Cut down on meat and make a list to save a packet on your big food shop
Last week, Lidl announced price drops of up to 35% across 100 staple products within its everyday range as supermarkets respond to the cost-of-living crisis. The chain has also called in cookery expert Gina Daly – author of The Daly Dish – to help families make the most of their shopping without losing out on taste or flavour. Here she shares some of her top tips to eat well without breaking the bank.
Have you three top tips for budget food buying over January?
1. Plan your shop: How many times have we bought without thought and ended up throwing away good food? Planning out your shop before you go to the supermarket is the most effective way to ensure you get the most out of your meals, with no wastage. A budget is easier to stick to if you plan what you need. Take a look at Lidl’s weekly leaflet to browse new items or in-store weekly offers in advance.
2. Waste not: Keep an eye out for reduced pricing labels or check out Waste Not fruit and veg boxes which offer the best value for money – priced at just €3, the boxes contain at least 5kg of mixed fruit and vegetables from multi-packs where the items have become slightly damaged and removed from sale – but are still delicious and perfectly good to eat!
3. Minus the meat: Swapping out one weekly dinner for a vegetarian alternative is one of the most effective ways to drastically cut your spend. Consider replacing meat as the star ingredient with a vegetarian alternative such as plant-based burgers or embrace veggies entirely and swap your meat steaks for cauliflower steaks or a veggie curry.
What’s your most popular moneysaving recipe?
Chicken curry pie or chicken casserole is a big hit here and a great way to use up any leftover vegetables in the fridge. You can also bulk it up with chickpeas or grains and use any leftover bread you have for a crispy topping. I like to poach my chicken and shred it up into my dishes – this way it feels like more and bulks out a recipe. I usually use two chicken breasts this way in a recipe that calls for perhaps three or four, so you get double the meals from your main meat ingredient.
Some people say they can’t afford to eat healthily? Do you agree? Even more families are feeling the pinch as the cost-of-living crisis continues and this can be seen in the cost of the weekly family shop. However, there are ways to cut the cost of your shop without compromising on great quality or nutritious food. Planning your shop can help you get the most out of your meals, with no wastage. Switching out your favourite branded products for own-brand products can save you money.
Any tips for wannabe food influencers?
Oh, that’s funny – I just fell into it all by chance and here I am. What worked for me was ‘just being me’. People love to see the face behind the account.
What did your parents teach you about money?
My mam was the boss in the house and my dad handed over his wages every week to her – she was super savvy, a great saver and absolutely LOVED a bargain. I definitely take after her.