Cost Of Living Crisis! Will We Be Able To Afford Food?

[@barbnauman705]

Sending my very best wishes! We, in America, are seeing extraordinarily high price increases too. I began stocking up last spring when everything was much cheaper. I’m helping to feed an ill relative who isn’t able to cook, and I can afford to do this with many things i bought earlier this year. I believe we are called by God to help others as much as we can. A generous heart and spirit is always blessed.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

American prices are scary

[@barbnauman705]

@@FrugalQueeninFrance yes, they truly are!

[@ramblingrosevanlife]

God bless you xx

[@lindajacquot5391]

I just spent over $300 at the grocery store today at a store with low prices. I was able to buy chicken and pork for the freezer (beef was ridiculous). This was supposed to be a "top up" shopping trip, but I added to my supplies when I found the prices to be "decent". Augh!!

[@andersonomo597]

'A generous heart and spirit is always blessed.' Such a beautiful thought! Thank-you!!

[@sandrabryan9106]

An investigation is being started in Canada on large grocery stores for price gouging, since they have set record profits. Bread was investigated last time and anyone that had bought bread from a certain chain got a $75 cheque (?) as well as a hefty fine. I will be watching this closely.

[@informedpantry6257]

I have a great deal of respect for how you are handling price increases. Watching you gives me a lot to think about when I’m shopping. Thank you.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks so much for your feedback

[@mel5589]

Another great video.. Started watching last year when I lost my job. With your help & I inspiration I managed to reduce my annual bills by $10,000 Canadian Dollars (about $7,500 Euro)..Got a new job and my house in order before all this inflation hit home..Couldn't have done it without you..Thanks for everything you do..

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You’ve done well

[@karenbowden552]

Definitely the meal plan for us has 'gone out the window', whatever is on offer or yellow sticker I will buy and make meals from, whether meat or meat free. I'm lucky enough to have a good stock of store cupboard items to build meals with and I'm very thankful for that.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for sharing

[@jeanjones1211]

Me too.

[@helenwilkins4337]

Jane, you are so right it’s about thinking differently. I made 4 portions of cottage pie with cabbage for £3.85 - that’s 86p per portion. It was absolutely delicious - the best I’ve ever made and the minced beef was from a tin! Bulked it with an enormous carrot, parsnip and onion. Mash was 3 potatoes from a 2.5 kg bag which costs £1.09 from Tescos xx

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

That sounds perfect to me

[@mary-janejenkins9560]

I’m the youngest child my mum was born 1924 so I grew up with an older generation of cooking and housekeeping etc and this past 6 months I feel extremely grateful for have much older parents who lived differently in extremely grateful for having a well stocked larder 💕💕

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for sharing

[@ashjoma]

My dad was born in 1924. He was happy with whatever he had and always paid cash and never had anything fancy or any more than exactly what he needed. He always ate whatever was put in front of him without any complaint. Never had debt or a credit card. He called a credit card the “never never”. Now I realise how smart he was and how much I miss him.

[@TPayne-fm8ie]

I so admire your frugality and self sufficiency. I have tried to live simply my whole life. I stocked up early and have been blessed to have more than enough this year. To alleviate my guilt over our abundance, I've been supporting my local food bank much more than I usually do. It's rough out there for so many people.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching

[@joycewilson6359]

Jane and Mike, I’m very thankful for the information that you give in your videos. I hope you are feeling much better. Food prices have skyrocketed here. Electric company just increased everyone’s bill by 20. Our actual usage amount was $60.54 but they added the $20 then a $29.86 distribution charge and taxes it ended up $155. It’s awful we plan around rice, beans, noodles and a little meat, mostly chicken because we raise them. If we didn’t have a garden and our chickens for eggs and meat we wouldn’t be eating very much at all. We do have a lot of backup items in long term storage and backups. We pressure can, water bath, dehydrate ferment, freeze everything. By doing that it was a little easier to buy things we couldn’t grow or raise. I’m not sure if you can have a raised garden bed there but that would help your situation with growing food if at all possible. Also here in the USA if you buy stew meat it’s higher because it’s cut up. So I buy whole piece of meat at a cheaper price and cut it myself. In these difficult times I think if we all put in ideas to help one another we will all be better off. Thank you again for all the help you give.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Joyce

[@michellehowell1228]

I do that too for stew meat. Glad to know there's others who are thrifty!

