How to Cut Grocery Costs When Prices Keep Rising

What To Do About Rising Grocery Prices

Watch the Kitchen Pioneers Live Stream Replay #14 video

I enjoyed talking with my Kitchen Pioneers during the live stream on September 23, 2021. We covered practical ways to cope with rising grocery prices, including noticeable increases in beef and bacon.

This live stream replay is available to members of my YouTube community, The Traditional Foods Kitchen Academy.

Rising Grocery Prices

Grocery costs have climbed noticeably in recent months. Pork and bacon prices have seen especially large increases, and beef has risen as well. The United States Department of Agriculture reported that pork rose to about $4.32 per pound over the past year, an 11% increase, while bacon increased roughly 16.3% to about $6.22 per pound. Beef climbed approximately 4.6% to about $5.97 per pound. These trends mean many of us must be more intentional about how we shop and cook.

Latest USDA Food Price Outlook for 2021

How to Fight Against Food Inflation

The simplest, most effective way to stretch your food dollar is to reduce waste and use every part of what you buy. A few habits will make a big difference over time:

Plan meals around versatile ingredients and leftovers.
Buy whole items (like whole chickens) when practical, then use every part.
Make bone broth from carcasses and vegetable scraps to boost nutrition and flavor.
Freeze portions and leftovers to avoid spoilage.

Here’s a step-by-step example using a whole chicken to create multiple meals and minimize waste:

Purchase a whole chicken instead of parts.
Roast the bird and serve it as your main meal.
Use leftovers for sandwiches, salads, or a second dinner.
Save the carcass and vegetable scraps to make bone broth.
Use the broth as a base for soups, stews, or to cook grains for extra flavor and nutrition.

These small changes help you get more meals from the same grocery spend. For more tips from our discussion, watch the live stream replay.

Videos to Help You Use a Whole Chicken

Below are videos and resources to guide you through roasting a whole chicken, making bone broth, and turning that broth into a nourishing soup. Using the whole chicken is a straightforward way to stretch your budget while cooking wholesome meals.

Easy Sheet Pan Chicken Dinner for Beginners – Ready in 45 Minutes

Slow cooker: How to Make Roast Chicken Bone Broth for Pennies a Jar

Easy Chicken Soup Recipe Made with Bone Broth

Traditional Foods Kitchen Academy Live Stream

Live streams and replays are available to Kitchen Academy members, the Kitchen Pioneers. Membership offers members-only videos and extra perks, but it is optional. I continue to post detailed instructional cooking videos on my public YouTube channel for everyone to watch.

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I appreciate all Sweet Friends and subscribers who watch the public videos. This post also highlights some public videos I discussed during the live stream.

Join My Next Traditional Foods Live Stream

These live streams are a great place to ask questions, learn from others, and connect with fellow Kitchen Pioneers who are working on sourdough starters, ferments, and traditional recipes. Bring your questions, share your progress, and join the conversation any time.

You’re always welcome to leave comments on videos — I read them and respond when I can.

Shop for items used in this blog post or video

Favorite Kitchen Supplies

Chef’s Knife
Bamboo Cutting Board
Lodge Cast Iron Frying Pan
Scanpan
Spatula Spoon
Whisk
Large Stock Pot
Stainless Steel Colander
Large Measuring Cup
Stainless Steel Measuring Cups and Spoons
Baking Sheet
2-Cup Glass Storage Jars with Lids
10-Piece Glass Bowl Set
Flour Sack Towels
Favorite Aprons

More Kitchen Supplies with Promo Codes

Mockmill Grain Grinder and Whole Grains (including Einkorn, Emmer, and Spelt)

Masontops Fermentation Kit