Tasty Food On A Low Budget
Having just launched a local organic vegetable order and collect vegetable scheme in Exeter, I have been doing some price comparisons of local food and the supermarkets – and have been astounded by the results! A lot of the local organic vegetables are lower cost than the ordinary vegetables in the supermarket and up to half the price of the organic produce.
There is a perception that Farmer’s markets and local organic shops are more expensive. I urge you to note down some prices of your favourite vegetables in the supermarket and compare them with the prices at your Farmers market, green grocers or organic store – and see which is cheaper – do let me know the results at [email protected]
I know not everyone has time to go to different markets or shops to get the cheapest, but even if you do it just once a month you may be surprised at what you save. And you may find it fun. You will also be getting fresher vegetables that taste better – and you will be supporting the local economy. And you can find out from the staff exactly where your veg is coming from.
Eggs particularly are lower cost by 50-60p and there may be even a greater difference if you buy organic eggs. By using high quality but inexpensive produce in low cost menus you can eat like a prince, and still keep well within your budget.
Weekly Meal Plan On A Budget – 7 Meals For Under £30
Costs for each meal below are approximate because prices vary from shop to shop and according to any special offers. Do share your favourite delicious low cost meal, whether from this website, or one of your own. I would love to hear from anyone who uses these meal plans, how well they work for you.
If you have any favourite, easy and low cost recipes you would like to share, do not hesitate to get in touch
See Also 7 Meals For Under £30(1) And 7 Meals For Under £30(2)
*Monday*
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Brie And Tomato Tart
Get the week off to a tasty, easy and low cost start. NB. Frozen puff pastry is half the price of the ready roll. Make twice the quantity and have a piece for your lunch.
Total Cost £2-50 for tart. Serve with baked potato and peas or fresh vegetable of your choice
*Tuesday*
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Onion And Feta Cheese Flan
Delicious and low cost and surprisingly easy to make.
Total Cost £2.50 for tart. Serve with potatoes and green salad
*Wednesday*
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Cashew Nut Risotto
Plenty of protein and taste from the nuts – who needs meat?
Total Cost £3
*Thursday*
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Leek And Pepper Vegetable Cake
Leeks, peppers, cheese and potatoes, this is a delicious combination and you can make your own variations
Total Cost £4.80
*Friday*
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Beefburger and Chips
Friday treat time with these low cost beef burgers made as part of the launch of Morrisons #Msavers products. Much lower cost than a trip to a fast food restaurant – and you know what has gone in it. Really tasty chips to!
Total Cost £3
*Saturday*
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Sausage And Lentil Casserole
Sausages are just perfect for Saturday night dinner
Total cost £4
*Sunday*
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Beef in Beer
Cook it on Saturday with the casserole – tastes even better when made the day before and reheated!
Total cost £7.50 with mashed potato
If you like this meal plan, you may want to subscribe to Penny’s Recipe’s newsletter and get another free Meal Plan – 7 family meals for under £30.
Hi Penny
I live in the southern US. My local farmer’s markets are markedly more expensive than the supermarkets and only operate about 6 months of the year. The quality of the produce is often sub-par. Where my mother is located (in the northeastern US), the markets also only operate about 6 months each year, but the prices are noticeably cheaper than the supermarkets for much better quality.
Thank you for sharing that information – things clearly vary from region to region. It is good to know your local situation.
Hello Penny
Thank you for all your money saving recipes I live in Australia I was so happy to read that you are in Exeter because I know it well as used to live in Okehampton. It is very close to my heart . Thank you again I
Suzanne
Greetings from Devon! 🙂 Thank you for your kind comment 🙂 It is good to know that the recipes are reaching that far away and are useful.