In response to rising food costs, The SPAR Group offers practical tips for beating food inflation through savvy shopping and creative cooking.

By leveraging SPAR2U for online grocery shopping, utilising rewards programs, and making strategic kitchen swaps, consumers can stretch their budgets while still enjoying delicious meals. 

“Beating food inflation begins at your local store. Then, by making the most of what you have using kitchen swaps, precious housekeeping budgets can be stretched”, says Mpudi Maubane National PR, Communications & Sponsorships Manager at The SPAR Group. “There are several basic food rules to follow”.

These include:

Never shop on an empty stomach. When you are hungry, you spend more on food

Do a weekly meal plan so that you only buy what you need. Don’t go shopping without your list. Shopping online through SPAR2U, for example, can make sticking to your shopping list easier, as you then only search for what you need.

Take advantage of weekly grocery deals and rewards programmes. This way you can save on everyday grocery items.

Consider swapping brands. In-house brands like SPAR private label products are as good as the best for less and, because they carry the reputation of the store with them, you can be assured of value and quality

Buy in bulk and, if it is practical, share bulk buys with neighbours and friends to split costs

Make use of rewards programmes, discounts, and special offers. The SPAR Rewards programme offers hundreds of deals every month and access to promotions and competitions.

“These tactics will begin saving you money. Then, when you get into the kitchen, following a few rules will do the rest and help reduce your spending,” says Maubane. 

Try:

• Exploring new menu choices: Meat is always one of the most expensive items found in any basket. Choosing cheaper cuts of meat that can be as full of flavour as expensive cuts when cooked well will reduce costs. Thinking about alternative meats such as chicken and stretching your cooking skills by trying new recipes the family would enjoy brings changes and adds interest to lunches and dinners. Incorporating plant-based protein like beans, lentils, tofu, and chickpeas into meals can stretch meals, plus they’re affordable and healthy.

Buying fresh produce instead of processed fresh produce: You get more for your money when buying loose and even unwashed fresh produce instead of more convenient, packaged food because it is pre-washed, pre-sliced and pre-packaged, which costs money. You can freeze your fresh produce for later use, it’s important to know the best methods for freezing different types of produce. Locally grown fruits and vegetables that are in season are typically more plentiful and cut the costs of meals.

Turning your freezer into your home food store: Frozen produce can be a cheaper and more convenient option that can be stored and used when needed. Freezing leftover vegetables can help you enjoy your favourite flavours throughout the year without breaking your budget. Preparing meals in batches means that savings can be made by buying in bulk, cooking, and then portioning them into individual frozen meals for later reheating and eating.

Minimising food waste: Being kitchen savvy also means you can use chicken bones and vegetables and turn it into homemade stocks, soups, or stews. Stale bread can become croutons or breadcrumbs for use on other dishes.By using your remnants, your budget will go further. Leftovers can be used and combined to create delicious dinners or next-day lunches.

Making your kitchen staples: Instead of buying prepacked salad dressings, sauces, and spice blends, you can make them yourself, which is far more economical. Additionally, consider investing in a bread maker to bake your bread. These DIY projects can save you money over time and help you avoid paying the mark-up on processed foods.

“Food inflation may present challenges, but by using these tips and developing some of your own kitchen shortcuts, you can beat rising prices and save money in the kitchen,” concludes Maubane.

By embracing plant-based proteins, buying in bulk, shopping seasonally and locally, minimising food waste, and making DIY kitchen staples, it’s possible to stretch your grocery budget further without sacrificing delicious and nutritious meals or breaking the bank.