Introduction to Eating Deliciously at Home
The price of eggs may have come down from their spike earlier this year, but food prices are up overall. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, food prices have been rising faster than overall inflation, with prices in May 2025 2.9 percent higher than in May 2024.
The good news is that it’s possible to reduce your home food costs – and many Americans are doing just that. In fact, in its earnings call on June 2, The Campbell’s Co. reported that snack sales were down, while sales of soup – a component of a low-cost meal – had increased. But, if you have a family, or you just love to cook for friends and family, you may not want to compromise.
So, you’ll be happy to learn that there are strategies you can use to still serve nutritious, fresh and elevated cuisine to your family while controlling your out-of-pocket costs for food. Here’s what you can do.
Budgeting and Planning
Create a budget. Food costs should be part of your household budget. Try to stay within the budgeted amount. Limit snacks. While some snacks are healthy, like fruit, others have little nutritional value and are a waste of calories and money.
Choosing Affordable Ingredients
Choose less-expensive types of protein. Instead of serving veal, consider beef or chicken. Or, switch to plant-based options, which may cost less. “We eat a lot of protein in the U.S. – more than our recommended daily allowance,” says Chef John Noble Masi, faculty lead of the culinary and restaurant management program at the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management at Florida International University. “The No. 1 protein consumed by Americans is chicken, followed by beef. While chicken is less expensive than beef, vegetable proteins are far less expensive, such as black beans and rice, which still provides ample amounts of protein, and it’s healthier.”
Smart Shopping
Buy more whole products. Purchase a whole chicken, not a package of boneless, skinless breasts, which can cost twice as much due to the labor involved. Similarly, a chopped fruit salad or pre-washed bagged salad cost more than buying the ingredients and preparing the dishes yourself. “Overall, you’re going to save a significant amount of money if you do the labor yourself,” Masi says.
Reducing Waste and Saving Money
Avoid waste. If you can’t finish a whole loaf of bread before it goes bad, freeze it. “The freezer is your friend,” Masi says. “Don’t let items go past their expiration date and spoil. Freeze them.” But be sure to check the freezer periodically to make sure it doesn’t become a graveyard of leftovers you’ll never eat.
Use leftovers creatively. If you have leftover chicken, make chicken salad, for example. Invest in some cookbooks to get new ideas, or watch cooking shows to add to your cooking repertoire.
Buying in Bulk and Using Kitchen Appliances
Buy in bulk. If there are things you use frequently, such as rice or beans, consider purchasing in large quantities, suggests Chef Alex Bustamante, executive chef for North End Hospitality, where he oversees the kitchens at Lamarina, The Cove Club and Cove Café in West Palm Beach.
Invest in a slow cooker or instant pot. “They can be a game changer when it comes to saving money,” Bustamante says. “You can cook dried beans in 20 minutes, and it will save you a bunch of money. Or, you can make a chicken stew or soups quickly and efficiently.”
Growing Your Own Food and Choosing Affordable Wine
Grow your own. Fruits and vegetables, such as lemons and limes, avocados or tomatoes, all grow well in our South Florida climate. And they’re free.
Consider less-expensive types of wine. Costco and Trader Joe’s sell wines that are much less expensive than better-known brands, but popular with many wine aficionados. “There’s a Blanc de Blancs champagne that I buy at Trader Joe’s for $6.99, and it’s delicious,” Masi says.
Conclusion
Perhaps the best tip for lowering your food costs is to just cook at home. Don’t go out to eat or order from DoorDash. Cut back on dining out, and you’ll automatically save money.
FAQs
Q: How can I reduce my food costs at home?
A: Create a budget, limit snacks, choose less-expensive types of protein, buy more whole products, avoid waste, use leftovers creatively, buy in bulk, invest in a slow cooker or instant pot, grow your own food, and consider less-expensive types of wine.
Q: What are some affordable protein sources?
A: Vegetable proteins such as black beans and rice, chicken, and beef are more affordable than veal or other expensive meats.
Q: How can I use leftovers creatively?
A: Invest in some cookbooks to get new ideas, or watch cooking shows to add to your cooking repertoire. For example, if you have leftover chicken, make chicken salad.
Q: What are the benefits of buying in bulk?
A: Buying in bulk can save you money, especially for items you use frequently such as rice or beans.
Q: How can I save money on wine?
A: Consider less-expensive types of wine, such as those sold at Costco or Trader Joe’s, which can be just as delicious as more expensive brands.
