10 Kitchen Items That Save Time and Money
Did you know that groceries and food is on average the first highest line item in a person’s budget? Here are some of my favorite kitchen products that save me money, reduce food waste, and help the environment!
Keep an active shopping list
One of my biggest tips for avoiding impulse shopping is to keep an active grocery list. As I run out of items in my household like coffee or pasta I add them to my shopping list.
I use the notes section in my app and love that I can access it at any time and check off the items as I shop throughout the store.
If there are items that the store didn’t have I roll them over to next week or I reevaluate and see if I really need the item.
Reusable Ziplock Bags
My husband and I used to go through countless ziplock bags a day before we started to work towards going zero waste. We stumbled upon these reusable ziplock bags and let me tell you, they are a game changer!!
They are food-grade material and made of FDA grade PEVA material that is BPA, Chloride, and Lead-free. These reusable sandwich bags have been thickened and can be reused hundreds of times. With this much value, you will have enough for family use and will save you thousands of disposable bags every year. The perfect solution for plastic bags waste reduction.
The reusable storage bags are leakproof and have and easy seal with upgraded double ziplock closures to ensure an airtight leakproof seal, perfect for storing and preserving food. With upgraded widened side and non-slip zipper design, children can easily open and close their lunch bags. An added bonus is they are easy to clean!
Download Fetch Rewards
If we are already spending money on groceries we mine as well get free gift cards for already shopping!
Download the Fetch Rewards app and scan your grocery receipt from today to start earning gift cards to places like Amazon, Starbucks, Ulta, Target, Walmart, Buffalo Wild Wings. Download here and use code QHKBH to earn 2,000 points ($2)!
Instant Pot
Forgot to take the chicken out of the freezer to thaw? That is no longer an excuse for take out! You can go from frozen chicken breasts to dinner on the table with the Instant Pot! The Instant Pot Duo Nova 7-in-1 is an electric pressure cooker, sterilizer, slow Cooker, rice cooker, steamer, saute, yogurt maker, and warmer. It is 6 quart with an easy-seal lid and 14 one-touch programmed buttons.
FoodSaver Vacuum Sealer
With typical freezer bags you can store meat in the freezer for up to 6 months but when they are vacuum sealed they can last up to 2-3 years. Food in the refrigerator goes from lasting 7-14 days all the way up to 4-8 months when it’s vacuum sealed! Food vacuum sealer removes air from specially designed bags.
Multi-layer material heat seals to keep air out and prevent freezer burn, reduces spoilage and food waste. And cooking and meal preparation will become easier, more economical and faster.
Food Processor
A food processor is a great kitchen tool that not only allows you to do tasks very quickly like chopping veggies but it also helps save money. Instead of buying shredded cheese with fillers and extra starches buy blocks of cheese and shred them yourself in seconds in a food processor. The cost per ounce is cheaper and can avoid those extra chemicals.
I also buy onions in bulk, throw them in the food processor and then vacuum seal them to stay in my freezer fresh for months, just pull out what I need for a recipe and no tears from cutting onions.
Produce Containers
Did you know that they make special produce containers that help keep your produce fresh? Well, they do!
The Rubbermaid produce containers are made with a plastic insert to keep your produce elevated, this helps to keep your produce away from condensation so that it stays fresh longer. They also have a built-in carbon filter to help avoid mold.
I keep everything from spinach to berries to zucchini in my produce containers and they last at least a week longer than if they were in Tupperware containers or the plastic containers they come in.
Rubber Spatula
We’ve all been there where we finish the jar of peanut butter and it looks empty and ready to be thrown away. Well, until mom comes in and gets that rubber spatula out. I can always get at least 1 or 2 more servings out of it!
Side note: They also make spatulas for cosmetics! This is a game-changer in my household for getting the last of my shampoo, face wash, and foundation out! Check them out here!
Airtight food containers
Keeping pantry items fresh and away from bugs is key to reducing food waste. A few years ago I invested in airtight food containers and it was the best decision I ever made.
Not only are they beautiful and clean looking but they are dishwasher safe, stackable, airtight and you can see how much you have left. All while keeping your food from going stale.
Cookbooks and Pinterest
Keeping the creative juices flowing and trying new recipes is a big way that my family is able to eat out less. It helps with boredom and not eating the same food every single night for dinner. Check out my Pinterest for lots of recipe ideas as well as some recipes here on the blog:
• Copycat Chick Fil A Tortilla Soup
Frugal Kitchen Essentials Recap
Here’s a quick recap of all the frugal kitchen essentials that will help you save more money in the long run:
• Keep an active shopping list
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