[@Vegannan]

I am vegan so I have a bit of a head start, I also don’t use the plant based processed rubbish like burgers and sausages. It’s just a matter of flavourings for pasta , rice , beans and lentils. Also frozen veg is your friend, no waste !

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Frozen veg is great.

[@debkatzz]

Me too. Yesterday I looked in the fridge and found sweet potato, onion, parsley, 1 sad carrot and a handful of green beans. With the help of green lentils, garlic, tomato paste and a tin of tomatoes along with frozen peas sweetcorn and spinach I made a massive batch of an Italian style tomato lentil veg soup. It was incredible. Years ago I'd have thought - I've nothing left to make a meal and go shopping. It's such an important skill to have at the moment.

[@robynirons194]

Same here, Lesley- wholefood vegan. I cook up my dried beans and lentils in bulk and freeze in portions, or cook up large pots of soups, stews, curries etc and freeze. So much cheaper than tinned beans, which I only use for occasional last-minute salads etc. Seasonal and frozen veges, plus greens from the garden and "edible weeds". Cheap, delicious and nourishing.

[@ibislife]

Not only are the prices going up, the packages are getting smaller too, for example butter. Earlier 500grams, now it has 400 grams in the package. I study every leaflet from the grocery stores in the area. I buy what is on sale, this week for example I dont need meat, so I go after sales on vegetables and canned goods. I crave for a roast, cant remember the last time we had a Sunday roast. The strange thing is, I have never thought as much of grocery shopping, or spent as much time planning as I do today. But, as you said. We are the lucky ones, we get to eat every day. This too will pass. 💕

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

It will, eventually

[@SpatchG]

Some great tips, thank you. We've recently moved and inherited a small orchard. I've just preserved several jars of marmalade from our tangelo and lemon trees, and we'll be eating citrus dishes for the next few months (spring here in New Zealand). Plus sharing with our friends, family and the local food bank.

[@suematile9078]

Thank you for telling about how you are coping with the rising food prices. We always had little waste and half used a portion for future stock. Now I cannot just go shopping and buy mostly what I want and still stay in budget, but I have to carefully pick and chose. I had a half portion of baby carrots that needed using. I decided I would make beef stew, because I had potatoes and onions already. Stew meat was $5.29 a pound this week at Aldi's. I looked at buying a pieces of meat and cutting my own, but those bigger pieces were more expensive a pound. With the pound and a half of stew meat I am making beef stew with carrots and potatoes in my crockpot. This will make two main meals and maybe a lunch for we two retirees. A portion of the uncooked stew meal was frozen and will be cut up and used for vegetable beef soup, again made in the crockpot. I hope you and Mike are getting back your strength. I do not know if you have had a colorful autumn season. We have with little wind and rain. The vibriant leaves are staying on the trees for a very long time. When you looked out there is no longer a hue of green, but yellows, reds, and oranges.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Sue.

[@helenhartley6904]

Thks Jane, your frugality spurred me to create sinking funds and to buy a small chest freezer 12 mths ago which is now full. I only buy meat on special and we don't eat carb foods due to diabetes. In nth Qld frozen whole chickens are over $4kg now, red meat and fish is well above $20kg. Roast pork cuts are $8kg. An IGA shop had a 50th birthday and had whole rump $10kg, whole rib eye $15kg, so we spent $200 and now have beef for 1 year @ 1 meal per week. Also got a leg of lamb @ $10kg. We also had fish from a fishing trip. I have managed the cost by cutting out nearly all processed and treat foods and diet soft drinks. We don't eat breakfast and have a no waste mentality. Baking keto biscuits, etc and being careful with portion sizes. Got a new mini oven/airfryer. Definitely more mindful and intentional now with food purchases, food prep and storage.

