Want to save money on your weekly shop? Want to save time? How about saving a little bit of your sanity, or even the wellbeing of the planet with every food purchase?
It's all possible, my friend. Let's explore exactly how you can save - time, money, the planet and more - by simply shopping smarter.
1. List it
I know, it's a bit of a boring one to start with isn't it? But making a list really does save a stack. For starters, getting your needed food items out of your head and onto paper actually clears space in your mind. Plus, by shopping to a list, you'll avoid those pesky runs to the shop for forgotten items.
Super-saver tip: Keep a running list on the pantry or fridge door, and encourage other household members to add to it too as things run out.
2. Order online
Shopping from the comfort of your own home, (or at the kids' sport training, or anywhere really) saves so much! There's no frustration from crowds and traffic, or time wasted getting to and from a physical shop. Oh, and because you can check the fridge and pantry contents as you shop, you'll likely save forgetting things!
Super-saver tip: Click on the 'favourites' section on your YFC account to see your most shopped items and simply add to cart.
3. Seize the Season
Produce is priced best when it's naturally at its abundant best, so stock up with in season items. Doing just that is a no-brainer here at YFC, cos that's 100% how we roll!
Super-saver tip: Stay in the loop with our New & In Season section
4. Meal Plan
Even having a rough plan of what you want to eat for the week ahead is useful. It keeps you on track and saves the hair-tearing
'ummm, I' don't know what to cook for dinner!' dilemma, which often hits around 6pm..
The best thing? A plan doesn't have to be complicated. Keep it simple with a theme to guide you for each night - eg Meatless Monday, pasta or bbq nights. And don't forget to keep it fun. A friend of mine has
'Fend for Yourself Friday' where the kids are encouraged to make a meal out of whatever's around!
Super-saver tip: Get inspired by YFC customer Laura's approach to meal planning here
5. Use it or Lose it
Not using every part of your produce (where applicable, of course) means -quite literally - you're throwing $ in the bin. The stats are pretty horrific - every year each one of us wastes around 300kg of food - that's equal to one in five bags of groceries. In most cases, when it comes to fresh produce, the whole thing can be used. Need a few tips?
- Add finely chopped broccoli/cauli stems in a stir fry
- Use celery leaves and carrot tops to your homemade basil pesto
- Scoop out your pumpkin seeds, bake them low and slow (or pop in your air fryer) to make pepitas
6. Hero the veg
Eating less meat is a great way to save money
and the planet. Plenty of vegetables are worthy of main event status. Here's one of our favourite recipes that makes a delicious meal out of
cauliflower.
7. Go Left-of Centre with Leftovers
If you didn't finish it, save it! Leftovers are a great time saver for meals later in the week and a great opportunity to get creative. Of course you don't have to recreate the original dish - almost anything can go on a pizza, right? (Shout-out to my Father-in-law who would send the boys to school with leftover lasagne sandwiches..mmmm)
Super-saver tip: Label and date any leftovers before they get lost up the back of the fridge..
8. Shop the Specials, but...
Specials are good for the wallet, obviously. But beware - don't purchase something just because of the saving. If it doesn't fit into your meal plan, move on.
Super-saver tip: Find our weekly specials here
9. Embrace 'Almost' Perfect
Food items that are a little wonky, bruised or near their best-by date are often cheaper than their perky just-picked counterparts. Our
Almost Perfect Surprise Box is an errrr, perfect example - everything is 100% useable so you're getting a real bargain.
10. Savvy Storage
Take time to store your food correctly to maintain freshness. Soft herbs do well in a glass of water on the countertop, leafy greens like to snuggle up in a damp tea towel, spuds like the dark...
Super-saver tip: Find more storage tips in our FAQ's
Thanks, you super-saving hero!
Did you know? By shopping with us you're supporting your local farmers and producers, and you really are helping to save! Saving food miles. Saving biodiversity. Saving local jobs. Saving our kids' future. So hey, you amazing super-saving hero - thanks!
PS: Want $20? Check out our easy refer-a-friend program - you can save $20 on your YFC spend when you're buddies shop via your personal referral link!
