Tip Tuesday: 6 Money Saving Tips with your Groceries

Posted by Alexandra C. | Tuesday October 30, 2012

With all the foodie talk I do, it shouldn't be a surprise that I love delicious food. Because food and I are so tight, I eat out a lot. It's a fun adventure for me! I love trying new things and there is nothing more satisfying for me than checking off a restaurant on my 'To Try' list. The only problem with this is that it can get pretty pricey.

It occurred to me that if I saved all the money I was spending on eating out, I could probably afford a pair of Manolos. So, my new resolution is to try and make my own food as much as possible. Since I'm going to be spending a lot more time at the grocery store, I thought it would be smart to round up some money saving tips and tricks.

1. Make your own hummus: Here's why I like hummus: it's so easy to make, it's filling and hearty, a great vegetarian option and it's easily packed up for lunch. Hummus with carrots, celery or even pita is quite tasty. But best of all, it's very inexpensive. You'll get enough hummus to last you about two weeks with one can of chickpeas.

2. Invest in a slow cooker: A slow cooker can be turned on before you leave for work in the morning and when you get home, your meal is done! One of the most inexpensive cuts of meat is pork shoulder (there are lots of different types), which happens to make an incredibly succulent pulled pork meal. A slow cooker also makes amazing and inexpensive stews; great comfort food for the winter!

1. Rice and beans: Two of the least expensive products and with a little spice and creativity, also two of the most delicious. You can buy most of the ingredients in bulk for extra savings too. Try adding eggs or canned corn to your dish. The great thing about this dish is that even though it is inexpensive, you aren't skimping on nutrition.

2. Leftover veggie ends: When cutting up your vegetables, save all the ends and store in a plastic bag in the freezer. When you have enough, use your ends to create a veggie soup broth by boiling in water. (via reddit.com)

1. Make onions last longer: Store onions in pantyhose and they will last for up to 8 months. Sure it looks weird, but it makes for some great savings! (via seriouseats.com, buzzfeed.com)

2. Help celery, broccoli and lettuce last longer: Wrap these veggies in tinfoil and they will keep crisp and fresh in the fridge! (via preparetodaywardnewsletter.blogspot.ca)

Do you have any good money saving tips when it comes to home cooking?

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13 Comments

	on August 05, 2014 Lincash 921 said: I love my slow cooker, but I barely use it anymore because its so heavy which is a pain in the butt to clean. Love the onion, lettuce and broccoli idea, will have to try that out!
	on November 04, 2012 improperganda 670 said: I like the pantyhose idea.
	on November 02, 2012 katieg 10,672 said: I use my slow cooker at least once every week.
	on November 02, 2012 cutie_marlena 3,191 said: Great tips! I cant wait to make my own hummus...i LOVE chick peas! I also will be putting my lettuce and broccoli in tin foil from now on!
	on November 02, 2012 shanaz 5,961 said: These are some really awesome and helpful tips:)
	on November 01, 2012 angelaj20 81,680 said: Slow cookers are the best! You can make almost anything in them, and it usually turns out great! You can throw everything into the pot in the morning, and when you get home your house is perfumed with the scent and you have a yummy meal waiting for you.
	on October 31, 2012 Charmheart16 3,985 said: The onions in the pantyhose has got to be the craziest thing I've ever heard but if it works then I will definitely try it. I never knew about the tinfoil idea either. I will be doing that from now on because I love eating salad and everytime I buy lettuce they would spoil after about a week. I can attest to coupons being a real money saver. It does takes some time to find and collect them but every cent saved does help specially if you're in college and have to be frugal when it comes to spending.
	on October 31, 2012 Malixy 2,623 said: Buy fruit and veggies when on sale. For example, peppers go on sale for .77 cents a pound, chop them up and store in zippy bags in a freezer, add to stews, sauces, baked dishes. Same with things like strawberries, raspberries or bananas, freeze them in bags, use for healthy morning smoothies with yogurt, orange juice and honey. Def use coupons and price matching. Invest in a deep freezer and stock up on sale items. I pretty much never have to buy items for full price because I always have enough back ups that I can wait til the next sale to stock up again. Use free bonus points programs like airmiles or optimum points. They will allow you to redeem points for free products and groceries. These bonus points programs are free and and easy to use. If you sign up for online surveys, they will sometimes pay you in reward points or coupons for your time. I personally redeem about 10$ airmiles cash every month.
	on October 30, 2012 midnightsun2288 6,053 said: I am going to invest in a slow cooker ASAP because it is so easy to make great home cooked meals even when you are super busy. Another money saving tip is to use old fruit for baking, like old bananas make the best banana bread.
	on October 30, 2012 fredamans 12,209 said: I love my crockpot!