[@justsaying7347]

I appreciate your spunk, confidence, and determination in leading this budget crusade by example. Your videos are very important, informative, and helpful! Thanks for sharing with us. :)

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks very much

[@andersonomo597]

Great video! Prices are up here in Australia as well and it's challenging! One thing I've started doing is trying cheaper proteins that are not 'the usual'. For example, salmon is $30+/kg but small whiting are only $7/kg! They need to be cleaned and they have little bones but they're sweet and so delicious. I bought only a small amount to try and now buy them regularly. Similarly, I bought 2 meaty pork hocks for about EUR 2.5 or under $4 as they were on special and at that price I could afford to experiment. Well, they went into the slow cooker with lots of onions and there was enough meat for 6 small (delicious!) pies and I cooked the bones and skin again in the pressure cooker and made stock. I'll definitely buy them again as they are no longer 'scary' LOL. I think keeping an open mind helps. Like you said Jane - it's sensible to plan meals around what's on special - don't let the tail wag the dog, so to speak! Cheers from soggy Sydney!

[@lizscott6911]

Glad your feeling better Jane. One of the things I appreciate about your chats is, the honesty of any situation.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks very much

[@preppernut]

I really admire you for being able to peel and chop all those vegetables, even though you were ill. And yes, being flexible is key to getting through hard times, and generous neighbours are a blessing. We have them too. Bargains are very seldom here, but if we do happen to see something, ($4 CDN a pound or less), I ask my husband whether we have room in the small downstairs freezer, ha ha. (I don't do stairs well anymore, due to my bad knees). I am 72, with limited energy, but if I am feeling ambitious, will take out a couple of chickens, or five pounds of the cheap beef, and get it into glass jars. The annual goal is for two dozen pints each of beef, chicken, turkey, pork sausage and salmon. When that is done, the next job is to do quart jars of beef stew with vegetables, and quart jars of pork sausage and cabbage. (Those are for when I am too sick to cook.) I have a few empty jars again, so tomorrow some beans will be pressure canned. On the main floor of this old house, we have an upright freezer with mostly vegetables, home made rye bread and fruits, lard (bought on sale), so there isn't really room for batched cooked meals, but the door of it has lots of soups in 750 ml containers, because I always make too much soup. We have our own chickens and are getting an average of 9 eggs a day, so omelettes and potato salad are in the rotation as well. Surplus eggs go to friends.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for sharing, we can’t buy pressure canners here and have to pay import taxes on top to import from the US. The French water bath everything but for hours to sterilize. It’s expensive with the cost of energy.

[@preppernut]

@@FrugalQueeninFrance You are obviously doing the best you can with what you've got. So sorry that you can't buy a pressure canner there. I wonder why that is?

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

@@preppernut the French use a Stérilisateur Electrique, set for the time and temperature, they don’t use pressure, like Amish canning.

[@bookgal]

I'm doing the same thing with my meal planning, Jane. A few weeks ago, two stores in our town had 5 kg turkeys on sale for $18 CAN ea (13.50 Euro/ US $). So we stocked up and bought 10... spread over 3 different shopping trips. An $18 turkey feeds my husband and I (and our dog) for over a week: 3 turkey and potato dinners, then turkey pot pie for 2 dinners, and then turkey soup for at least 3 dinners, plus a ton of white meat to supplement our dog's meals, and leftovers to put in the freezer. Thank goodness we have a couple of freezers so storing them isn't a problem.

[@debbywelchel3893]

You are exactly right on everything you say. I'm in indiana your advice is just what we've done. We are debt free also and on ss. I cut our firewood and use it alone to hear our home. Stocked up on rice instant potatoes canned meat. I try to help who we can. Thanks so much for all you do. PRAYING for you and yours

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks very much

[@mak2867]

Thank You for the video! We made the following changes: Meal plan with small pieces of meat for the main meal. Ham pieces in scalloped potatoes. Bacon pieces in soups, beans, scrambled eggs, etc. On the weekends, we have homemade pizza, meatloaf, chili, spaghetti, added lentils to the beef. I use 2 TBLSP. Mayo, no oil instead of eggs in cake mix. I make cornbread without eggs.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Very similar with us, thanks for sharing

[@cathymillar9900]

Just got back from running errands. The only meat I bought was two tinned hams on offer. We still, sometimes, go out for dinner on weekends, but definitely bring home leftovers. I usually bulk up the leftovers and manage to get two more full meals, (or four servings). I would have liked a chocolate bar, but they are so costly that I decided to let it go. I’ve noticed that it is a common theme. People pick these things up and put them back. Thanks for your ideas and encouragement.

