Introduction to Budget Meals on TikTok
Americans are pinching pennies while racking up views on social media. The Trump administration’s institution — and pause — of tariffs on have sent stocks into a tailspin and led to severe economic uncertainty.
Economic Uncertainty and Its Impact on Grocery Prices
Though these taxes would have an effect on many industries, they would pointedly impact the prices of grocery items, which are already elevated. Produce, coffee, fruit, cheese, nuts and other imported foods could become even more expensive. Discussions with China over tariffs may or may not be underway, and experts warn that a recession could happen in 2025 if high tariffs remain.
The Rise of Budget Meals on TikTok
Needless to say, many Americans are concerned about how expensive their grocery bills are about to become. And so, according to TikTok, the hashtag #budgetmeals has seen a 20% increase in posts over the last month, from March 23 to April 22. Videos of people making so-called “budget,” “poverty” or “recession” meals — ways to eat for a week on $25 worth of groceries or even less — are garnering millions of views.
Creative Budget Meal Ideas
One creator, Dollar Tree Dinners, limits her purchases to — you guessed it — Dollar Tree stores, sharing with her nearly 3 million followers how to make simple desserts or turn $20 into an Easter dinner for four.
Another creator, Dean Boskovich, a private chef based in Asheville, North Carolina, tells TODAY.com that he was partially born out of necessity, but also it was a fun way for him to reframe his own situation, regain some control, and try to make light of it a little bit. He says that a sudden move and several emergency expenses put him in financial turmoil, which led him to create his “Eating like a medieval peasant until all my credit cards are paid off“ series.
Resourceful Cooking
Boskovich posts innovative recipes, many of which use scant ingredients, like combining cashews, broth and stale bread to make a restaurant-worthy dish. He also makes a meal using a handful of rice and a stick of jerky he found at the bottom of his backpack. “I kind of figured that showing people the meals I was able to make out of random ingredients could be helpful to other people facing financial difficulties, because not everyone grows up learning to be resourceful in that way,” he says.
Affordable and Vegan Options
Another food creator names Kate (@itsmekatevee) shows in her series “eat cheap (and vegan)” that people can eat affordably on a plant-based diet, too. “I’m an epidemiology Ph.D. student and after research grant cuts started to impact my field, I decided to cut my food budget and share my experience doing that,” she tells TODAY.com. Kate says that she always starts planning her daily meals by looking at what coupons and sales are available at her local grocer.
Learning from the Past
Others have taken inspiration from other periods of economic hardship in American history. “If this is your first time being poor, I’m Kiki,” TikTok creator Kiki Rough says in a video about making recipes from the past. In one video, she makes a bean loaf, a World War II meat replacement, which reminds viewers about how rationing and substitutions came in handy then, and can now, too.
Community Support and Looking Out for Each Other
Rough says, for many, it’s not in the cards right now to host lavish dinner parties or go out for a nice meal. “I think that we need to steer away from convenience, and I think that we need to get more confident as a society not investing so heavily on aesthetics and being comfortable to own where you’re at,” she says — and Boskovich agrees. “Our economic and political system thrives on keeping us addicted to convenience, which fuels isolation, which deepens the divide among us,” he says, adding that cooking and sharing meals or bringing food to neighbors will help us all get through economic strife.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the rise of budget meals on TikTok is a response to the economic uncertainty and potential recession. Americans are finding creative ways to cook affordable meals, and the community is coming together to support each other. By sharing recipes and resourceful cooking ideas, people are helping each other to get through these difficult times.
FAQs
Q: What is the hashtag #budgetmeals on TikTok?
A: The hashtag #budgetmeals on TikTok refers to the trend of creating and sharing affordable meal ideas, often using minimal ingredients and budget-friendly recipes.
Q: How can I make affordable meals on a plant-based diet?
A: You can make affordable meals on a plant-based diet by planning your meals around coupons and sales, using resourceful ingredients, and getting creative with recipes.
Q: What can I learn from historical recipes during times of economic hardship?
A: You can learn how to make do with limited ingredients, use rationing and substitutions, and create nutritious meals with minimal resources.
Q: How can I contribute to the community and help others during economic uncertainty?
A: You can contribute to the community by sharing your own budget meal ideas, cooking and sharing meals with neighbors, and supporting local food initiatives.
