How To Keep Your Meal Costs Down

Courtesy of Campbell’s Kitchen

The trend is clear – families are eating at home more frequently than they have in years.  While this can be a great way to save some money, it can also pose a challenge – how can people find new ways to liven up the same foods? To solve this dilemma, the experts in Campbell’s Kitchen^SM have created a new Budget-Friendly collection of recipes that use the full array of Campbell brands.  Each recipe transforms tried-and-true ingredients into fresh, exciting meals that are sure to please the whole family.

“Many people assume that budget-friendly foods mean casseroles,” said Jane Freiman, Group Manager – Campbell’s Kitchen. “However, our new recipe collection features a variety of recipes, many of which can be created for less than $10, to provide today’s budget-conscious family with delicious and easy twists on familiar meals like tacos, hamburgers and lasagna.  All it takes is the confidence to try a new recipe and a few basic ingredients.”

Jane recommends the following to help keep costs down and create frugal, flavorful meals.

• Scan the circulars and clip coupons: Plan your menu around weekly sales circulars, clip coupons for items you use and take advantage of supermarket rewards programs. 
• Stock up on sale items: When frozen meats are on sale, like boneless, skinless chicken breasts or fish fillets, buy extra.  Then, individually wrap, label and refreeze them.  They’ll keep for about 3 months and will be easy to cook for one or two people without thawing an entire package.
• Consolidate shopping trips: Going to the grocery store once – rather than a few times throughout the week – saves time and gas, and can also help cut down on impulse buying.
• It’s all in the season: When certain items are in season, they’re more plentiful, which means prices are often lower.  This is a great time to buy in bulk and freeze what can’t be used right away.  For example, freeze berries – like raspberries, strawberries or blueberries – in a single layer on wax- or parchment-lined baking sheets.  Once frozen, they can be transferred to plastic bags or containers and kept in the freezer until ready to use.
• Consider the cut: Tough meat cuts, like pork shoulder and chuck roast, are routinely less expensive than steaks or chops.  They do require low, slow cooking methods (like stews and braises), but can help create great-tasting, inexpensive dinners that don’t require much preparation.
• Learn to cut up whole chickens: Purchasing a whole chicken – and cutting into parts yourself – is much cheaper than buying pre-cut and packaged chicken parts. 
• Be creative: Leftovers are another great way to stretch the food dollar.  Instead of just reheating last night’s dinner, try combining leftover roast chicken with fresh sliced vegetables in a quick stir-fry or casserole.

“Following even a couple of these tips each week can help cut down costs over time,” said Jane.