Life Kit Podcast: How to Save Big on Groceries

Release Date: May 12, 2025
Host: Marielle Segarra
Guest: Beth Monsell, Founder of BudgetBites.com

Introduction

In the episode titled "How to Save Big on Groceries," Life Kit host Marielle Segarra teams up with Beth Monsell, the founder of BudgetBites.com, to explore practical strategies for reducing grocery expenses without compromising on nutrition or flavor. Beth, with her background in nutritional science and experience in recipe costing, provides actionable insights to help listeners make informed decisions in their kitchens and grocery aisles.

1. Understanding Recipe Costing

Marielle opens the discussion by challenging listeners to consider the cost of individual ingredients in their recent meals. Beth introduces the concept of recipe costing, a technique commonly used in food service operations to determine the per-serving cost of a dish.

Notable Quote:

Beth Monsell: "So it's a technique that you will find a lot in food service operations like restaurants and cafeterias."
(00:45)

By calculating the cost of each ingredient and dividing by the number of servings, Beth emphasizes how this practice can reveal spending patterns and highlight which components are most expensive.

Example:
Beth shares her Lentil Bolognese recipe, costing just $1.40 per serving, breaking down the costs of individual ingredients like carrots at $0.15 each and red lentils at $0.67 per cup.

2. Substituting Expensive Ingredients

A significant portion of grocery budgets often goes to high-cost items such as meats, cheeses, and nuts. Beth discusses how small adjustments in recipes can lead to substantial savings.

Notable Quote:

Beth Monsell: "I suggest everyone try costing at least once because it's so eye-opening. It really does make you rethink the way you look at all of the ingredients that you're buying."
(01:22)

Strategies:

• Reduce Costly Proteins: For instance, cutting ground beef in half and supplementing with cheaper proteins like beans, lentils, or additional vegetables.
• Use Flavor-Packed Ingredients Efficiently: Ingredients like bacon or nuts are potent in flavor, so using smaller quantities can enhance dishes without inflating costs.

Notable Quote:

Beth Monsell: "But most of these ingredients are super potent as far as the flavor, so if you just add a little bit, it really goes a long way."
(05:06)

3. Incorporating Affordable Staples

Beth highlights several versatile and inexpensive ingredients that can bulk up meals, ensuring they're both filling and cost-effective.

Key Ingredients:

• Cabbage: Highly versatile and filling, adaptable to various cuisines and dishes.
• Potatoes, Onions, Carrots, Broccoli: These vegetables are not only affordable but also long-lasting and nutritious.

Notable Quote:

Beth Monsell: "My favorite is cabbage. Cabbage is so versatile because it can go with so many different flavors and there's a lot of different ways you can prepare it and it's so filling."
(04:30)

4. Managing Freshness and Storage

Using high-cost ingredients sparingly necessitates effective storage strategies to minimize waste.

Tips:

• Freezing Leftovers: Beth recommends freezing items like cheese and bread to extend their shelf life.
• Organized Freezer Management: Keeping a list on the freezer door with dates helps track and use frozen items efficiently.

Notable Quote:

Beth Monsell: "I rely on my freezer heavily for saving leftover ingredients."
(05:51)

Practical Advice:

Beth Monsell: "Write the date on it, and then if you use it, cross it off your list."
(06:35)

5. Selecting the Right Grocery Stores and Utilizing Apps

Choosing where to shop plays a crucial role in saving money. Beth advocates for exploring various store options beyond major chains to find the best deals.

Strategies:

• Explore Local and Ethnic Markets: These stores often offer competitive prices and unique ingredients.
• Farmers Markets: Can be excellent for fresh produce at reasonable prices.
• Use of Apps: Tools like Flip Flipp aggregate sales flyers from local stores, helping shoppers plan their visits based on current deals.

Notable Quote:

Beth Monsell: "I have an app called Flip Flipp, and it's a free app. And basically what it does is it aggregates the sales flyers from all of the stores in your area."
(07:39)

6. Meal Planning Around Sales and Existing Pantry Items

Effective meal planning involves aligning recipes with what's on sale and what's already available in your pantry.

Approach:

• Check Sales Flyers First: Determine which ingredients are discounted that week and plan meals around those items.
• Utilize Pantry Staples: Incorporate items already at home to reduce the need for additional purchases.

