Rising Inflation – Tips to Manage Your Kitchen on a Limited Budget

Running a household is a big responsibility. It is rewarding in many ways, but these days rise in food prices is a constant cause of worry. Food inflation puts a big dent in our monthly budget. Food should not be the area where we should have to compromise! As new age women, we have to find a solution to this problem without compromising on the variety and nutrition on the menu. The key to running a kitchen within a budget is to make smart choices and to shop wisely. Here are some handy tips to manage your kitchen on a limited budget:

Keep Track of Groceries

First things first – always keep track of all the items in the kitchen. Easy ways to do that –

• Go through your refrigerator and cabinets once a week
• Assign a separate section for items with early expiry date
• Store perishables in sight
• Labels boxes and containers for ease

This will help to minimize wastage and to shop as per your requirement.

Use Coupons

Coupons are a great way to save on food items as well. Look for coupons in the mail, on food boxes or in the flyers. Online grocery stores also have periodic discounts on fruit, vegetables, meats and so on. Remember, meats if frozen can be stored for fairly long. Also check online cashback sites for coupons on ordering food.

Buy Staples on Discount

Make use of discount and special sales in stores like those around weekends or National Days like Republic Day, Independence Day and holidays. Always take note of ‘Buy One Get One Free’ offer. Remember to not stock up on items that will not get consumed or rot before you can use them. Always buy as per your family’s need. Also, buy items you consume more in bulk, like pulses and rice. Just remember to make arrangements to store them properly.

Plan a Weekly Menu

Prepare weekly menu. It’s the best way to control wastage and avoid eating out. Prepare the menu after taking into consideration everyone’s preference. Cook one meal per week as per the choice of each family member. I follow 2:1 ratio. After two days of heavy eating like whole grains or pulses, I go easy the next day.

Buy Locally Grown and Seasonal Produce

Seasonal produce is not only cheap but it’s fresh and healthy. Use seasonal and locally grown produce to stay within budget. If your kids or family members are bored of these items, try different recipes.

Dry or Freeze Produce when Cheap

My family grows produce at home. So, when peas are in abundance in winter, we store it for summer in the freezer. We do the same with fenugreek leaves, we dry and store it for summer. We can do the same for other seasonal produce when it’s fairly cheap.

Check out Weekly Offers at Nearby Superstores

Most superstores have special offers on the weekend. These offers are often advertised in the newspapers or pamphlets or even email. If you miss it in the newspaper, do check for flyers at the entry of the store. Postpone your grocery purchase till the weekend when most stores offer discounts.

Make a List and Stick to it

I always do this. I have a notepad in the kitchen where I note things-to-buy.  When I go grocery shopping, I stick to this list. I avoid impulsive purchases as I’ve noticed I rarely use them.

Monthly Subscription of Regular Items

You can start the monthly subscription of groceries like tea, biscuits, cereals, dry fruits, juice etc. Amazon has started this service in India. You can subscribe to these items and it will be delivered every month at a discounted price.

Try these tips to beat inflation and run your kitchen on a limited budget. If you have a suggestion to add to this list, please share in comments below.

A Company Secretary by profession, Saru found her true calling in writing. She blogs at sarusinghal.com which she religiously updates every Monday for the last four years.