WANT EVEN MORE HEALTHY IDEAS FROM SHAPE YOUR FUTURE?
The holidays are just around the corner, and grocery prices are seemingly higher than ever. The good news? You can still enjoy family favorites without spending more than you planned. Read on for tips to help you plan ahead, make the most of what you already have and stretch your grocery budget.
Plan Your Menu Before You Shop
Start by making a quick list of what is typically on your table during the holidays. Go through this list and put a star next to any must-have dishes, then plan the rest of the meal around them. Before finalizing your list, try to make sure the meal is balanced and includes a mix of protein, carbs, healthy fats and fiber.
Choose Familiar, Simple Dishes
When choosing what to serve, stick to recipes you know and love. If a family recipe includes a long list of ingredients, look for ways to simplify it. Not only will this mean fewer items on your grocery list, but it will also save you time and effort on prep day.
Build the Menu Around What’s Already in Your Kitchen
Next, check your pantry, fridge and freezer to see what you already have. It’s amazing how many times we buy more of something when, spoiler alert, you already have two hiding in the back! This is especially true for spices and seasonings. There could also be meat or vegetables tucked behind another item in your freezer. Using what you have can help you avoid spending money on items you don’t need.
Budget-Friendly Ingredient Swaps for the Holiday Table
Trade Fresh Veggies for Canned or Frozen
Did you know that canned and frozen veggies are just as good for you as fresh? Both canned and frozen vegetables are picked at peak ripeness, so they have similar flavors and nutrients as fresh veggies. If you aren’t big on canned veggies, here are a few tips to make them taste better.
Look for canned veggies labeled “no salt added” and choose frozen vegetables without added sauces or seasonings. Since both options have a longer shelf life than fresh, stock up when they’re on sale to save even more if you have the space and budget.
Try canned or frozen corn in a corn casserole, or roast canned or frozen green beans with olive oil and your favorite seasoning for a quick and simple side.
Choose Lower-Cost Protein Options
Check store ads for promotions in the weeks leading up to the holidays. If you find a good deal on meat or other ingredients, consider buying ahead and freezing what you won’t use right away.
Don’t forget that you can opt for cheaper cuts like a whole turkey or chicken. If you tend to serve two meats, think about other protein sources to supplement. Consider replacing one with an affordable side dish using beans or lentils, or find more inspiration for cheap, high-protein meals. You could also try adding protein to dessert with no-bake peanut butter bars or pumpkin pie protein pudding.
Consider Cheaper Swaps at the Store
When making your grocery list, don’t forget to think of other simple swaps to save a bit of money. Select store brand canned or frozen veggies over fresh and opt for dried herbs. Or maybe you don’t have to use that one expensive ingredient (like cardamom) because there is something close enough (cinnamon + nutmeg) that you’re more likely to have on hand from past recipes.
Shop the Sale and Compare Unit Prices
Think about your usual grocery store and consider if it’s the most cost-effective place to shop. Have you compared prices lately? Bulk and discount stores can have great deals on holiday foods compared to big box stores. If you have a location nearby and the time to shop around, this can be a great option to save money. Don’t forget to compare not only the sticker price but the price per unit.
When To Use Pre-Made Convenience Items
Choosing pre-made, pre-cut, ready-to-eat foods will surely save you time but may end up costing you more at the register. If time is a constraint, I recommend emphasizing simple recipes with limited ingredients and steps. If needed, you can mix homemade dishes with store-bought items to fit your schedule and budget. Just be mindful since many convenience foods have increased amounts of sodium and added sugar.
Budget-Friendly Holiday Meals for a Crowd
Don’t forget, you are not in this alone! If you’re hosting friends and family, consider making your gathering a potluck. Even if you plan to do the main cooking, your guests could bring simple items like drinks, rolls or fruits and veggies. Sharing the prep work can help you feed a crowd on a tight budget.
Using Leftovers To Save Money After the Holidays
Leftovers can save time and money, and with a little planning, you can turn them into easy meals for the days ahead!
Here are a few tips to get the most out of your holiday spread:
- Mix things up. Use leftover turkey or ham in sandwiches, soups, salads or wraps. Add leftover veggies to scrambled eggs, pasta or a casserole for an easy meal and explore other creative Thanksgiving leftover recipes.
- Freeze what you can’t eat right away. Divide leftovers into meal-sized portions and freeze them for busy days when cooking isn’t on the schedule.
- Make a plan before you shop. Check what you already have in the fridge before buying more groceries. Planning a meal or two around leftovers can help cut down on food waste and save money.
A little creativity can go a long way! Using what you already have is a simple way to save money, reduce food waste and make mealtime easier after the holidays.
How Long Do Holiday Leftovers Last?
As a registered dietitian, I get questions about holiday leftovers every year. Are they still safe to eat? What’s the best way to use them?
Hot and cold foods shouldn’t sit out at room temperature for more than two hours. To keep hot foods warm and safe to eat during your gathering, try using a slow cooker set to a safe holding temperature. That way, everyone can enjoy their favorites without worrying about them sitting out too long.
When putting leftovers in the fridge, place them in shallow containers to chill faster. Once refrigerated, you should be using these leftovers within 3-4 days per USDA guidelines.
Pick up some inexpensive freezer-safe containers if you don’t already have them at home and build leftover meals to freeze. This not only reduces food waste and saves you money but helps reduce food fatigue as freezer leftovers stay good for around three months. When reheating, make sure the food reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF.
More Ways To Keep Holiday Meal Planning on a Budget
Good holiday meals don’t require an unlimited budget; they simply require planning. These ideas don’t have to be used all at once; any one of them could save you money on your next holiday meal. Try picking things that make sense for you and try them before your next family or friend holiday gathering.