The increasing cost of living is making it harder for many of us to stick to our weekly budgets, so we’ve asked the experts to help us get the most out of our weekly food budget and add that little something special into each dinner.
Here are the tricks that they shared with us that allow them to keep the costs of their meal-kits down without comprising on taste, and there are a few of these you can try at home:
- Keep an eye on the weather, as well as the seasons – We all know that vege prices depend on the season, but they also depend on the weather. Adapt what you are cooking based on what’s growing well and you’ll save money.
- Bulk meals with grated vegetables – Curries, burgers, meat balls and plenty of other dishes can be bulked out with grated vegetables like carrots, courgettes, cabbage, root vegetables and cauliflower to ensure a filling meal that is high in nutrition.
- Make your own sauces that pack a punch – Making your own dressing and sauces with ingredients like coconut milk and curry pastes is a fast way to add flavour without significant cost.
- Slaw is your friend – With the right dressing, a basic slaw is a versatile meal filler that’s doesn’t cost too much, has great flavour and helps get those extra wholesome vegetables into your diet as a side, in a burger or on top of a rice bowl.
- Be smart with garnishes – Sprinkle things like sesame seeds and crispy shallots on your meals for a cost effective way to add texture to your meal.
Thanks to the team the team at Bargain Box for some great family food ideas. Check out their latest wholesome meal kits priced as low as $6.60 per person (based on 5 nights for 6 people)
