There are many things I’m learning since I’ve moved to Austin, and how to eat food while not spending much money is one of them. Though I’m certainly still figuring it out (aka, I can’t help but go out to eat sometimes!) Anyway, here’s how I’ve been saving some money on food:
1. Look at what’s on the shelves before your pick something: For example, only after looking at the bread aisle for 5 minutes did I see that HEB (and Target, for that matter) sell loaves of wheat bread for $1. It’s pretty great. And while we’re on the subject of bread, thin sliced lasts longer = saves money.
2. Dry pasta is cheap: Again with the $1 thing! You can buy packs of spaghetti for a dollar. It’s great. Also, Pasta lasts a long time. The last time I made pasta (with delicious alfredo sauce!) it lasted me five more meals.
3. Instant is your friend: Instant potatoes are the BOMB. I like the cheesy ones! It’s 98 cents for a packet that makes two decently sized servings.
4. Canned foods = Very Yes: Canned peaches and pears are great and cheap. So is canned soup. Tomato has been my favorite so far. Also, just don’t ever eat canned Clam Chowder. In my experience it’s always gross. Don’t bother unless it’s at a restaurant.
5. Two Words: JIFFY MUFFINS. Jiffy Muffins are seriously the best thing ever. They are a dollar a box at HEB and 50 cents at WalMart. They come in Blueberry, Chocolate, Cornbread (I LOVE cornbread), and plain Biscuits. And each box makes 6 to 8 muffins. It’s wonderful. Plus, then your apartment (or whatever) smells like you’ve been baking and it’s awesome.
6. Get a Toaster Oven, Eat Frozen Things: A toaster oven makes it easy to cook and eat frozen fish fillets or flautas (those are what I get frozen), also, everything is better when it comes from a toaster oven instead of a microwave. Plus, frozen foods are cheaper and easier to get/store in bulk.
7. Ramen. Need I say more? Get chopsticks and feel more legit.
8. Get Over Your Fear of Leftovers. Leftovers are your friend. Leftovers are your friend. Leftovers are your friend. When you make yourself food, you will inevitably have leftovers. Eat them! Or else you waste money and food!
So yeah, those are some ways I save money. Of course, I still buy the necessary eggs, milk, and cheese, I just try to get the cheapest ones that still look good. Though, full disclosure, I still buy liquid coffee creamer, cream cheese, and bacon. Those I will not do without! haha.
How have you saved money in college or in general on food?
