How to Make Groceries Last Longer

Aug 17 | Money Saving Tips

Does it ever feel like your groceries just don't last? There are probably even times when you look in the pantry only to find it bare, even though you just went shopping. Groceries just don't seem to last long enough, but there are ways to make them last much longer!

How to Make Groceries Last Longer

Only Buy What You Need

Buying only what you need will ensure you are not wasting food. Knowing what you need (by making a menu plan) and what your family will use will help to ensure you only have fresh groceries in the house that everyone will enjoy. Buying food items that your family doesn't use will only waste money and leave you with wasted food.

Freeze What You Don't Use

We don't always need all the food we buy and that can mean wasting food. Make sure to freeze any food you are not going to use before the expiration date. Freezing food that you are not going to use by the expiration date will keep the food from going bad and will help you keep a stocked freezer.

Freeze Herbs

Herbs typically come in large bunches and we don't always need all the herbs at once. People tend to throw away herbs because they only use a few and the rest of the bunch goes bad. Next time you bring herbs home from the store chop them up, put them in ice-cube trays, pour in some olive oil and then freeze. Your herbs will stay fresh and you will end up with infused olive oil next time you go to cook.

Store Produce Properly

Produce is one of the number one wasted food items. Produce can last longer than you might think but you need to store it properly. Do not cut up produce until you are ready to use it! If you need to cut it up in advance, these Produce Saver containers are great. Keep in mind that each fruit and vegetable has a different way it needs to be stored. Knowing how to store your produce properly will keep it from going bad to quick. There is a complete guide on storage techniques here.

Stock Up

When you come across a good deal make sure to stock up! Having a fully stocked pantry at rock bottom prices is always a great way to ensure you have plenty of food. Watch the store flyers closely to look for sale prices on your family's favorite items. Remember to store all food properly!

Create Snack Baskets

Sometime it doesn't matter how well you store your food, it still goes quickly! This isn't due to waste or improper storage but more so to hungry little kids. Children love looking through the pantry to find all of the yummy snacks! Before you know it that box of cookies you just bought yesterday is already gone.

Start creating snack baskets for each child in your family. Everyday put items in the snack basket that the child can have. If he or she eats all the snacks at one sitting that is it for the day, they will have to wait till breakfast, lunch or dinner to eat again. Creating snack baskets allows you to set out what the kids can and can't eat that day and help your groceries last a little bit longer.

How do you make your groceries last longer? Let us know in the comments below!