Notable Quote:

Beth Monsell: "The main things that I take into consideration when deciding what to cook for the week ahead is what's already in my pantry, freezer, refrigerator."
(08:51)

7. The Truth About Buying in Bulk

While buying in bulk can seem cost-effective, Beth advises careful consideration before doing so.

Considerations:

• Price Comparison: Bulk isn't always cheaper; checking unit prices is essential.
• Storage Capacity: Ensure you have enough space to store bulk purchases.
• Usage Rate: Only buy in bulk if you can use the items before they expire.

Notable Quote:

Beth Monsell: "I personally don't really ever buy in bulk unless it's meat or something that I could freeze for later."
(09:25)

8. Streamlining In-Store Shopping

Navigating the grocery store efficiently can prevent impulse buys and ensure you stick to your budget.

Tips:

• Preparation is Key: Have a detailed shopping list based on your meal plan.
• Double-Check Your Kitchen: Avoid buying duplicates of items you already have.
• Use Online Tools: Search for items on the store's website beforehand to know their location and price, facilitating a quicker in-store experience.

Notable Quote:

Beth Monsell: "Know exactly what you need. You can stay focused."
(10:24)

9. Adapting Strategies to Living Situations

Whether living in a spacious house or a compact city apartment, Beth provides tailored advice to maximize savings.

Recommendations:

• For Small Spaces: Focus on dried goods and canned items that don't require extensive refrigeration.
• Efficient Use of Space: Prioritize storage solutions that maximize available space without cluttering.

Notable Quote:

Beth Monsell: "I would also try to probably lean more heavily on dried goods, things that don't have to be stored in the refrigerator or the freezer."
(12:09)

10. Optimizing Grocery Delivery Services

For those relying on grocery delivery, Beth offers tips to make it cost-effective and aligned with your budget.

Suggestions:

• Compare Prices: Take advantage of the ability to easily compare prices online.
• Choose Communicative Services: Ensure the delivery service can handle substitutions and replacements to maintain your meal plan.

Notable Quote:

Beth Monsell: "Use a service that has a lot of flexibility that way and has shoppers who are really communicative."
(12:41)

11. Accessing Assistance Through Food Banks

When budgeting and planning aren't enough, Beth underscores the importance of utilizing food banks as a supportive resource.

Insights:

• Flexible Access: Many food banks allow recipients to choose items, offering more dignity and personalization.
• Bridging Gaps: They can provide supplementary assistance during tough financial times without stigma.

Notable Quote:

Beth Monsell: "I think it’s a really great resource that is often overlooked, or people think food banks are for people who only have no food."
(13:31)

12. Emotional Well-being and Budgeting

Managing grocery budgets can be emotionally taxing. Beth offers strategies to mitigate stress and find joy in the process.

Advice:

• Start Small: Begin with planning one meal a week to avoid overwhelm.
• Track Savings: Visualizing the money saved can reinforce positive behaviors.
• Make Cooking Enjoyable: Turn meal prep into a fun, social activity rather than a chore.

Notable Quote:

Beth Monsell: "Find the joy in the cooking and not see it as a chore."
(14:58)

Recap of Key Takeaways

Marielle summarizes the episode’s main points, reinforcing the strategies discussed:

• Calculate Per-Serving Costs: Identify and reduce expensive ingredients like meats, cheeses, and nuts.
• Check Store Circulars: Plan your shopping around weekly sales and discounts.
• Make a Comprehensive List: Stick to your shopping list to avoid unnecessary purchases.
• Bulk Buying Caution: Only buy in bulk when it’s truly cost-effective and manageable.
• Efficient Meal Prep: Start with planning and preparing one meal a week to build confidence and savings.
• Utilize Food Banks: Don’t hesitate to seek additional support when needed.

Additional Resources

Listeners interested in further reducing grocery costs and waste can explore other Life Kit episodes on:

• Reducing Food Waste
• Composting
• Meal Prepping

For more information and episodes, visit NPR Life Kit.

Production Credits

This episode of Life Kit was produced by Sylvie Douglas, with visuals by Beck Harlan and digital editing by Malika Green. Meghan Keane served as supervising editor, and Beth Donovan as executive producer. The production team included Andy Taegle, Claire Marie Schneider, Margaret Serino, and Sam Yellowhorse, supported by Kessler Engineering team members Stacey Abbott, Ted Mebane, and Carly Strange.

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