Eat Up Savings: 8 Tips to Waste Less Food and Save Up to £60 per Month
Are you tired of throwing away spoiled food and wasting your hard-earned money? You’re not alone. The average person wastes around 70kg of food a year, equivalent to about 140 meals. But what if you could cut back on this waste and save up to £60 per month?
Use the FIFO Method
One simple trick is to use the FIFO (First In, First Out) method. Use the ingredients you bought first, instead of the most recent ones. This ensures that older items don’t get left behind and go to waste.
Eat ‘Accordingly’
Put leftovers or whatever is going off into your meal prep. For example, fruit from breakfast can be popped into the blender to make a smoothie. You can also use bin-bound veggies to make a soup, then bulk it out with canned beans, pasta, or protein.
Reducing food waste can save you up to £60 per month
Group Your Foods
Arrange your cupboards to keep similar items together, such as canned fruit or cereal. This way, you can see what you have at a glance and avoid buying duplicates.
Keep Short Dates at Eye Level
Put the items going out of date soonest on a dedicated shelf in your cupboard and fridge, so you use them first. This way, you’ll avoid forgetting about them and letting them go to waste.
Have a Leftover Buffet
One night each week, prepare all the leftovers in your cupboards and freezer, and then serve as a buffet for everyone to choose from. This is a great way to get creative and reduce waste.
Use Your Freezer
Freeze items going out of date to use later. Eggs, bread, milk, fruit, and potatoes can all be frozen. Just remember to label and date everything so you know what you have.
Understand Labels
Don’t be confused by “best before” and “use by” labels. “Best before” relates to food quality, and it’s usually OK to eat food after this date. However, don’t eat after a “use by” date, as it could be unsafe.
Bite-Sized Delights for the Picky
Whether you’re feeding fussy eaters or need grub on the go, “Picky Bits” tapas is the new dining trend. Try these ideas:
- Bulk-buy party food when it’s on offer, like sausage rolls. Freeze and use when needed.
- Boost your five-a-day with quick-to-prepare carrot and cucumber sticks.
- Try the ultimate no-cook meal: antipasti, fresh bread, cheese, and vine-ripened tomatoes.
- Scour meal deals like Asda’s Food To Go range for affordable deli-style sarnies and wraps.
- Use what you already have: crackers, hardboiled eggs, and roll-up ham with cheese to make pinwheels.
- Add a sweet treat to finish: strawberries and chopped grapes are family favourites.
Get creative with your leftovers and reduce waste
By following these simple tips, you can reduce your food waste and save up to £60 per month. So, start eating up and saving today!
