Most of us are a little more money-conscious these days, and the internet has made it easier to be a savvy shopper when it comes to technology and fashion. Eating well on a budget, though, still eludes many of us. Beyond the tight budget, plenty of people are time-poor or lacking in inspiration, and let's face it, sometimes it's just easier to reach for the more expensive convenience products. Our tips for cooking on a budget are firmly planted in the real world, so they're pretty easy to slot into your busy life.
Plan, plan and plan some more
Let's start with an obvious one: planning is key. Before you head to the supermarket, spend just 5 minutes jotting down a meal plan for the week. If you know that you'll have half a red pepper and some roast chicken leftover from Monday's dinner, slot in a meal for Tuesday or Wednesday to use them up. You're guaranteed to save money if you know exactly what you'll be eating for the week, snacks and all. I like to cook a roast chicken on a Sunday and use the leftovers in a curry on Monday and in soup on Tuesday. Simple and cheap.
Make friends with your butcher
We're all guilty of turning to the trusty chicken breast when we're lacking in dinner inspiration, but when you're cooking on a budget they can be a little pricey. Thankfully, the tastiest cuts of meat are often the cheapest, and that's where your butcher comes in. Get to know them, have a chat and find out which cuts are cheapest and how to make the most of them. Think juicy chicken thighs and slow-cooked brisket.
Grow your own
We're not all blessed with garden space or green fingers, but most of us have some free windowsill space, right? Herbs are super easy to grow, add buckets of flavour to your meals and much cheaper than buying bags of fresh herbs that tend to wilt too quickly. If you have the time and space, growing your own veggies can be incredibly satisfying (and economical) but a windowsill full of fresh herbs is a great place to start. A simple roast chicken can be elevated to perfection with half a lemon and a few sprigs of thyme, and it won't cost a fortune if you're simply snipping the herbs from your windowsill planters.
Embrace special offers
Not every special offer is all that special, but when fruit and vegetables are on offer, it's worth snapping them up. Try planning your meals around these special offers to create fresh, tasty dishes for very little. (Aldi's Super 6 is a great place to start.) Bonus tip: If your supermarket sells a 'wonky veg' range, you're in luck. Vegetables (and sometimes fruit) that are deemed less than perfect are sold at knockdown prices all year around, and often it's hard to find any imperfections.
Crack healthy eating on a budget
Eggs are inexpensive, nutrient-dense and quick to cook. They're the ultimate budget-friendly food. And since they're so versatile, you probably already have whatever you need to turn them into a meal in your fridge. Grab any leftover meats or vegetables and turn them into a filling frittata, or create the ultimate omelette. Easy!
If you try out any of our tips, we'd love to hear how you get on. Did you save any money? Did you avoid the after-work run to the supermarket for something quick to eat? Let us know in the comments or find us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Happy cooking!