I’m immediately using all of these money-saving tips.

Even though cooking at home saves you money overall, it still somehow always adds up.

That’s why we recentlyaskedtheBuzzFeed Communityto share their tips and tricks for saving money while cooking.

Person in apron holding wine glass and cookie with dismayed expression in a kitchen setting

Here’s what they (andsome otherBuzzFeed Communityusers) had to say:

1.

“Ive actuallyuppedmy grocery bill a bit to save money in the long run.

I used to buy so much scratch stuff that we would get overwhelmed and not want to cook anything.

A pot of vegetables on a stove, ready for cooking

This way, we always have a way to make a good, quick supper without any fuss.”

andreacoots

2.

A week’s worth of veggie scraps for a family of five yields four 2-quart jars."

A freshly baked loaf of bread inside an open bread machine with a digital display

kherbs

3. mrtylor3

4.

“We have an herb garden and will grow tomatoes and cucumbers for the season.”

They are incredibly easy to use.

Adult and child in chef hats making pizza together on a wooden table

The ingredients cost around $1.50."

markh63

6.

“Don’t buy pasta sauce.

Man in a store examining a paper bag of food with shelves of products in the background

Get canned tomatoes, add water from your pasta and stock, and then let it simmer.”

crizzy444

8.

Meanwhile, takeout from a good pizza place for four people is now about $50.

Vacuum-sealed salmon beside lemon halves and mint on a wooden surface, with a laptop

Its a no-brainer."

Yes, sometimes I get uninspired when planning, but it works."

mishybp73

10.

Person paying with a card at a grocery store checkout. Produce visible

It’s truly this weird, sad, groceries-are-too-damn-expensive game.

  1. you might buy any additional groceries to improve the leftovers but at a minimum.

  2. The name of the game is to empty the fridge except for condiments.

Overall, it’s made me a more creative cook who wastes less food and saves some money."

30, Anonymous

11.

“I head to areas in the grocery store where the food is marked down.

Day-old artisan bread makes great croutons, French bread pizza, French toast, or breadcrumbs.

43, USA

12.

“Its not really a hack, more just a rule of thumb.

Off-brand is just as good as a brand name.

elissad3

13.

“I am single and live alone, and food waste to me is a big culprit to overspending.

I have managed to cut down my food waste to almost zero.”

Anonymous, Texas

14.

“Get a food sealer!

My mom got us one for Christmas a few years ago.

He shops sales and buys meat when its discounted and seals and freezes it for later.

It stays great so much longer, and we dont have to toss anything with freezer burn.”

39, Germany

15.

“Dont wanna meal prep, but wanna confirm you have food ready to go at home?

Prepcheap meal’building blocks.'

Prep condiments at home as well!

26,New York

16. volkihar

17.

“I have a few methods that keep my bill under $30 for the week.

I can compare at other stores this way, too.

This has been a game-changer for me.

Sometimes, stuff costs a little more on Instacart, but the pricing is generally accurate with sales included.

Second, I attempt to plan a menu that reuses ingredients from previous meals.

This has saved me so much money.”

gracehattler

18.

“I chose a credit card that gives me points toward free groceries.

It certainly doesn’t cover everything, but it’s nice being able to reduce the total bill.”

meaganhibbert1

Note: Some submissions have been edited for length and/or clarity.