[@jennil7797]

It is also a fact, provided to me by a supermarket manager, the day that there is a deal on offer is also the day his staff go out and put new, higher price tickets on other staple foods. The result is that you now actually pay more now for your full shop on "deal day" than you would have done the day before. Loss leaders draw you in to higher prices across your shopping haul, the hope being you will be so excited by a saving on one or two items that housing notice the other price rises.

[@BethGrantDeRoos]

Watching this video, I admit I feel so fortunate because in my area of California ALL stores have ads that come out on Wednesdays which show what will be on sale until the next Wednesday. This makes shopping much easier and saves gas. Living in California where most of the food we eat comes from also helps, since states that have to truck food in, adds to the cost of food. Might I add that loving a huge variety of foods from all over the world also saves money since we are not stuck with a small food repertoire. Also am so thankful we home preserve food. Having a well stocked larder/pantry is a godsend. Will note that for us a well stocked walk-in larder/pantry is a necessity. A walk-in closet full of clothes and shoes is NOT!

[@stephenbertus5671]

I don't plan my meals day by day throughout the week, never have. My main meal of the day is potato stew with an assortment of vegetables. I love it so much that I eat it day after day for years and years. Very economic and the same shopping basket each week.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Healthy too. Thanks for watching.

[@greenfoxgaming6721]

We bought a brand new 2020 vehicle early in 2020. After nearly 3 years, it just turned over 6000 miles🤭. We plan all our necessary errands for the most efficient use of our time and money. I just shop at one grocery store because I found the it really was the most cost effective way for us. By the time we drove all over to the other stores to hit the sales we burned up a lot of gas in the stop and go city traffic 😢. Plus. I found that I wasn’t tempted to impulse buy😊. We recently located a “discount” grocery store. Granted it takes a little more time to check packaging and best buy dates, but I have gotten some marvelous deals there. I have been stocking up since the beginning of the c word and have at least a year’s worth of supplies. We are retired, debt free living on social security and my husband’s teaching retirement here in the USA. We are blessed to be this well situated. My husband is generous with helping the less fortunate. I really enjoy your channel. So glad I found it. ❤

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching and commenting

[@liztoth4324]

You are doing so well. A great example of healthy eating on a budget.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you

[@helenaurelius-haddock4695]

To my horror, I noticed we had 2 kg of unused onions before we left for holiday. I brought them with me, and so I am making my caramelised onion chutney on holidays...even got a 50 % voucher at the local Carrefour (Spain) for the muscovado sugar so 99 cents a packet instead of 1.99 for 500g. Vinegar is cheaper here too, so waste not, want not! Hoping to give the jars as Xmas presents. Thanks for sharing.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

That onion chutney is cheap and easy to make and so delicious

[@juliaseaman5860]

We glean onions at a local farm, with permission of course Not everyone has a greenhouse, I know, but onions can be stored for months in those plastic trays with holes. I remove soil and any loose onion skin I also cover with gardening fleece to keep the mice off and check through them every few months for any rotting ones

[@lindajacquot5391]

Prices here are insanely high as well. It's not an easy switch to go from being primarily protein-based when some in the household are big meat eaters, but we are trying. Thanks for being real!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

The whole truth.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

@@debbieframpton3857 me or Debbie? I’d have to be at the supermarket at the right time, each supermarket has a different time. Hoards if people queue outside Lidl in the morning and run to the reduced section. It can get quite tense. I’d rather avoid a scrummage.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

@@debbieframpton3857 our supermarkets close at 6pm (a few at 7pm) they give all th3 food that can’t be sold to the foodbank, which I’m happy about

[@bradlafferty]

There’s a federal Act in the U.S. called the Good Samaritan Act of 1986. It allows grocers to donate expiring food to non-profit food organizations without chance of liability. It costs them nothing.

