Discover the 'cheap' supermarket staple that savvy single mom-of-two swears by – and why others fear it!
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In an era where the cost of living is on a relentless rise, Australian families are feeling the pinch more than ever. With grocery prices soaring, the challenge of providing nutritious and filling meals on a tight budget has become a daily struggle for many. It's a reality that resonates with single mum-of-two and three-time MasterChef Australia contestant Dani Venn, who has become adept at stretching her food dollar without compromising on nutrition.
Dani's secret? She turns to a section of the supermarket that many shoppers overlook or even avoid – the freezer aisle. 'I think one thing that people are scared of is using tinned and frozen produce,' Venn shared with 9honey Kitchen. But she's quick to dispel the myths, asserting that these items are 'equally as nutritious as fresh or dried [produce].' And the best part? They're incredibly affordable.
Frozen fruits and vegetables, along with tinned legumes and beans, have become staples in Venn's kitchen. She's a proponent of incorporating lentils, butter beans, cannellini beans, and chickpeas into her home-cooked meals. 'You can buy a whole can of beans for a dollar,' she points out, highlighting the cost-effectiveness of these ingredients. By adding a serving of legumes to dishes like spaghetti bolognese, Venn not only boosts the meal's nutritional value with good fibre and carbohydrates but also cleverly disguises them, making them undetectable to her children.
Another cost-saving strategy Venn employs is opting for secondary cuts of meat, which are less expensive than prime cuts. She uses these to add flavour to her meals, allowing legumes or beans to take centre stage. This approach not only saves money but also diversifies the family's diet.
Venn is passionate about correcting the misconception that tinned and frozen produce is inferior to fresh. She argues that their nutritional value is comparable and that their lower price tags should earn them a place in every savvy shopper's trolley.
Take berries, for example. Venn points out the stark price difference between fresh and frozen options. While a small 125g punnet of fresh raspberries can cost around $6, a 500g bag of frozen raspberries is priced at about $7. The math is clear: frozen berries offer a significantly better value per kilogram and are versatile in use.
Venn suggests defrosting frozen berries to top with yoghurt or ice cream for a nutritious dessert. She also shares a tip for a homemade frozen treat: blend frozen bananas and berries to make a delicious ice cream alternative that her kids adore. 'So don't be afraid to add frozen fruit into your meals and things like that,' she encourages.
As our members at the Seniors Discount Club know, stretching the retirement dollar is crucial, and Venn's approach to grocery shopping is a lesson in frugality without sacrifice. By embracing frozen and tinned produce, we can all enjoy a variety of healthy, cost-effective meals.
So, next time you're navigating the supermarket aisles, don't shy away from the freezer section or the canned goods. These 'cheap' staples could be the key to maintaining a balanced diet while keeping your budget in check. And remember, the only thing to fear is missing out on these hidden gems of the grocery store.
We'd love to hear from you, our dear readers. Have you found any 'cheap' supermarket staples that have become essential in your kitchen? Share your tips and tricks in the comments below for eating well on a budget!
Dani's secret? She turns to a section of the supermarket that many shoppers overlook or even avoid – the freezer aisle. 'I think one thing that people are scared of is using tinned and frozen produce,' Venn shared with 9honey Kitchen. But she's quick to dispel the myths, asserting that these items are 'equally as nutritious as fresh or dried [produce].' And the best part? They're incredibly affordable.
Frozen fruits and vegetables, along with tinned legumes and beans, have become staples in Venn's kitchen. She's a proponent of incorporating lentils, butter beans, cannellini beans, and chickpeas into her home-cooked meals. 'You can buy a whole can of beans for a dollar,' she points out, highlighting the cost-effectiveness of these ingredients. By adding a serving of legumes to dishes like spaghetti bolognese, Venn not only boosts the meal's nutritional value with good fibre and carbohydrates but also cleverly disguises them, making them undetectable to her children.
Former MasterChef contestant Dani Venn advocates for using tinned and frozen produce as a budget-friendly option. Credit: Shutterstock
Another cost-saving strategy Venn employs is opting for secondary cuts of meat, which are less expensive than prime cuts. She uses these to add flavour to her meals, allowing legumes or beans to take centre stage. This approach not only saves money but also diversifies the family's diet.
Venn is passionate about correcting the misconception that tinned and frozen produce is inferior to fresh. She argues that their nutritional value is comparable and that their lower price tags should earn them a place in every savvy shopper's trolley.
Take berries, for example. Venn points out the stark price difference between fresh and frozen options. While a small 125g punnet of fresh raspberries can cost around $6, a 500g bag of frozen raspberries is priced at about $7. The math is clear: frozen berries offer a significantly better value per kilogram and are versatile in use.
Venn suggests defrosting frozen berries to top with yoghurt or ice cream for a nutritious dessert. She also shares a tip for a homemade frozen treat: blend frozen bananas and berries to make a delicious ice cream alternative that her kids adore. 'So don't be afraid to add frozen fruit into your meals and things like that,' she encourages.
As our members at the Seniors Discount Club know, stretching the retirement dollar is crucial, and Venn's approach to grocery shopping is a lesson in frugality without sacrifice. By embracing frozen and tinned produce, we can all enjoy a variety of healthy, cost-effective meals.
So, next time you're navigating the supermarket aisles, don't shy away from the freezer section or the canned goods. These 'cheap' staples could be the key to maintaining a balanced diet while keeping your budget in check. And remember, the only thing to fear is missing out on these hidden gems of the grocery store.
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