Are you a student who’s trying to figure out how to save money on your food shop? It’s no secret that college life can be expensive, and many of the staple ingredients in your diet aren’t exactly cheap either! If you want to cut back on the costs of your regular shopping while still getting all the nutrients you need, here are 10 tips to save money on your food shop as a student.
1. Buy food stuff in Bulk to save cost
It’s important to remember that volume doesn’t necessarily mean a better deal—buying five gallons of milk at once is not always cheaper than buying three one-gallon containers. When it comes to food shopping, buying in bulk is only economical if you can use up all of it before it spoils.
Before stocking up, ask yourself how much of an item you need and when you might use it up.
For example, if you only need one jar of pasta sauce and it will last you a few meals, buying in bulk may not be worth it. On the other hand, if you know you’ll use it up before it spoils, buying bulk may make sense. If you aren’t sure whether or not an item is something you can finish before it goes bad, ask your local grocer—many stores have information available about shelf life for items they sell.
Additionally, many grocery stores offer samples so that you can try an item before committing to buy a full-size version. When it comes to produce, don’t forget that freezing food extends its shelf life by months! You might also consider visiting farmers markets when possible; depending on where you live, these markets often have seasonal produce at very competitive prices.
If possible, grow your own: Many fruits and vegetables are cheaper (and tastier) when purchased from a farmer’s market or grown at home.
2. Pack a Lunch to spend less
One of your easiest food-shopping savings is going to be in how you prepare your meals. Students who choose to bring their lunch will spend less than half of what they would if they ate out or bought prepackaged options.
You’ll have more time, too! When you do go out, order water with lemon instead of sugary drinks, and opt for a salad with dressing on the side so you can control what goes into your meal. For those times when you do eat out, use apps like Eat This Much to help you stick to a budget. That way, your stomach will thank you—and so will your wallet!
3. Get Cooking With A Partner to save cost
A good way to keep costs down is to cook in bulk. By teaming up with someone else, you’ll be able to buy more food at a time, which will allow you to avoid those costly convenience store purchases when hunger strikes. It’s also a great opportunity for some healthy competition: Race each other home and see who can come up with something tasty before they get there! (Or just have fun cooking together.)
Another good tip is to avoid eating out as much as possible.
It’s tempting when you’re tired or in a rush, but a takeaway or coffee costs far more than it does for two people at home.
4. Cook from Scratch if you tied on budget
When possible, try to cook from scratch. Not only will it save you money and help you avoid unhealthy processed foods, but cooking your own food can also be an enjoyable experience. Learning new recipes with friends or family members can be a great way to spend time with those around you!
Do you know that when eating at the restaurant, you're not only paying for the food you eat but also for the Cook's time and otherher facilities. If you don't have money to spend for this expensive meals, create time and prepare your own meal.
5. Use your Freezer
At busy times of year when you don’t have time for cooking, you can use your freezer to stock up and make room in your fridge. By stocking up during sales and freezing meals such as stews or curries ahead of time, you can save yourself time and money later on. Keeping emergency meal options in your freezer also means that if you ever get caught without any food, it’s easy enough to rustle something up rather than resorting to pricier fast food or takeaways.
6. Batch Cook to save money
Cooking your food in bulk and freezing it is one of the best ways to save money. It’s possible you don’t have time for it during term-time, but when school’s out you can take advantage of some free time and cook up a storm, then freeze enough meals to last all week. You can even make extra portions that you can take back with you or give away.
7. Cook One-Pot Meals to save the cost of energy consumption
One-pot meals are by far one of your best bets for quick, cheap, and nutritious meals. Look for recipes that can be prepared with only one pot—or at least minimal equipment—and you’ll save time and money. Try our One-Pot Vegan Curry, Thai Red Curry Chicken with Vegetables, or our Beef Bourguignon.
8. Try Out Ethnic Cuisine
If you’re like most university students, your budget is under pressure – and when it comes to eating out, it can be hard to justify spending $12.50 for a burger and fries. Instead of hitting up fast food chains for your meals, try out ethnic cuisine at Asian restaurants or look for ready-made meals at health food stores. And don’t forget that cooking your own food can save you even more money!
While you’re there, see if they have any deals. Many ethnic restaurants offer student discounts, even if you only have a college ID. If you don’t see anything on their menu that suits your tastes, order an appetizer or small side dish and ask for half off. It might be enough food to fill you up without blowing your budget!
9. Take Home Dishes
Making your own food is one of the best ways to save money. When you cook your own meals at home, you can buy in bulk and prepare huge meals that can last for days. It’s also handy if you don’t want to eat out every day and prefer home-cooked food. If you don’t have time, it’s possible to order take-home ingredients so they arrive when you do.
There are also online services that allow you to order from different take-home food suppliers and choose from dishes like fresh fish, meat, pasta and even vegan food. You can place an order before you get home and your food will be waiting for you. Take-home meals can help save money because you’re not spending cash every day at restaurants or buying expensive take-out food.
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10. Stick to your kitchen budget
When shopping for food stuff, keep your budget in mind. Before you enter the grocery store make a list of what you want to to buy and stick to it, this would help you avoid impulse buying. Ensure you are buying what you need at that point, avoid buying things you didn't plan for.
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