Cooking tips that can save money

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• Dried beans are cheaper by volume and more shelf-stable than canned beans. Plus, they are a great source of protein!
• You can save your food scraps for stock! Instead of pitching onions, carrots or celery, freeze them until you have enough to make a flavorful vegetable stock.
• Storing your greens wrapped in paper towels helps keep them fresh longer.
• Did you know? You can skip the bag and store your herbs in a glass of water to keep them fresher for longer.

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• Did you know? You can grow a new head of romaine lettuce from scraps! Cut off the leaves for your salad, but keep the bottom intact. Place the bottom in a cup of water on a windowsill.

What are your favorite money saving tips at the store or market?

Aisle by aisle, there are savings all over the store! Find out how to save more money next time you shop by following the tips below.

Fruits and Vegetables

When you are at the grocery store, there are many different options for purchasing fruits and vegetables, including canned, frozen, and fresh. 

• Canned vegetables and fruit can be a great choice that is nutritious and good for your wallet. Choose canned fruit that is canned in fruit juice rather than syrup, and canned vegetables that are lower in sodium. Always drain and rinse your canned produce. Canned fruit works well for many baked goods, too.
• Frozen fruits and vegetables can also be a great option. Frozen items have a longer shelf life and are often less expensive than fresh produce. Frozen fruits are great for smoothies and will help your smoothies be extra creamy and cold. Frozen vegetables are a great option for sauces and stews since the vegetables will be thoroughly cooked through. Most frozen vegetables are processed without added salt, too.
• When you buy fresh produce, think about which fruits and vegetables are in season. Visit our Foods Grown in Illinois section for more information about Illinois produce choices. When you purchase fresh produce during its peak season, it is often less expensive and may taste better, too! Use up fresh fruits that are on their way out in baking and smoothies. Fresh produce is great for salads because usually the produce has a better texture and crunch.

Grains and Cereals

Choose grain products, like breads, cereals, pasta, and rice, that are on sale. Stock up if you can when a good price hits! Breads can be frozen for longer storage. Look for store versions of name-brand favorites.

Protein Foods

Check the sales ads before you go shopping to plan meals based on these. Canned meats (such as chicken or tuna), beans, peanut butter, and eggs are also great protein choices to try at home.

Dairy and Eggs

Check the advertisements and different stores to find the best milk and eggs prices in town. If you eat shredded cheese, it is usually lower cost to buy a block of cheese and shred it yourself!

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More storage tips to save money

1. Store produce to extend freshness. Place leafy herbs, like cilantro or parsley, in a cup of water, like how you would display fresh flowers.
2. Re-grow some vegetables. Don't throw away the bottom of the head of lettuce or green onion bunch! Instead, place them root-side down in a glass with water. Place glass in a sunny window to let your produce regrow. For more tips on regrowing produce at home, visit this helpful post.
3. Make your own vegetable broth. Save those veggie scraps and keep them in a bag in your freezer. The scraps can be items like onion skins, carrot tops, potato peels, and wilted spinach. Once you have a gallon-sized bag full of scraps, fill a large pot with water and add your scraps and any seasonings or spices you like. Simmer for at least one hour. Then, skim out the scraps with a slotted spoon (spoon with holes), let the broth cool, and store. Homemade veggie broth can be stored in the fridge for up to five days and in the freezer for up to three months.