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Start your Food Savings Challenge
Prep like a pro
Buying as little as $5 worth of food each week that you won’t eat could ultimately cost you $260 a year. So, before you hit the supermarket, we challenge you to use these pointers to prep for a less wasteful shopping trip.
Start your Food Savings Challenge
Prep like a pro
Buying as little as $5 worth of food each week that you won’t eat could ultimately cost you $260 a year. So, before you hit the supermarket, we challenge you to use these pointers to prep for a less wasteful shopping trip.
Cut costs with Khanh
Get a serve of savings from cook and author, Khanh Ong, to help you shop smarter and make the most of your meal prep.
Shop strategically and stick to your list
Learn some basic strategies to use at home, and in the grocery store, to help you spend less at the checkout, and leave more money for your savings.
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(Khanh Ong) Food waste costs the average Australian household up to $2,500 a year. But sticking to a shopping list can help reduce that.
(Steve) Yeah.
(Khanh) Check your fridge before you shop to cross any double buys off your list.
(Steve) Lose the pumpkin!
(Khanh) Don't be seduced by specials if the item is not on your list. Avoiding just $5 in impulse buys per week could save you up to $260 a year. Discover more tips below to see what you can save.
Maximise your meals
Get the most value out of your shopping with Khanh’s advice for efficient, cost-effective meal prep.
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(Khanh Ong) Sure you're not hungry for savings instead? It doesn't take much to maximise your meals and hold on to your money. Let's give it a go. Before you shop, plan out your meals for the week ahead. Recipes like soups, curries and casseroles can easily be stored in the freezer for months. Perfect for a quick dinner. Shop for versatile ingredients to make your food go further and prevent you from having to buy unnecessary meals. Leftover roast chicken, for example, can be used in salads, stir fries, or whatever Steve’s made.
(Steve) Steve's homemade chicken sanga, money well saved!
(Khanh) Discover more tips below to see what you can save.
More prep tips
Can you see yourself saving more with Khanh’s practical advice? Or do you need a few extra pointers? Don’t sweat it, we’ve got even more hands-on and practical tips below to keep you on track for your Challenge goals.
Plan your meals and write a shopping list
Write a shopping list according to your meal planning, to make sure you buy only what you need. Check the list against the food in your fridge and pantry to avoid buying unnecessary extras. Grabbing even just one extra Hass avocado each week that may end up in the bin could cost you $65^ a year.
Choose ingredients that you can use in multiple dishes. For example, roast chicken can be used in salads, wraps, stir-fries and more.
Seasonal produce tends to be fresher, tastier, and often cheaper. Some shops sell imperfect fruits and vegetable for a more affordable price. That’s a great option to eat good quality produce and stop edibles going to landfill.
To cut down on waste from items going bad or getting mouldy, try buying smaller quantities of perishable items or freezing what you don’t plan to use immediately. For example, if you find yourself purchasing a punnet of strawberries every week and then tossing out a third of them, you could end up wasting around $34.66^ a year. Instead, consider freezing a portion to enjoy later in smoothies, cheesecakes, or other recipes.
Two-for-one offers can be tempting because they promise savings – but may end up in the bin if you don’t eat them.
Purchase a set of high-quality, stackable storage containers in various sizes. Choose containers that are microwave-safe, leak-proof, and easy to clean. These are beneficial for meal preparation, freezing and storing your leftovers.
Get a roll on with your Food Savings Challenge
To help you stay on top of your goals, sign up to receive some choice tips, to help you reduce your food waste. And when you sign up, you’ll score a roll of OzHarvest’s Use It Up TapeTM, it’s a real game-changer for helping to save food waste and could help you get over the line on your Food Savings Challenge goals.
Things you should know
^ Food item prices are based on average online prices published by two major supermarkets on 18th September 2023 in Brisbane, Queensland. Food item prices are subject to change.
