How to Eat Well for Less in New Zealand

In New Zealand, eating well doesn’t have to break the bank. By adopting a few smart strategies, you can nourish your body with nutritious meals while also reducing food waste. This not only benefits your wallet but also helps create a more sustainable food system. In this blog, we’ll explore tips and tricks on how to eat well for less and minimise food waste in New Zealand.

Plan Your Meals with the 4C’s:

Make meal planning a breeze with the Food Critics 4C’s: Check Your Week to plan practical meals around your schedule, Check What You’ve Got in your pantry, fridge, and ‘Eat Me First’ shelf, Choose Your Meals to use similar ingredients and reinvent leftovers, and Create Your List to avoid impulse buys and ensure nothing goes to waste. Learn more about the 4C’s here.

Buy in Bulk and Cook in Bulk:

Buying in bulk can often be more cost-effective than purchasing individual portions. Look for bulk bins or larger packages of pantry staples like rice, pasta, and beans. Additionally, consider cooking in bulk. Prepare larger quantities of meals and freeze the leftovers for future quick and convenient meals. This not only saves money but also ensures that no food goes to waste.

Embrace Seasonal and Local Produce:

Opting for seasonal and local produce not only supports local farmers but is also generally more affordable. Seasonal fruits and vegetables are abundant, fresher, and tend to be priced lower as they don’t need to be transported long distances. Visit farmers markets or join a community-supported agriculture program to access affordable, fresh, and locally sourced produce. If you are located in the North Island, Misfit Garden & Wonky Box are great places to start. If you are in the South Island, check out Eat Local.

Reduce Meat Consumption:

Meat can be one of the most expensive items on your grocery bill. Consider reducing your meat consumption and incorporating more plant-based protein sources into your meals. Beans, lentils, tofu, and chickpeas are all affordable and nutritious alternatives. Not only will this choice be better for your wallet, but it will also have a positive impact on the environment.

Embrace Leftovers and Repurposing:

Leftovers often get a bad rap, but they can actually be transformed into delicious new meals. Instead of tossing them in the trash, get creative and repurpose them into another dish. For example, leftover roasted vegetables can be turned into a hearty soup, or yesterday’s chicken can be used to make a flavourful wrap or salad. The key is to reinvent leftovers to make them appealing and exciting. Another great way to ensure leftovers get used up is by setting up an ‘Eat Me First’ shelf in your fridge. Popping an ‘Eat Me First’ sticker on items that need to be used soon is also helpful, so they’re front of mind when you’re planning your next meal. Get yours here!

Proper Storage and Preservation:

Invest in suitable food storage containers and learn proper storage techniques to ensure your food lasts longer. Store fruits and vegetables in the fridge to extend their shelf life and freeze perishable items before they go bad. Additionally, consider preserving excess produce through techniques like pickling or canning. This way, you can enjoy your favourite seasonal items even when they are out of season.

Eating well for less and reducing food waste in New Zealand is both achievable and rewarding. By planning your meals, buying in bulk, opting for seasonal produce, reducing meat consumption, embracing leftovers, and practicing proper storage, you can enjoy delicious and nutritious meals while minimising waste and saving money.

Let’s take steps towards a more sustainable and budget-friendly approach to food, benefiting both ourselves and the environment.