[@ramblingrosevanlife]

@@bradlafferty In UK we have foodbanks which shoppers and stores donate too, it is mainly tins and dried good - nothing fresh and you need some sort of recommendation to be eligible. Now we are also seeing Community Cupboard type schemes which sees stores donate anything going out of date so this is mainly bread, fruit and vegetables and anyone can go to these schemes - with our local one anything surplus that is donated to be given away is finally given to local pig farm at end of few days if not taken by people - if that makes sense.

[@susanjones5592]

Thank goodness for experience to gain skills before this. Thank you for adding your tactics. Pickling produce as it begins to age has made our salads tastier and extends the fresh contrast to the cooked part of a meal. . Some thawed frozen vegetables can work in salads. Canned beans add substance to green salad. Crumbs from bottom of crackers, bread or chips are a nice salad sprinkle, mix them together as you finish the bag. Toast lightly in open skillet if they are stale.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for sharing

[@9FatraBbits]

Thanks for timely video! Our household has also built meals around potatoes, rices, lentils and beans and vegetables with some meat (less than we used to have)We’ve also reduced our portions and only eat twice a day. The middle of the day is “forage” time: apples, nuts, tea, crackers and cheese. We bake our own bread and make tortillas, eat lots of soups, and are still able to harvest some perennial foods from our garden. I really appreciate your ideas and positive solutions.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

We need very Little meat

[@belindacopson2390]

A great informative video Jane and it was really interesting to hear how your planning and your menu has changed. I too have preserved a lot of applesauce this autumn, it will be great to enjoy some winter pies. I've also made jelly with our garden fruits. One tip, if you are making a fruit crumble and have lots of jelly, then some jelly mixed with the fruit works well instead of sugar and adds real depth of flavour. It saves sugar and is a lovely way to use home made jelly.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks very much

[@kakelinga]

I think we all need to pray for our world. I was watching some news station in the UK that reported that 1 in 5 households in the UK are experiencing food insecurity. Some are only eating two meals a day and we aren't even in the heart of winter yet. I live in the US, but Hawaii has one of the highest cost of living in the country and our food is almost all shipped into the islands. My electric bill went from $180 last year to $420 this month. I don't know how we can save money the way things keep going up and up. I have a new grandbaby who has recently starting eating solids and I am glad her mother makes her baby food for her. It would just be too expensive any other way. We are also paying over $5.00 for a pound of butter. Mayonnaise is up to $8.00 for a 32 ounce container. Snow crabs in Alaska have disappeared and they have had to cancel the season. Hundreds of people will be without an income this holiday season. It feels as if the world has gone crazy!

[@lisag9493]

You’re an inspiration ,, this is such a good reminder of how to stick to a budget and not be wasteful,, Best wishes,,Lisa

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Lisa

[@christinehope7986]

Hello from New Zealand 🇳🇿. Our food prices have also increased dramatically. We need to really think about what we buy.best wishes to all.

[@indylwth2327]

You’ve helped me so much to THINK about how I can make my money stretch and last! I had an unexpected car bill and by living super-duper extra frugally, I managed to squeeze even a little bit more and save which I can then put towards my car and not impact my budget for next month much. I have a mortgage to flatten ASAP, so staying focused. Thank you!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for the feedback

[@roenadykin689]

Gorgeous quilt! I haven’t shopped at thrift stores for clothes! Your finds were great! I am just a bit hesitant. I may just have to go and have a look at what’s there. Clothes shopping for me is frustrating at the best of times. Thanks for the video.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Please do! It's frustrating sometimes

[@journal.revival]

