Höxter district (red). If you have to watch your money when eating out, there are many ways to save. Basically, cooking yourself is often cheaper than buying ready-made food. Good (weekly) planning also saves money, and local fruit and vegetables that are in season also reduce expenses. The nutrition experts at the Verbraucherzentrale NRW eV have put together four useful tips. The online offer offers suitable recipes.
Buy seasonal groceries:
Tomatoes are delicious and healthy, but currently cost up to 12 euros per kilo and have to be transported thousands of kilometers to us. Eating local foods that are in season is significantly cheaper. These are currently, for example, leeks, beetroot, turnips, various types of cabbage and lamb’s lettuce. From storage there are potatoes, apples, cucumbers, carrots, pumpkins or parsnips. The seasonal calendar of the NRW consumer advice center provides a good overview. Shopping at the market can also be cheaper than in the supermarket, especially just before the end of the market day.
Go shopping with a weekly plan:
It is worth making a meal plan for the entire week and using it to plan your shopping. Such a plan with a shopping list reduces the often expensive impulse purchases. You should check your own supplies and the leftovers in the fridge in advance and clear them from the back to the front. It is also possible (and sometimes necessary) to set a maximum budget for the purchase in advance. If you don’t plan your shopping in the supermarket, you usually buy more than you think and need.
Cook yourself: snack instead of “to go”:
It’s usually cheaper to cook for yourself. Ready meals are often more expensive. The nutrition experts at the consumer center offer a list of dishes online that are easy on the wallet. Small snacks on the go also cost money. Anyone who makes a snack and takes the coffee with them in their own thermal mug can save money and waste.
Saving tips from storage to self-cultivation:
All consumers can also take advantage of other savings opportunities: groceries that only have a short shelf life are usually offered at reduced prices in supermarkets or discounters. Excessive food waste should also be avoided. Leftovers can be reused with clever recipes. Food should also be stored properly at home so that it lasts as long as possible. Anyone who reduces meat and sausage consumption also benefits financially. There is also potential for savings with drinks: water, especially tap water, is significantly cheaper than soft drinks. Tap water is particularly environmentally friendly and the taste can be spiced up with a squeeze of lemon or something similar. And if you have a garden or balcony and a green thumb, you can grow herbs, vegetables and fruit yourself.
Further information and links:
Recipes for healthy eating with little money: https://www.verbraucherzentrale.nrw/node/12870
Tips for shopping planning: https://www.verbraucherzentrale.nrw/node/10740
Tips for storing food properly: https://www.verbraucherzentrale.nrw/node/59515
Seasonal calendar for local fruit and vegetables: https://www.verbraucherzentrale.nrw/node/17229
Photo: Consumer Advice Center NRW/adpic
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