Aren’t we all feeling the effects of inflation right now? And it’s certainly noticeable in our markets. Foodstuff prices are up about 60% from last year, and certain categories are up even more.
There have been significant high prices on primary foods like rice, oil, eggs, meat, and milk. Those costs add up, even for the most perceptive shopper. A 60% increase in prices means that if your grocery budget is typically 500 cedis, it’s now stretched to more than 1000 cedis.
Looking for ways to save on groceries without compromising on healthy and tasty meals? You’re not alone! There are tons of clever tricks and tips to help stretch your grocery budget while still enjoying delicious and nutritious food. Just keep reading to find out!
Have a plan
Planning saves money. Make a grocery list to avoid impulse purchases, and stick to your budget.
Households can save money by using what they already have on hand and what they purchase, as it leads to less waste. Did you know that on average, households throw away approximately 30% of the food they buy?
Planning meals for the week is a must-do to save money and eat healthier by avoiding takeout and other expensive food options.
If you want to save money while grocery shopping, it’s essential to write down a few recipes and shop for the required ingredients.
Be picky with foodstuffs
Try to eat more fruits and vegetables. Even on a tight budget, it’s possible to get the vital nutrition that produce provides.
Substitute expensive fruits and vegetables with cheaper alternatives to save money. Use more fresh tomatoes when in season and tomato paste otherwise. You can enhance the flavor of your stews by adding more blended onions during their season, and this will be a good substitute for tomato paste or even an addition.
To avoid wasting money, it’s important to use up your delicate produce first before moving on to frozen or canned options. Trust me, this simple step can make a big difference in your grocery budget.
You can also try freezing foodstuffs or adding anything that’s about to go bad to soups or gravies.
Rethink your protein
Protein-rich foods such as meat, poultry, and seafood are usually more expensive, but there are ways to save money without giving up meat.
It’s true that many alternate proteins, like beans, tofu, and wagashi, are cheaper than meat. Trying meatless meals like our very own ‘gobe’ or yam and palava sauce with ‘agushi’ might help you save some money as well.
Given the high cost of protein, it makes sense to stock up and freeze it for later use.
You’ll be pleased to know that you can also stretch your meat by blending it with veggies into meals like stir-fries or even into your stews.
With proteins, it doesn’t have to be all or nothing, but rather little things can help you save over time.
Know what expiration dates mean
I used to always throw away food. I once tried to get rid of yogurt I thought had expired, and my father quickly corrected me and stuck it back in the fridge.
Have you ever found moldy or stale food in your fridge or kitchen? It happens to the best of us! Trust me, you don’t want to risk eating something that’s gone bad. So, if you notice any signs of spoilage, it’s better to be safe than sorry and throw it away. Your taste buds and stomach will thank you later!
However, it might surprise you to learn that there is a significant difference between the terms “best before date” and “expiration date.” The expiration date is the last day that a product is considered safe to consume, while the best-before date indicates that the food may no longer be at its peak quality after that point. These dates printed on food packages are generally related to quality standards rather than safety indicators.
It is crucial to check the dates both at the store and at home to guarantee the freshness of your products. Make sure to use up the older ones first to avoid any potential harm.
Paying attention to expiration dates can prevent food waste and save money.
Maximize the minimum in your fridge
When you feel like there’s no food in the house, take a moment to check what you already have before creating a grocery list. Making use of what you already have can be a great way to save money and avoid unnecessary expenses.
It can be a bit challenging to make the most of ingredients that have been sitting in your kitchen or freezer for a while. However, using these building blocks to create a single meal can help you save money and keep your food costs down. For instance, you can try to use that pack of pasta or that bag of cabbage to cook a delicious and satisfying meal.
Buy in bulk
Purchasing groceries in bulk from our local markets like Agbogbloshie, Makola, and Kejetia Market is a smart and cost-effective choice that can help you save a significant amount of money.
Bulk food purchases can be very useful for big families that require a lot of food. Even if you don’t have many people to feed, purchasing certain staple foods in bulk can still be a wise decision due to the considerable cost savings it provides.
If you don’t have a lot of space to store extra food at home, just buying larger sizes at your regular local store can help you save as well.
Rethink convenience
Buying takeout or eating out may be convenient, but it often comes at a premium price.
It’s essential to understand that buying out can be a smart choice in certain situations. But cooking means you can save food from going to waste and enjoy a home-cooked meal instead of ordering takeout.
Sometimes the cost of a ball of kenkey or rice from your local fried rice joint is not that expensive. But be mindful of the prices to see what the overall cost is within a week of eating out, and I bet you that it may be more costly than preparing your own home-made meals.
Just make sure you’re choosing wisely and taking advantage of the opportunity to save money in the long run by cooking more at home.
Source: Ghana/MaxTV/MaxFM/max.com.gh/Sharon Cofie
