Want to save some money and reduce food waste? Make it your goal in 2021 to shop smarter! With the tips below, you can get started right away.
Need hazelnuts for one recipe and pumpkin seeds or walnuts for another? Buy a mixed bag of nuts or seeds. This way, you get a little of everything, avoid buying too much, and help prevent waste!
We all know it: make a list! Choose a weekly moment to plan for the upcoming week. Check what you still have in your pantry and fridge, and try to use up those items—especially anything close to its expiration date. There are websites where you can enter leftover ingredients, and they’ll suggest matching recipes.
Don’t throw out leftovers! Fry up leftover vegetables with an egg for a tasty lunch the next day, or use extra potatoes or pasta to make a delicious salad.
Pay attention to deals, but don’t fall for them too quickly. Discounts on long-shelf-life items like pasta and rice are usually useful. But promotions on perishable items you probably won’t finish in time are a waste of money—and lead to more food waste.
Substitute! Have lasagna sheets but no spaghetti? Just break up the lasagna sheets and use them in your spaghetti recipe—it’ll still be delicious!
And finally: give yourself a time limit. The less time you spend in the store, the less likely you are to be tempted by sales tricks.