Thank you again for reminding me the importance of accounting for every cent! As college students with young children, we learned the importance of keeping a stocked pantry. Now, many years later, our pantry looks quite a bit different. No need graham crackers or sippy cups, but the habit of needing one and buying 2 has filled our pantry and root cellar with enough and to spare. Thank you for sharing your wisdom with the world❤

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching

[@bria2596]

Great video. I continue to remember your lesson on what constitutes a portion. That has been so helpful. * I have recently remembered that one can put new life into quite a few veggies by soaking them overnight in water in the fridge. That has been helpful. It works with celery, carrots, tomatoes (I haven't tried cucumbers - I think it might if you get the wax off). Today, some wrinkled grape tomatoes became plump enough to look and taste good in a chopped veggie salad of cukes, tomatoes, chopped red onion, and black beans with a little oil and vinegar. If the grape tomatoes hadn't come back, I would have drained any liquid in them, chopped them, and used them in a quiche or egg casserole, or just chucked them whole into a veggie pasta soup. * I'm right there with you, and everyone else, on making sure to keep an eye on things so nothing is wasted. If I cannot get to something in time, into the freezer it will go for later use in soup, casserole, or hidden in a homemade salsa, etc. The interesting thing is that being really ups my creativity in stretching the food. The food is not boring. Win-win.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Freezing is great to save food.

[@ramblingrosevanlife]

I put heads of broccoli in a mug of water in fridge although sadly broccoli is becoming a bit of a treat in UK as seems to have gone up more than other veg.

[@JavaFirst]

Food prices are outrageous. It is particularly difficult on those of us who have very specific dietary needs and can not eat a lot of carb based meals. Diabetic meals, meals for people who have food allergies (including meat allergies) not to mention stomach issues and I am more careful of how I eat with diverticulitis issues. One of the main things that get on my nerves is one or more of my food plans I am supposed to be on contradict each other. It's maddening.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

That does sound challenging for you.

[@rosemarydoran9907]

Being a single person household, I don't eat three meals a day. Many days I'll eat one meal and a snack and sometimes I'll just have a sandwich for dinner so I've been able to keep in my standard food budget but I have noticed that many many prices are going up here in the US as well. Particularly dairy and meat. I do buy meat when I find a good price on it and I will put it in my freezer and I usually will have it for a special meal if I want to cook something extra nice once a week or so. It is difficult everywhere but I know that I am far luckier than many people in my own country and in countries around the world who are facing war or famine so although it is challenging to make ends meet, I know I am much better off than so many people. For that I am very grateful. I have retirement savings that I am keeping tucked away and I am working very hard to only live on my social security disability since having my stroke 8 years ago. Thank you for all of your wonderful tips Jane and Mike and hello to beautiful Mary and Dolly!

[@ramblingrosevanlife]

So true, so many going through awful things and famines. We are lucky and bless you xx

[@mydogzmom5058]

Having a well stocked non perishable pantry is always a good idea - especially with winter weather coming.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Indeed

[@banzy3]

Everyone's circumstances are different, but we're a family of four in France. We don't eat meat or fish, and I'm not suggesting everyone should do the same of course, but that alone saves a lot of money, and there's definitely enough protein within our balanced diet. We grow a wide variety of food, and exchange with our neighbours who do the same. This past month or two we've been foraging mushrooms (a favourite French pasttime), picking blackberries, and chestnuts, so that's already a lot of free food. We keep chickens who get many of the scraps to supplement their usual diet. We're part of a co-op who get together and order food in bulk from organic growers, and can get a much better price than the supermarket's non-organic equivalent. We also buy certain foods from local farms (chickpeas for example). We haven't needed to buy very much from the supermarkets this year, but if you have access to 'Noz' they get a good range of destocked food items from all over Europe, at great prices, including wines. More savings come from using an airfryer over an oven. We also have a cookeo (a type of pressure cooker) that is fast and more energy efficient, and an outdoor wood burning stove, which let's us cook for free.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

We do use Noz , we save money by not drinking.

