Saving money is one of my favorite things (along with everyone else’s I think!). When looking for new ways to cut back, the kitchen is one of the best places to start. Here are five things to consider evaluating and implementing in order to put more money back in your pocket:
- Ditch the single use coffee pods/pouches/etc.
Let’s start this list off with one of the first things many start their days with – COFFEE. Not only are the single use pods bad for the environment, but they are bad for your wallet. I used a Keurig brewer for a few years before switching over to a machine that just took coffee grounds. The amount I spent on coffee each week reduced and I think it tastes better. Don’t want to get rid of your brewer that uses pods? Look into getting a reusable one and just refill it with coffee grounds.
2. Meal plan, meal plan, meal plan – but be strategic!
Planning out your meals each week can be annoying at times. But it’s so important and helpful when saving money. It helps you create a grocery list and also know what ingredients and amounts you need to purchase. I always try to pick a couple recipes and then pick my other recipes from ingredients that I’m already going to be purchasing. This helps reduce waste and ensure I use everything I’m buying.
3. Learn ways to preserve perishable items.
One skill I have been learning lately is fermentation. You can ferment most types of vegetables (and many other things), and it helps preserve them for months longer. This is great to do if you have some leftover vegetables that you aren’t going to use and also makes for a tasty snack. Of course, you can always rely on freezing as well… or Google different ideas for preserving whatever ingredient you have a lot of extra of!
4. Cast iron.
I love cast iron. It’s affordable (usually), durable, and pretty easy to maintain. It’s cookware that will last generations. Another positive: it’s a much safer alternative to traditional non-stick cookware. If you don’t already have one, I highly recommend picking one up!
Additionally, I also believe it is totally acceptable to invest in cookware that will stand the test of time. I would much rather shell out a little extra for a great stainless steel pan that will last a lifetime/has a great warranty, rather than purchase a cheap one that will need to be replaced every couple years. (I currently have my eye on a Le Creuset Dutch Oven… 🙂 )
5. Don’t be afraid to replace ingredients.
I rarely follow a recipe completely. I use what I have and make adjustments as needed. If there is something I don’t have and something in mind I want to make, I search for a recipe that accommodates. Similarly, you can Google almost any ingredient that you need to substitute in a recipe and you will get all sorts of ideas and results. This helps keep my grocery bill lower and also saves me from buying a whole container of something when I only need a small bit. I tend to do this more for things that aren’t shelf-stable so I can avoid wasting things. I also frequently replace fresh herbs with dried as that is just what I have on hand!
I would love to know what types of things you all do to help save in the kitchen! Are you already doing everything listed above? Let me know below.
As always, thanks for reading!
