Slash Grocery Bills by Switching to Affordable New Foods

Watch the Member Kitchen Pioneers Live Stream 28 video replay

I enjoyed spending time with my dear Kitchen Pioneers during the live stream on January 19, 2022. We covered current topics affecting home cooks, including rising grocery costs, supply shortages, and practical ways to grow more of our own food.

This live stream replay is available to members of my YouTube membership community, the Traditional Foods Kitchen Academy, also called the Kitchen Pioneers. You can find the membership section under “The Traditional Foods Kitchen Academy” on this page.

Rising Grocery Prices and Ongoing Food Shortages

Some news reports suggest inflation may be easing, but many households are still feeling sticker shock at the grocery store. In my area, a six-pack of canned chicken recently jumped from around $12 to over $22. Egg prices are climbing too, and sometimes eggs are hard to find on the shelves.

When you visit the grocery store today, two realities become clear for those preparing meals at home:

Higher grocery prices
Intermittent food shortages

Addressing these challenges requires creativity in the kitchen. We’ll need to be willing to try different ingredients and brands, adjust favorite recipes, and rethink our purchasing habits. Brand loyalty can be costly, so now is a good time to explore alternatives.

Try Different Foods to Stretch Your Grocery Budget

One way to cope with rising prices is to embrace foods you might not usually buy. For example, consider kippers — canned, shelf-stable smoked herring. Kippers are flavorful, versatile, and offer excellent nutrition for the price.

Although prices for kippers have increased as well, they remain an economical source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart and brain health. If pricier fish like salmon are out of reach or out of stock, kippers are a solid, nutritious substitute.

Canned sardines are another excellent option. If you’ve never tried them, buy a single can and give them a try — they’re nutrient-dense and rich in Omega-3s, and can be surprisingly delicious when prepared simply.

Try a simple sardines preparation to make a budget-friendly, nutritious meal.

Start a Garden to Lower Food Costs

Growing even a small amount of produce can help offset rising grocery bills. You don’t need acreage or livestock to make a difference — many people start with a few pots on a sunny windowsill, a balcony container, or a small patio garden.

If you think you don’t have a green thumb, don’t worry. Gardening is a skill you build over time. In a few months you can be harvesting fresh herbs, cherry tomatoes, salad greens, and even small squash from a compact garden space.

I’ve shared videos showing how to create a kitchen garden from kitchen scraps and a tour of my garden rebuilt after the severe Texas winter storm in 2021. Those resources are helpful for beginners who want practical, low-cost ways to grow recurring food crops.

Regrowing vegetables from kitchen scraps

Regrowing vegetables from scraps is an easy way to produce a steady harvest in small spaces.

Even a small patio or kitchen garden can yield herbs and vegetables that stretch your food budget.

Garden tours and practical how-tos can inspire ideas for small-space growing.

Traditional Foods Kitchen Academy Live Stream

Our live streams and replays are part of the Traditional Foods Kitchen Academy membership. Members — the Kitchen Pioneers — get access to members-only videos, exclusive perks, and live Q&A sessions.

JOIN NOWAnd become a Traditional Foods Kitchen Pioneer

Membership is optional. I continue to publish detailed instructional cooking videos on my public YouTube channel that anyone can watch for free. Thank you to everyone who watches and subscribes!

This post highlights links to Kitchen Academy vodcasts and mentions several public videos discussed in the live stream.

Join My Next Traditional Foods Live Stream

Live streams are a highlight for me because they provide a chance to connect with Kitchen Pioneers. Bring your questions — I enjoy answering them live — and meet other members who are also working on sourdough starters, ferments, and other traditional-food projects.

You’re always welcome to leave questions and comments on my videos at any time. I read them and reply when I can.