With the surging prices of grocery goods, home cooks feel the pressure of having to save while getting the most out of their purchases. But what if you can slash your food budget without sacrificing flavor or nutrition? That’s right, the secret lies in the available ingredients you have in your pantry and fridge. Today, we’ll be sharing the 10 best ingredient substitutes that will save your grocery bill.
10. Make Your Own Powdered Sugar
Did you know that the only difference between granulated sugar and powder is just a little cornstarch and processing? That’s right, granulated sugar costs $0.30 per pound while powdered sugar costs $0.80 per pound. You can save 60% by choosing to make them yourself. Just blend one cup of granulated sugar with one teaspoon of cornstarch in a high-speed blender or food processor. Do this until they turn into a fluffy powder.
9. Never Buy Buttermilk Again
Create this buttermilk substitute with just milk and acid. For every cup of buttermilk you need, combine one tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice with enough milk that equal one cup. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes until you notice curdling and thickening. This will give you the same tangy flavors and acidity to tenderize the meat. Meanwhile, the baking soda makes your fried chicken crispier.
8. Halve Your Cream Costs
Heavy creams add that richness to soups and desserts, but you have to pay a premium price of $4 to $5 for a pint. Meanwhile, a can of evaporated milk costs only $1.50 to $2, which gives the same creamy texture. Use it as a 1:1 replacement for recipes in need of heavy cream, but for those needing fat content, just ass a pat of butter to the evaporated milk. This hack will save you over 50%.
7. The Magical Egg Substitute You’re Pouring Down the Drain
Eggs have seen some of the most dramatic price hikes. Well, it’s time to try out this egg substitute that can be found in your pantry. They’re called aquafaba, which is the liquid from a can of chickpeas. When you whip them out, they’re like egg whites that can be used as a binder for baking. For each egg needed for a recipe, substitute it with 3 tablespoons of aquafaba. It’s a zero-waste hack as you don’t have to throw the liquid down the drain.
6. Cut Your Ground Meat Bill in Half with Lentils
It’s no wonder that ground beef prices are soaring high, but if you want, you can try to stretch a pound of meat. This is when you grab a one-pound bag of dry lentils, which will cost you around $2, and cook up to 7 cups. Try substituting it for half ground meat in chili, tacos, or spaghetti sauce. Looking beyond its extender purpose, it also adds a boost of fiber and plant-based protein.
5. The Protein-Packed Swap for Sour Cream and Mayo
Plain Greek yogurt has always saved our recipes, and it even acts as a cheaper substitute for sour cream and mayo. A large tub of store-brand Greek yogurt costs less per ounce than sour cream and mayo. Not only that, but it offers a nutritional upgrade with more protein but less fat. Use it as a 1:1 substitute in recipes that call for mayo and sour cream. You can even blend it with milk as a substitute for heavy cream in some sauces.
4. Make a Lifetime Supply of Vanilla Flavor for the Price of One Bean
While vanilla extract is a baking staple, a two-ounce bottle already costs $6 or more. Opt for a single vanilla bean, which may be a bit expensive at around $5. However, it holds nearly an endless supply of vanilla flavor. Instead of buying an extract, you can create your own vanilla sugar by splitting a vanilla bean lengthwise. After, scrape off the seeds and bury both the pod and seeds in a jar of regular granulated sugar. In just a week, the sugar will be infused with vanilla aroma. Use it in a 1:1 place of regular sugar in baking recipes.
3. Buy the Whole Bird and Get a 70% Discount on Chicken
Buying pre-cut chicken makes us pay for convenience. You see, boneless skinless chicken breasts cost $4 to $5 per pound. Meanwhile, a whole chicken costs as little as $1 to $1.50 a pound. That’s 70% in savings! Try and learn to break down a chicken yourself, as it’s a skill that will help you save on grocery shopping. From a single bird, you get two breasts, two thighs, two drumsticks, and two wings that will fill you up for multiple meals. The carcass and bones left would make a great chicken stock when you simmer them with vegetable scraps.
2. Use Rendered Drippings Instead of Pricey Oils
Specialty cooking oils such as avocado and olive will cost you between $0.39 and $0.68 per fluid ounce. But you can opt for flavorful and cost-effective cooking fats in the meals that you’re cooking. After roasting a chicken or frying bacon, save the rendered drippings as they pack flavor. Just strain them in a clean and heat-proof container and store them in the fridge for up to a week or in the freezer for months. They’re perfect for sautéing onions and garlic and roasting vegetables.
1. Upgrade Your Steak Dinner and Save Money with Bone-In Cuts
Trust us, buying a more impressive-looking steak is cheaper. How? Boneless cuts like sirloin are pricier per pound than their bone-in counterparts of T-bone or ribeye. That’s paying for the labor of the butcher removing the bone for you. Opt to keep the bone in, as it actually insulates the meat while cooking and gives you a juicier and tender steak. Save the bones after your meal and throw them in a stockpot for beef broth.
