Sticker shock at the grocery store is nothing new. Feeding a family continues to get more and more expensive, which is why we are always looking for ways to slash the grocery bill. Enter celebrity chef and Food Network star, Melissa d’Arabian, who gave us some great tips to saving money every time we fill up our grocery carts.
1. Go for grains and nuts. “The best place to buy a variety of grains and nuts at a low price is surprisingly in your local health food store or gourmet supermarket. Remember, the bulk aisle is not just for big quantities. You can get as little as you need and for the cheapest per pound price. Which is perfect for these yummy recipes: Lentil Quinoa Salad and Asparagus Soup with Yogurt and Almonds.”
2. Canned is cool. “I love canned salmon and think it’s an often-overlooked way to get lean protein, full of omega-3s. Look for affordable prices at your drug store–yes, drug store–instead of at your supermarket. Stock up when you find a great price and make up a batch of my Salmon Cakes or my Roasted Salmon Greek Salad with Yogurt Sauce.”
3. Pinch pennies on potatoes. “Even though potatoes are cheap, there are still opportunities to save. Compare the per-pound price of loose potatoes to that of the bagged variety, and you might be surprised at what you find: Often you can get five pounds of bagged potatoes for the cost of two pounds loose. And if you are feeding a lot of people, consider the ten-pound bags; they are usually just a few cents more. Then, try these recipes: Spanish Tortilla, Potato Bacon Torte, and Twice-Baked Mashed Potatoes.”
4. Save on salad. “Be flexible with your greens. What’s in season is plentiful, and therefore usually the least inexpensive. In the wintertime, hearty greens like kale and spinach are better deals than tender butter lettuce or baby arugula. Not only can making a swap save you money, but it can breathe new life into your salads. Mix up one of these recipes next time: Spinach and Citrus Salad with Sweet and Spicy Pecans and Winter Kale Salad.”
5. Opt for organic, when possible. “Organic produce can be a good value. Check the organic product section for weekly specials because sometimes the on-sale organic will be cheaper than its conventional counterpart. Another organic produce strategy: Prioritize and buy the organic items that are the most important to you. Bananas, for example, are low on my list because the peel is not eaten. And don’t forget the freezer section. Frozen organic produce often goes on sale and manufactures do print coupons too, so keep an eye out for those. Try my Glazed Carrots or perhaps this Sautéed Cabbage and Apples.”