How to Plan Meals on a Tight Budget

Eating well on a limited budget requires more than just coupon clipping — it takes a strategic approach to building meals around affordable staples, seasonal produce, and what you already have at home.

## Start With What You Have

Before planning any meals, take inventory of your pantry, fridge, and freezer. Building meals around ingredients you already own is the single most effective way to cut your grocery bill.

## Build Around Affordable Staples

Rice, beans, pasta, potatoes, and eggs form the backbone of budget-friendly cooking. These items are nutritious, versatile, and incredibly cheap per serving.

## Embrace Seasonal Produce

Seasonal fruits and vegetables are cheaper and tastier. In summer, load up on tomatoes, zucchini, and berries. In winter, root vegetables and citrus are your best budget friends.

## Cook in Batches

Preparing large batches of food at once saves both time and money. A big pot of chili, a tray of baked chicken, or a batch of soup can provide multiple meals throughout the week.

## Use AI for Budget Optimization

Tools like ShelfCents analyze your planned meals against your budget and suggest cheaper alternatives. If a recipe calls for fresh herbs, it might suggest dried. If beef is expensive this week, it might suggest chicken instead.

## The Weekly Meal Plan Framework

1. Check your pantry and fridge
2. Plan 5-7 dinners around what you have
3. Make a precise shopping list for gaps only
4. Stick to the list when shopping
5. Prep ingredients in advance for busy nights