In today’s fast-paced world, we often find ourselves reaching for convenience foods to save time and effort. However, many of these easy-to-grab items can actually be quite damaging to our budgets. Even worse, we may not realize how much we are actually spending until it’s too late.
Let’s talk about 15 convenience foods that might be causing your grocery bill to skyrocket. Here’s hoping you find this information useful and it helps you make wiser choices the next time you hit the supermarket aisles.
1. Pre-Cut Fruits and Vegetables
Who doesn’t love the idea of having their fruits and veggies pre-washed, cut, and ready to eat? However, the convenience comes at a price. Pre-cut fruits and vegetables can cost up to three times more than their whole counterparts.
For example, a whole pineapple might cost around $3, while a container of pre-cut pineapple could set you back by $7 or more. Rather than paying this premium for convenience, consider investing a little time in cutting and storing your fruits and veggies. It won’t just save you money; it’s also a healthier option as pre-cut fruits and vegetables are more prone to bacterial contamination.
2. Single-Serve Snacks
3. Bottled Water
Despite the massive marketing campaigns suggesting otherwise, bottled water isn’t necessarily healthier or safer than tap water. In fact, in many developed countries, tap water is highly regulated and safe to drink.
What’s more, bottled water can cost up to 2000 times more than tap water! Instead of spending your hard-earned money on bottled water, consider investing in a good water filter and a reusable water bottle. Not only will this save you money in the long run, but it’s also a much more environmentally friendly choice.
4. Prepared Salads
Prepared salads, whether they come from the grocery store or a fast-food chain, are another convenience food that can eat into your budget. These salads can cost anywhere from $5 to $10 each, while the ingredients to make them at home could cost you a fraction of that price.
For example, a simple garden salad might cost around $2 to make at home, even with high-quality, organic ingredients. If you’re worried about time, consider prepping your salads on the weekend. You can even make a few different kinds to keep things interesting throughout the week.
5. Instant Oatmeal
Instant oatmeal packets are a popular breakfast choice for their convenience and variety of flavors. However, these packets can cost up to five times more than buying plain oats in bulk.
Not only are plain oats cheaper, but they’re also healthier. Instant oatmeal packets often contain added sugars and artificial flavors. Making your oatmeal from scratch allows you to control the ingredients and the sweetness. Try adding fresh fruits, nuts, and a bit of honey for a delicious and budget-friendly breakfast.
6. Pre-Made Sandwiches
Pre-made sandwiches from the grocery store or cafe can seem like a quick and easy lunch option. However, these sandwiches often come with a hefty price tag. A pre-made sandwich can cost anywhere from $5 to $10, depending on where you buy it.
On the other hand, making a sandwich at home can cost as little as $1, depending on the ingredients you use. If your mornings are rushed, consider making your sandwiches the night before. Or better yet, make a big batch on the weekend and freeze them. Just take one out in the morning, and by lunchtime, it will be defrosted and ready to eat.
7. Frozen Dinners
Frozen dinners can be a lifesaver when you’re short on time or too tired to cook. However, they can also be a budget buster. A single frozen meal can cost anywhere from $3 to $7, while the ingredients to make the same meal at home could cost you much less.
In addition to being more expensive, frozen dinners often contain high amounts of sodium and preservatives. Consider cooking in bulk and freezing individual portions instead. Not only will this save you money, but it will also be much healthier.
8. Coffee Pods
9. Smoothie Packs
Pre-made smoothie packs can be a convenient way to make a quick breakfast or snack. However, they can be quite expensive. A pack can cost anywhere from $3 to $7, depending on the brand and the ingredients.
Instead of buying these expensive smoothie packs, consider making your own. Buy fruits and veggies in bulk, cut them up, and freeze them in individual portions. This way, you can make your own smoothies at a fraction of the cost. Plus, you can customize the ingredients to your liking.
10. Spice Mixes
Spice mixes can be a quick and easy way to add flavor to your meals. However, they can also be quite expensive compared to buying individual spices. A single spice mix can cost anywhere from $2 to $5, while individual spices can cost as little as $1 each.
In addition to being more expensive, spice mixes often contain added salt and preservatives. Consider buying individual spices and making your own mixes. Not only will this save you money, but it will also allow you to control the ingredients and customize the flavors to your liking.
11. Pre-Made Burgers
Pre-made burger patties can be a convenient choice for a quick meal. However, they can be quite expensive compared to making your own. A pack of four pre-made burger patties can cost anywhere from $5 to $10, depending on the brand and the quality of the meat.
In contrast, you can buy a pound of ground beef for around $3 to $5, which can make four to six burgers, depending on the size. Making your own burgers also allows you to control the ingredients and the size of the patties.
12. Instant Rice
Instant rice can be a quick and convenient side dish. However, it can be quite expensive compared to regular rice. A box of instant rice can cost around $2 to $3, while a pound of regular rice can cost around $1 and make up to eight servings.
In addition to being more expensive, instant rice often contains added sodium and preservatives. Consider buying regular rice and cooking it yourself. It might take a bit longer, but it’s healthier and much more budget-friendly.
13. Pre-Made Pizza Dough
Pre-made pizza dough can be a convenient choice for a quick homemade pizza. However, it can be quite expensive compared to making your own. A ball of pre-made pizza dough can cost anywhere from $2 to $4, while the ingredients to make your own can cost less than $1.
Making your own pizza dough also allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavor. Plus, homemade pizza dough can be frozen for up to three months, so you can make a big batch and have it ready whenever you want to make pizza.
14. Pre-Made Salsa
Pre-made salsa can be a convenient choice for a quick snack or a topping for your meals. However, it can be quite expensive compared to making your own. A jar of pre-made salsa can cost anywhere from $3 to $5, while the ingredients to make your own can cost less than $2.
Making your own salsa also allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavor. Plus, homemade salsa can be stored in the fridge for up to a week, so you can make a big batch and use it throughout the week.
15. Boxed Cake Mix
Boxed cake mix can be a quick and easy way to make a cake. However, it can be quite expensive compared to making your own. A box of cake mix can cost anywhere from $2 to $4, while the ingredients to make your own can cost less than $2.
In addition to being more expensive, boxed cake mixes often contain added preservatives and artificial flavors. Consider making your own cake from scratch. It might take a bit longer, but it’s healthier and much more budget-friendly.