Introduction to Budget Meals Trend
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.
Creators Sharing 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 inspired to create his “Eating like a medieval peasant until all my credit cards are paid off“ series after a sudden move and several emergency expenses put him in financial turmoil.
Innovative Recipes on a Budget
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. Another food creator, Kate (@itsmekatevee), shows in her series “eat cheap (and vegan)” that people can eat affordably on a plant-based diet, too.
Learning from the Past
Others have taken inspiration from other periods of economic hardship in American history. TikTok creator Kiki Rough says in a video about making recipes from the past, “If this is your first time being poor, I’m Kiki.” 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 and Support
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 budget meals trend on TikTok is a response to the economic uncertainty and rising grocery prices. Creators are sharing innovative recipes and ideas for eating on a budget, and the community is coming together to support each other. By cooking and sharing meals, people can build connections and get through tough times.
FAQs
Q: What is the budget meals trend on TikTok?
A: The budget meals trend on TikTok refers to the increasing number of videos and posts sharing recipes and ideas for eating on a budget, in response to economic uncertainty and rising grocery prices.
Q: How can I make budget meals?
A: You can make budget meals by using scant ingredients, planning your meals around sales and coupons, and getting creative with recipes from the past.
Q: What are some popular budget meal ideas?
A: Some popular budget meal ideas include making simple desserts, turning $20 into an Easter dinner for four, and using ingredients like cashews, broth, and stale bread to make a restaurant-worthy dish.
Q: How can I get involved in the budget meals community on TikTok?
A: You can get involved in the budget meals community on TikTok by sharing your own budget meal ideas, using the hashtag #budgetmeals, and engaging with other creators and viewers.
