10 Practical Tips to Save Money on Food and stretch your Monthly Food Budget!
The end of the month can be tough financially as we reign things in to stick to our monthly food budget or stretch money. But knowing how to make it happen and spend less on food, especially when we feel like we’re already thinking about spending less with the rising costs of living, can be a real challenge. If youāre looking for ways to stretch your food budget, here are 10 simple tips to help you save money on food without sacrificing quality.
Remember that if we’re stretching money, food on the table is the most important thing. Sometimes we have to let values or preferences go, or shop in a different way and that’s going to look different for each of us. Be encouraged at whatever you CAN do, but be ok letting things go if you need to for a few days to get food on the table.
Before we look at practical ways to get to the end of the month with less stress, try to make sure that your monthly food budget makes sense for YOU! A lot of people have an arbitrary number they stick to and this can increase the stress of managing spending. Some people stick to the 50/30/20 rule: 50% of your income on basic needs like rent and food, 30% on wants, and then save 20%. So you could choose to take that 50% and work out what’s left after other fixed essentials, or you can watch THIS video and figure out the right number for you the way we do.
Whatever your budget, here are some real life tips to maximise your food budget at the end of the month or at any point.
1. Dig into the Cupboards and make budget stretching a challenge!
Before rushing to the store, take stock of what you already have in your kitchen. You can’t make food appear, but a lot of us have some bits hanging around and it we get creative and determined we can do more with it than at first glance. But our attitude and approach is a key part of stretching a budget – especially in a family – so making it a fun challenge and getting the whole family involved is key! Tell everyone how many days you’re aiming for, and the parameters and set the challenge as a fun endeavour.
2. Make a plan to dovetail the foods you have and need to buy
Planning meals ahead of time looking at using everything that’s available helps us make the most out of what we already have. Then it also allows us to be the most strategic in buying the least amount possible as we try to stretch ingredients. It doesn’t have to be a full meal plan, whatever helps you – but just jotting down meal ideas and how you can arrange ingredients to last you a certain time really makes a difference! Start with a grid of how long you need to make it with how much money and start juggling things around.
3. Eat at home, and plan ahead to make it happen!
Eating out can be tempting but costly and when we’re stretching money, it usually goes further at home. Opting for homemade meals, even simple ones like beans on toast or a quick veggie stir fry, will help you save money instantly. Especially if we’re digging into pantry items we already have. If you need some ideas here are my favourite budget friendly protein sources. A lot of eating out happens cos we’re not prepped so look through your calendar and make sure you have food to go, or a coffee to take with you when you’re out and likely to buy something on the go.
4. Lean on pulses to build more budget stretching meals
Whenever we’re stretching the budget I go straight to meals with more pulses. Pulses like lentils, chickpeas, and different kinds of beans are not only affordable but also nutritious. They count as one of your five-a-day and are packed with protein and fiber. Lentil salads with roasted veggies, bean and rice bowls, or a simple chickpea curry are hearty, filling meals that wonāt break the bank.
5. Look for Yellow Stickers
Many supermarkets now mark down items nearing their sell-by date with yellow stickers. These can be great finds for stretching your budget. Freeze what you wonāt use immediately if you’re not on a tight budget, or plan meals around these discounted foods for the coming days. Whenever I make my meal plan I take it to the shop too so I can see what meals I could swap out for anything I find with a yellow sticker on it.
6. Try Waste Food Apps for budget friendly food
Waste food apps like Too Good To Go or Olio allow you to pick up surplus food from cafes, restaurants, and supermarkets at a fraction of the cost. Too Good to Go opperates in many places around the world so check in your area. This is an eco-friendly way to save money and prevent perfectly good food from going to waste.
7. Skip the Snacks, Focus on meals!
Pre-packaged snacks can really add up – and they also stop us from being hungry for the more frugal pre planned meals. Instead of stocking up on crisps or chocolate bars, focus on using what you already have at home and waiting for meals if you can. Some of our favrouite budget snacks when we do need them are homemade popcorn, peanut butter on bananas or apples, plain yogurt and honey, or vegetables like carrots and cucumbers.
8. Forage local foods if You Can
If you live in an area where foraging is possible, why not give it a try? Free and nutritious food can be all around us depending on where we live! Whether itās blackberries, wild garlic, chestnuts or even edible flowers, foraging can be a fun and rewarding way to get some extra ingredients for free. Just make sure to research whatās safe to eat in your area.
9. Repurpose Foods with Random Meals
Get creative with leftovers and repurpose them into new meals. Leftover roast veg can be added to a frittata, rice can turn into a stir-fry, and beans can be mashed into wraps. This reduces waste and keeps your meals varied and interesting. Especially now, don’t let anything go in the bin.
Tip: Serve people smaller portions to save on leftovers. People can take more if they need it, rather than starting with larger portions.
10. Try Our Simple, Affordable Meal Ideas!
Here are a frugal few meal ideas to inspire you, from the ones we turn to when we’re stretching the monthly budget:
- Beans + Rice Bowls: A classic combo thatās filling, versatile, and cheap. Add some salsa, avocado, or any veggies you have.
- Wraps with Anything Leftover: Use leftover roasted veg, beans, or even scrambled eggs for a quick wrap.
- Lentil Salad with Roasted Veg: Lentils are hearty and pair well with any roasted veggies.
- Frittata with Leftover Veg: Eggs and leftover vegetables are a match made in heaven for an easy, satisfying meal.
- Baked Potatoes with Baked Beans: Comfort food at its finest. Add a bit of cheese or some salad on the side.
- Stir Fry: Throw in whatever vegetables, rice, or noodles you have for a quick and healthy meal.
- Wholewheat Sourdough Toast: A simple base for toppings like avocado, hummus, or beans.
- Chicken Soup from a carcass: See the recipe here.
Final Thoughts
Cutting back on food expenses at the end of the month can feel stressful but it doesnāt have to feel as restrictive as it often does. Embrace the challenge, get creative with ingredients you have on hand, and youāll be surprised at how much you can save without sacrificing delicious meals!
And remember, if you just don’t have enough food, you are not alone. Tips and tricks can’t magic up food that just isn’t there and too many people are struggling with food insecurity. It’s ok to ask for help. If you’re in the UK, you can look for a food bank in your area HERE and if you’re someone who’s able to throw a few extra canned goods in your shopping next month for a food bank, search for one local to you and see what they need!