[@mariannejoynes6541]

Hi, I'm glad to see your both feeling better! I made a bargain batch of veggie broth this week. I bought a packet of dried soup & broth mix, a stew pack which had an onion, a parsnip, a small swede and 4 large carrots and i bought a leek. I chopped all of the veggies up and put them into my instant pot with about a 3rd of the dried broth mix. I added 2 vegetable stock cubes, a tin of chopped tomatoes and filled it to the full level with hot water. Stir in salt, pepper and Italian seasoning. I cooked it on the broth setting and it turned out delicious. It made 8 decent sized portions and it cost me about £4 . Hope this gives someone an idea for a cheap few meals . Thanks for your content again. Xx

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for sharing

[@mirjanatatic2360]

Već duže vreme pratim vaš kanal,zaista su vam teme raznovrsne i zanimljive,a povodom štednje,inflacije,skoka cena ne samo hrane već i ostalog,isto je i kod nas u Srbiji,to je sad postalo već prava dovitljivost sa istim novčanim mogućnostima pokriti mnogo veće troškove...Pozdrav iz Srbije!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks so much, you’re right, we’re all feeling inflation

[@mallikawillson2851]

You are inspiration during these challenging times,really appreciate it. I always look forward to see the very very cute adorable puppies🐶😍

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks so much

[@lorrainreed3378]

Thank you for the helpful ideas. My son-in-law was dropped to part time at his job and their rental rate was to be increased by $400/month, so I now have to feed and shelter my daughter, son-in-law, and 2 granddaughters, 18 months and just turned 4 this month. Your ideas will definitely be useful!

[@UnStrungHero]

Love and luck to you.

[@loisbriggs5675]

That sounds tough going. Lovely that you are helping your daughter and her family.

[@heathertucker7056]

My goodness Jane- you could have been talking about me and the way I shop and meal plan too! We haven’t been able to increase our food money so we have to adapt! I have found some lovely vegetarian meals that we would have never tried in the past! This is the new “ normal” and we have to live by it! We are luckier than a lot of people that’s for sure!

[@2Beldam]

We’ve cut back on treats - buy them just 2x a year now - Christmas & birthdays. They really are just for special occasions now. Family knows when their gone their gone. I’m not replacing them so they have to ration them now (& when I do buy them I make sure they are on special offer or I have a coupon)

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

The same with us, Christmas and anniversary only now

[@jhamilton8398]

Your dogs are so sweet

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you

[@lauraIngleswilder74]

Jane & Mike, so thankful for your channel! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. It has helped tremendously!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks so much for your support and watching

[@ritazimmermann2918]

I just want to complement whoever does the pictures between your segments within the videos. They are always well done and always different.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you

[@lorrainewilby2085]

Hi Jane, another great video. You explained so clearly how you’ve adjusted your eating and shopping plan and you just make sense. Here in Australia, I paid $6.50 for 3kg potatoes.It costs $3kg for loose potatoes. I have a great veggie garden and grow loads to eat and share. I made 20 jars of Choko Relish recently. It is delicious and I blanch and freeze and dehydrate veggies, leaves and stalks to add the green powder to my meals. Prices will increase even more as we’ve had more unprecedented flooding all along the east coast these past 2 weeks. Massive loss of crops so prices will soar again. I cook a meal and we have the leftovers turned into another meal the following night. I’ve always done this as just hubby and I to feed. Crockpot meals can really stretch a long way. We have two nights out of them, then a small amount left over is frozen and made into pies later that month. Our diesel for the car is $2.30 litre. We live rurally so a trip to the closest town is 2hrs round trip. Try to only go every fortnight. I love your channel, Jane and Mike, no nonsense and I so enjoy your cooking videos. Stay warm there and thankyou for all you do to share happiness and hope. Best wishes, Lorraine NSW Australia.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

In Australian dollars we’re paying $2.95 à litre for diesel. That’s a big reason food is expensive here.

[@loisbriggs5675]

Hello from a West Aussie. I was so saddened to see another severe flood situation in so many areas over East. The emotional distress being experienced by the people who have had their homes flooded several times over is unimaginable. It will certainly impact prices, but I tell myself how lucky I am to not be in their situation and I will, by comparison, have an incredibly small loss. And the prices over here are affected a little less because this State’s crops are ok at this point. I wish you good luck going forward.

