always stick with a traditional pie crust out of flour and butter. It will still look gorgeous.

5. Healthier pastas

You can find pasta made from chickpeas, lentils, and quinoa on shelves at the store. If you take a walk around the produce section, you may even see some varieties of spiralized vegetable "pastas" that are healthy alternatives to the traditional noodles we all know and love. I'm especially flabbergasted by the price of the spiralized noodles because produce can be quite cheap when it's in season.

The up-charge is all about the noodle-making process. And that's an easy at-home thing you can do yourself. Invest in a spiralizer, and you'll be set with beet and zucchini noodles for life.

6. Unique condiments

My husband and I are addicted to interesting condiments. But I can't say it's good for our wallets. These days, you can find anything from ghee with pink Himalayan sea salt to pomegranate molasses to chipotle adobo sauce. One way I like to save on these splurges is to check out what our local Home Goods (a discount store) has on the shelves. I can often find condiments a few dollars cheaper than they might be at the grocery store.

Making your own cool condiments is another option. Buying ghee at the store can cost around $1.20 an ounce. You can make it at home for around 67 cents an ounce. Just get eight ounces of a good-quality organic butter and heat it over low heat in a medium saucepan. Continue cooking until the milk solids turn brown and fall to the bottom of your pan, around 10 minutes. Then pour through cheesecloth into a glass jar for safekeeping. This makes five ounces of ghee.

7. Meal kits

Eating out can be expensive. But making everything from scratch can be time-consuming and messy. Many people are turning to meal kits you can easily toss in the oven. You can find some awesome vegetable mixes in the freezer section that won't break the bank. Others include pasta and even meat for a no-fuss meal. Just check your prices carefully and take advantage of coupons and store sales when you can.

You may also want to try make your own meal kits. Sure, the process takes some effort — but it will save you time and money in the long run. I actually tried this method out last month when I made a bunch of "dump meals" to stash in my freezer. I'm hooked. It's seriously as easy and opening cans, chopping stuff, and tossing it in a bag to freeze for later cooking in the Crock-Pot.

8. Japanese food

Japanese foods are becoming more popular, as well. But move over sushi, the trend this year is going beyond the roll. Check out ingredients like miso, seaweed, and mirin. Have you ever heard of Japanese-style pickles? I hadn't either, and now I'm utterly intrigued.

My own family regularly eats udon noodles with our stir-fries. This ends up being cheaper than buying Japanese takeout because we get a huge bag of stir-fry veggies in the freezer section and buy tofu in bulk. We also like incorporating miso into our meals — a little goes a long way. Try a miso-tahini dressing on anything from roasted sweet potatoes to salads. Combine a quarter cup tahini with just one tablespoon miso. Then add in lemon juice, warm water, and cracked pepper. You'll enjoy the flavor every day!

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This article is from Ashley Marcin of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

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