The culture of the list is catching on. More and more shoppers are taking a list to the supermarket. Get on board. Before you make the list, check the cupboard, refrigerator and all the containers of pre-cooked meals. Then, when you go shopping, buy only what you need.

Shop strictly by Recipe

Stick to things you know your family likes, or tried-and-true recipes from friends and family. If you really feel the need to try new things, stick to recipes that don't require a lot of new ingredients that you normally don't purchase; this will definitely raise your bill quickly.

Buy in Bulk

This one is fairly self-explanatory but it does tie in with two of the other tips, utilising the store ads and using your freezer. Check your store ads, sales and bulk-buying stores. If you find something that your normally use at a good price, buy it, and buy a lot of it! Stocking up when things are on sale is one of the main ways to save money.

Mix 'N' Match Recipes

Use the same ingredients to create a new meal. Cook more one-pot meals and ad more natural ingredients for colour and flavour. Shop and cook according to ingredients and you are bound to save! There will be no room for spoilage.

Freeze foods

Jamaica's cultural soup day is Saturday but the ingredients can also be used in a stew for a week-day dinner when the whole family is in a rush. Soup is the richest and most nutritious meal a Jamaican family could ever have and the commission recommends more soup on the menu.

Freshen up Leftovers

Plan for leftovers in your shopping. Count each batch as part of the meal plan. Wasting food is not an option when you are creating a habit of budgeting and saving money. Choose a night when you can relax a little by simply steaming some vegetables or making a fresh salad to lift a leftover meal.

Use Your Freezer

Jamaicans abroad can freeze a roasted breadfruit for a whole year and still make it taste fresh at the table. Use your freezer to save on gas and electricity. Parboil food, peas, meats and freeze them. Instead of dumping the macaroni and cheese, freeze it. The children may be able to help themselves to a meal much easier if partially cooked items are in the freezer, but remember to label and date them clearly.

Make From Scratch

Make your own salad dressing, sweet treats, muffin, cakes, etc. Gizzadas, coconut drops, bread pudding and coconut cookies are still very popular with the children. You can bake them yourself while baking the chicken and sweet potatoes in the oven. Use all the energy in the oven and save. A great marinade is salt, vinegar and sugar.

Backyard Gardening

Anything you do not have to place in the supermarket trolley is a saving. So get on with the backyard/container/gardening and save! Check it out.

Courtesy: Consumer Affairs Commission.