2025-03-12

Individuals are sharing the homemade dishes they’ve started preparing due to skyrocketing grocery prices – and I’m just here, nodding along and jotting down ideas.

Food
Individuals are sharing the homemade dishes they’ve started preparing due to skyrocketing grocery prices – and I’m just here, nodding along and jotting down ideas.
SHARE
shareshareshare

Although some of these suggestions are really helpful, I doubt I'll ever come to enjoy beans.

It's widely acknowledged that grocery prices remain excessively high. In challenging times, individuals often become resourceful. They seek innovative methods to make their money last longer, whether by reducing spending on non-essential items or forgoing that daily bagel run.

Woman at desk exasperatedly holds head in hands, surrounded by office supplies and a plant, while phone rings

View pictures in App save up to 80% data.

So when Reddit user u/Personal_Royal asked: "With food prices being so high what staples are you making at home more often to save money (Staples such as bread, butter, soups, yogurt etc.)?" people came with their best food hacks. Let's take a look at some of the top responses.

"I'm purchasing 10-pound bags of potatoes and 25-pound bags of rice, which allows me to prepare more stews and soups."

"I've transitioned to using dried beans of various types, preparing a new variety every weekend. I portion them out before freezing, making them ideal for a range of dishes and soups."

A close-up of rice being spread on a tortilla with chopped herbs, suggesting a fresh and appetizing meal preparation

View pictures in App save up to 80% data.

3. "I'm not altering my approach at all. Simply focusing on the loss leaders and managing my expenses effectively."

"The products they offer at discounted prices are genuinely great bargains. Often, these items are sold at a loss for the retailer. The purpose is to attract customers into the store, where they are likely to impulsively purchase a variety of high-priced items."

4. "We cultivated tomatoes and preserved them, along with a variety of fruits we purchased in large quantities at a low price. For Christmas, my wife is receiving a pressure canner, which will allow us to can broth and meat, particularly for soups that we can enhance with ramen noodles."

5. "I began preparing hummus at home when the price of those small containers exceeded $5. The compact food processor quickly proved its worth within just a few months."

Three men in suits on a talk show eating chips, seated at a table with microphones

View pictures in App save up to 80% data.

6. "Homemade salad dressing! I can whip up some flavorful dressing right in my kitchen for a fraction of the price – and it’s so much tastier."

"Here’s a recipe I’m really enjoying right now: 1/2 cup of olive oil, 1/4 cup of white wine vinegar, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, a few cracks of freshly ground black pepper (or a tiny pinch), 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1-2 garlic cloves either pressed or minced, and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. Just mix it all together, and it will keep nicely for a week. You might want to add a bit more olive oil as it tends to thicken over time."

7. "If you're a Costco member, grab a flat of their tomato paste. My partner and I rely on it for our pasta sauces and pizza dough. Just toss in some spices you have on hand, and you're all set!"

8. "I often prepare chicken broth using the carcasses from Costco chickens, can it, and primarily use it for cooking rice."

A man looking upward, screaming "CHICKEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

View pictures in App save up to 80% data.

9. "Steel-cut oats with Greek yoghurt, frozen berries, and almond slices has become my breakfast go-to."

10. "When shopping at the store, make sure to look at the price per 100g (not a fan of that measurement) to evaluate the value of different products."

Hand reaching for a yogurt with a sale tag in a grocery store

View pictures in App save up to 80% data.

11. "Prepare homemade French fries using fresh potatoes in the air fryer. Purchase frozen vegetables and fruits, except for lettuce, potatoes, bananas, and apples."

"We prepare our own pizzas using bagels or flat tortillas. I generally avoid purchasing any pre-packaged meals. However, we do purchase butter because it enhances the flavor of everything."

12. "I’m brewing my own coffee at home. There’s truly nothing better than the aroma of freshly roasted and ground coffee to kick off your day with a boost."

Man in office setting with feet on desk, holding a coffee mug, surrounded by cluttered papers and office supplies. Assistant TV show scene

View pictures in App save up to 80% data.

13. "Throughout the years, I've picked up some shopping strategies: steer clear of the aisles, choose seasonal items, and understand what constitutes a fair price (which can vary). I've consistently purchased flour and rice in bulk, but a few years back, I began making my own pizza dough and pasta. Baking my own cookies and banana bread has always been a staple for me. I've been wanting to experiment with homemade bread as well."

14. "I discovered a simple no-knead bread recipe through a quick Google search, and it's become my go-to for making buns as well. Bagels and homemade pasta also turn out great, and I love whipping up mayonnaise since it's so easy—especially when I add extra garlic for flavor!"

Person wearing a tartan hat and cloak with ornate decoration on TV show "The Traitors," with text reading "How Intriguing."

View pictures in App save up to 80% data.

15. Lastly, "I really dislike discarding items, so I try to give everything a second chance whenever I can. Leftover bones turn into bone broth. Vegetable scraps become vegetable stock. Even milk that's gone past its expiration date, as long as it doesn't have an off smell, can be transformed into cheese."

"We create our own pizzas at home with bagels or flat tortillas. I hardly ever purchase any pre-packaged meals. The only thing we regularly buy is butter, as it enhances the flavor of everything."

Person in a room with decorative background, wearing a white shirt with red accents, speaking animatedly. Text reads, "I spend, but I save."

View pictures in App save up to 80% data.

What are your best tips for saving money at the grocery store? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let’s work together to cut costs and keep more cash in our pockets!

And have you followed BuzzFeed Canada on TikTok and Instagram yet? It's free!

Newsletter

Get life tips delivered directly to your inbox!

Sign Up!