Meal kits have become a popular way to get dinner on the table fast, but their convenience comes at a cost. They’re often pricier than shopping for groceries yourself. If you’re aiming to cut your grocery bill, focusing on seasonal foods is a smart move. These items are at their peak flavor and lowest price when they’re in season, meaning you can eat well and spend less. Additionally, purchasing items in season often supports local farmers and reduces your environmental impact. Here are 11 seasonal foods that save more than meal kits, along with some tips on how to incorporate them into budget-friendly meals.
1. Strawberries (Spring and Early Summer)
When strawberries are in season, prices drop and quality improves. Meal kits rarely offer generous portions of fresh berries, but local markets do. Use strawberries in smoothies, salads, or desserts for a delicious treat. Freezing extra berries is also simple, so you can enjoy their flavor year-round without overspending.
2. Asparagus (Spring)
Asparagus is a classic spring vegetable that can be expensive out of season, but it is affordable and abundant in the spring. Roast, grill, or sauté asparagus for a quick side dish. With meal kits, you might pay more for a few spears, but buying a bunch at peak season costs less and stretches further.
3. Tomatoes (Summer)
Tomatoes are a perfect example of seasonal foods that save money and add flavor. They’re often marked up in meal kits, but in summer, local tomatoes are cheap and plentiful. Use them in salads, sauces, or sandwiches. You can even roast extras for homemade pasta sauce.
4. Zucchini (Late Spring to Early Fall)
Zucchini grows quickly and is usually inexpensive when in season. It’s versatile—grate it into breads, slice for stir-fries, or grill it. You’ll get more for your money buying zucchini at its peak compared to the small portions in meal kits.
5. Peaches (Summer)
Fresh peaches are a summer treat. You can find them at low prices in local markets and farm stands. They’re great for snacking, baking, or tossing into yogurt. Meal kits rarely offer fresh peaches, and when they do, it’s at a premium price.
6. Corn (Mid to Late Summer)
Sweet corn is another seasonal food that’s both cheap and delicious in summer. Boil or grill the ears for a classic side dish, or cut the kernels off to add to salads and salsas. Meal kits might include a single ear, but buying corn by the dozen is far more cost-effective.
7. Pumpkins (Fall)
Pumpkins aren’t just for carving—they’re a budget-friendly ingredient for soups, breads, and even pasta sauces. When pumpkins are in season, they’re inexpensive and easy to find. Buy a whole pumpkin, roast it, and freeze portions for later use.
8. Apples (Fall)
Apples come into season in the fall, and prices drop as supply increases. Use them in baking, salads, or just as a snack. You’ll save more by buying a bag of in-season apples than by getting a single serving in a meal kit.
9. Winter Squash (Late Fall and Winter)
Varieties like butternut, acorn, and spaghetti squash are affordable and filling when in season. Roast them for a hearty side, blend them into soups, or stuff them for a main dish. Meal kits may offer squash-based recipes, but buying squash yourself is much cheaper per serving.
10. Leafy Greens (Spring and Fall)
Spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are most affordable during cooler months. Fresh, local greens are more flavorful and last longer. Mix them into salads, sauté with garlic, or add to soups. Meal kits often limit greens to small bags, but buying by the bunch gives you more value.
11. Citrus Fruits (Winter)
Oranges, grapefruits, and lemons are best in winter. They’re loaded with vitamin C and brighten up any dish. In-season citrus is less expensive and more flavorful. Use them in salads, marinades, or desserts. The variety and quantity you get when buying in season easily beat meal kit portions.
How to Maximize Savings with Seasonal Foods
Choosing seasonal foods is a reliable way to stretch your grocery budget further than meal kits ever could. Plan your meals around what’s in season and build recipes that showcase those ingredients. Visit your local farmers market or check your grocery store’s weekly ads for what’s abundant now. When you spot a great deal, stock up and freeze or preserve extras for later.
Which seasonal foods save you the most at the grocery store? Share your favorites or tips in the comments below!
What to Read Next…
- Seasonal Produce Guide Buying In Bulk And Saving With Coupons This Winter
- How To Find Meal Kit Coupons
- 5 Secrets To Using Your Kitchen More And Eating Out Less
- 15 Foods You Can Freeze To Save Money In The Long Run
- Stockpiling Food 101 How To Build A Pantry That Saves You Money And Time
The post 11 Seasonal Foods That Save More Than Meal Kits appeared first on Grocery Coupon Guide.
