1. Prepare Meals Ahead of Time
Automating meals is one of the best approaches to cut costs and stay within budget. Preparing a meal plan allows students to target certain dishes, making it easier to refrain from ad hoc spending.
2. Prepare Food rather than ordering from restaurants
Regularly dining out chips away at a student’s budget. Home-cooked meals are healthier, more cost effective, and serve the given purpose better. It is also more time efficient to prepare large quantities of food, in a single session, for the week.
3. Purchase Grocery Items at Wholesale
Rice, pasta, beans, and oats are cheaper when bought in bulk from wholesalers. Grocery stores like Costco have more reasonable prices for larger quantities or non-perishable goods.
4. Prepare A Shopping List
A shopping list is an excellent way of avoiding impulsive spending. A checklist keeps a shopper focused on the needed items and prevents splurging on fancy snacks or other unneeded overpriced products.
5. Purchase From Discount Stores
Local Aldis, Liddles and other local supermarkets offer decent quality food at more affordable prices than large grocery stores. The general saving of these establishments when utilizing the discounts is quite significant.
6. Leverage Coupons and Rebate Apps
Students can save on groceries and even receive cashback by taking advantage of coupons and rebate apps such as Ibotta, Rakuten, and Honey. Most stores also have loyalty programs, which can lead to even greater savings.
7. Purchase Produce that is Seasonal and Grown Locally
Buying seasonal fruits and vegetables will provide fresher options at a better price. Fresh, affordable produce from local farmers can also be found at discount stores and roadside markets.
8. Stay Clear of Good that are Pre Packaged and Highly Processed
While a frozen dinner, precooked meal, or cut fruit may be convenient, it tends to be on the expensive side. Instead, stuffed prepared from scratch with basic ingredients tends to be more affordable and is healthy.
9. Choose Vegetarian Sources of Protein or Limit Meat Consumption
Meat is costly, often being the most expensive item on the grocery list. Although meat can be the most expensive food item in your cart, you can lower food expenses by using cheaper cuts or buying in bulk, along with using plant-based proteins like beans, lentils, tofu, and eggs.
10. Save Leftovers and Cook in Bulk
Freezing portioned meals can save time and reduce food waste. Meals such as casseroles, soups, and stews store in the freezer and can easily be reheated for a quick meal.
11. Be Creative With Your Leftovers
Left leftovers from previous meals? Don’t discard them; instead, try converting them into new meals to save leftovers. Cooked vegetables can be included in stir-fries, pastas, and omelets, while cooked meat can be converted into wraps and sandwiches.
12. Create Your Own Budget-Friendly Meal Plans
Pasta, stir-fries, rice and beans, and even sandwiches are economical, quite easy to prepare, and very nutritious. Look for budget recipes online because it helps to add variety to food without stretching your budget.
13. Choose Water Over Sugary Drinks
Energy drinks, sodas, and juices are often too pricey, especially when purchased during weekly grocery runs. Instead, opt for drinking tap water with a reusable water bottle, and start making your own iced tea or fruit infused water to save some cash!
14. Purchase Frozen Fruits And Vegetables
Frozen fruits and vegetables can be used for smoothies, stir-fries and even soups. Compared to fresh, frozen produce is usually cheaper and has a longer shelf life. Not only does it save you money, but it also prevents waste and is just as nutritious as fresh.
15. Prepare Dishes With Friends Or Housemates
In a group setting, students can budget for food more easily as they share the cost. Potluck dinners or “dishsharing” nights are also a great way to save money and explore new cuisines.
16. Decrease Use of Takeout and Delivery Services
The convenience of food delivery comes with a high price tag. Students can save money by preparing restaurant quality meals at home instead of using takeout services.
17. Prepare Your Own Lunch and Snack Meals
Preparing lunches and snacks allow students to buy less expensive homemade food instead of overpriced cafeteria foods or vending machine options. Meal prepping sandwiches, salads, or rice bowls will keep you healthy at a low cost.
18. Opt For Generic Store Brand Products
Generic brand products are usually cheaper than name brand items, and still provide comparable quality. Students can save money by scrutinizing a label or purchasing different store branded versions of the same product.
19. Prepare Budget Friendly Meals Using a Slow Cooker or Instant Pot
Soups, stews, and casseroles are some of the low-cost meals that can be conveniently cooked in a slow cooker or an instant pot. They are ideal for effortless meal prep and bulk cooking.
20. Cultivate Personal Herbs and Vegetable Gardens
With space permitting, growing basil, parsley, and cilantro can free up extra cash. Even a small pot on a windowsill can grow herbs, which eliminates the need for expensive store bought options.
With these budget-friendly meal suggestions, students can eat healthy and delicious food and still remain within their budget. Gaining knowledge on how to shop wisely, cook effectively and minimize food waste will not only save money in the future, but also encourage better eating habits.
