4 Easy Tips Cut Costs On Cooking Expenses This Christmas season

Posted on 03 May, 2023

Having plenty to eat and to give is one of the most fun parts of the Christmas season. Buying food items is a very essential part of the food preparation. However, if you’re not careful, you can also spend more than your budget, especially now the prices of food stuff have skyrocketed.

Somehow, we’ve all fallen into the temptation of throwing anything and everything into the cart or shopping bag when buying groceries. Sadly, these expenses add up quickly and can cause your food budget to be readjusted which can result in a potential dip in your pocket. 

If you want to find how to cut costs, stick to it this festive season and cook or enjoy varieties of Christmas meals without breaking the bank? 

Check out these 4 easy tips for a frugal festive feast!

#1. Make A Shopping List of Items You Need

Making a list shopping list of cost effective cooking requires sticking to the items you need, not want. So, identify the food items you need to make your Christmas cooking happen —- cross check your list to cross out what is already available in your kitchen. 

Also, make sure you prioritize these items you have on your list to ensure you have enough supply of the basics like cooking oil, common seasonings and spices.

#2. Set a budget and Stick to it

Setting a budget for your festive grocery shopping and sticking to it is a crucial part of cutting down costs for Christmas cooking expenses. Now, taking this seriously does not just help you to be financially responsible but also allows you to enjoy your Christmas celebration without having to worry about your finances taking a hit.

If you are finding it difficult to cost your list or allocate the correct amount of money for your grocery shopping, follow these simple steps;

• Specify the exact quantities for each item on your list.

Now, including the quantities of the items helps you buy only what you need, minimizing waste of perishable food items and preventing overspending.

• Deciding how much money you're willing to spend overall on Christmas cooking. 

Even if you don't know the current prices of food, this festive season still makes an estimate to be able to come up with an overall budget.

• Research prices if you don't know the cost of items in your list.

You can research the prices of items on your list online or ask people close to you to be sure. Take note of promotions, discounts, and bulk deals that can contribute to significant savings. Consider exploring local markets for potentially lower prices on fresh produce.

• Include Miscellaneous Expenses in your shopping list.

Set aside a small amount of money within your budget for miscellaneous expenses to cover unexpected or overlooked costs of your grocery shopping. 

By doing this, you can maintain your flexibility —- make sure you're ready for any surprises without having to make changes to your overall financial plan.

If necessary, your transportation costs should also be included in your miscellaneous.

#3. Compare Prices while shopping.

Getting the best out of your already written shopping list and cutting down cost during this festive period also involves comparing prices from different stores while shopping. So, when comparing prices for your holiday cooking, take the time to explore different grocery stores, local markets, and online options — negotiating the best deal for you.

#4. Consider healthy budget-friendly alternatives

Also consider exploring healthy budget-friendly alternatives for certain food ingredients to reduce cost without compromising on taste. This will not only align with your budget but also add a unique experience and flair to your holiday meals.

You can try opting for store-brand alternatives, and discover cost-effective substitutions —- that is healthy and improves the flavor of your cooking.  

Now that the price of fresh vegetables has increased tremendously, you can consider opting for branded cheaper and healthy alternatives instead of frozen / canned vegetables. 

Addme is a great alternative, very affordable, healthy and easy to use. 

Addme is a 3-in-1 innovative blend of mixed vegetables, protein and seasonings you're looking for. Addme has a blend of everything you need to make your meals healthy in just one pour!

Addme comes in three different varieties: Chicken, Crayfish, and Classic. With a combination of carrots, spring onions, onions, sweet corn, green peppers, chili flakes, and seasonings, the Classic variant appeals to vegetables-only lovers. With extra chicken chunks mixed in with the veggies, the Chicken variant tastes caters to protein fans, while the Crayfish variant has crayfish bits to satisfy seafood lovers.

Conclusion 

During festive seasons, the joy of abundance often revolves around sharing and enjoying delicious meals. While the temptation for you to overspend on groceries is there, taking mindful steps to cut down cost to Christmas cooking expenses is important. 

And now the prices of food items keep skyrocketing everyday, Addme is a cheap, healthy, easy to use alternative for vegetables, saves you cost and time to prepare veggies as well.