[@annblack8981]

Another thought provoking video Jane . Thank you

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching

[@LoriSkees]

Good information! I am trying to fine tune my frugal machine too. Fortunately our garden is still producing and I am picking and freezing whatever I can.

[@erinlavigne6644]

Thanks so much, Jane and Michael. Such good practical advice! Thanks for reminding me to eat fresh vegetables before they go bad and don’t waste anything. As a result, I will be cooking a sad eggplant and some spinach tonight and am making homemade beef stock with veg scraps and beef bones.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching

[@sheilawaldren9236]

That is a very good idea. Thank you.

[@amynau3904]

I really appreciate your tips in this video. Here in America many people are upset about the high prices-but very few are sharing practical tips on how to make healthy and inexpensive meals. There is still a lot of food snobbery and many people are simply paying more and not wanting to change what they buy, which is scary with winter approaching and high heating costs ahead. We are a family of 5 and we are not paying more-because we just can not. I love your tip to base the meal on the starch. These are all such good tips. We have gotten rid of most snack foods and extras. We are eating meat only about once a week. I almost fainted when I heard the chicken prices in France-that is so high!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

It certainly is expensive

[@patmartin9727]

Hi Jane and Mike, nothing wrong with plain simple food, well cooked and presented. Nutritional and filling. I too am trying to run down my freezer. Have had meals out of the freezer for the last week, I recon I have enough still in there to last until Christmas. I have one draw empty so I can buy and prepare for Christmas throughout December. I intend to do a no spend January so hopefully left overs from Christmas and bits left in the freezer and pantry will get me well into January.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks

[@Sam-zs4dl]

Thank you Jane and Mike. You have the best YT channel on frugal living.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Very kind

[@annl4329]

I'm thinking very carefully about what I put in my trolley on a weekly basis. I tend to have one big shop at the beginning of the month and stock up on pantry staples and then eak out the budget for the rest of the month. Never had to add up as I go along before, but I've been doing that quite a bit lately. It was a good job I did the other week, as I was charged twice for an item that cost nearly £3, but because I knew what I'd spent, I spotted it immediately at the till and got a refund.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You’re doing well Ann

[@marypeterson1053]

Thank you for another wonderful video

[@japaneseflower5254]

These are such good tips thank you 😊

[@christinerobinson6750]

Just made your instant pot receptor for beef bourginion. The first time I’ve done meat in the instant pot. Was lovely-not the cheapest ingredients but will get quite a few portions. May add more veg next time Will definitely try more of your IP receptors. Thanks

[@Tess-FrugalLiving]

I can't see price hikes stopping anytime soon either. It's a massive problem.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

It worries me Tess

[@marielama8173]

It sounds like you are handling things well! Simple, good food is fine. Good tips! God bless you!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks very much.

[@flatlandah52]

I’m a vegetarian and eat very little of the processed veggie meats. They’re expensive! I’ve learned how to make my own tofu, veggie turkey, burgers, even vegan margarine and vegan cheese from scratch. My meals also start with a carb- rice, grain, pasta, etc. Keeping it simple with lots of veggies from the garden.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching and commenting

[@katherinerichardson1767]

Jane, I'm glad you sound like you are feeling better. You are correct that you can not depend on sales on a regular routine. And like you I am not shopping on multipliable days in the week. Thanks for sharing ideas about how to deal with this crisis.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks very much. We live 30 minutes from the shops so it’s too expensive to drive too often.

[@readyintn4829]

I'm in the US. We grew our first garden this year and have canned, preserved and dehydrated a lot of food. Making apple butter and apple sauce today. At the store, I mainly buy meat, eggs, cheese, bread and fresh fruit. We have a small stock of beans, rice, pasta and canned vegetable. Prices are certainly disheartening.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for sharing

[@camilagenevieve7677]

It's always such a pleasure watching your videos. I really have to get back in the swing of carving a percentage out of my grocery shopping to put towards long term storage like you. Thank you for what you do and mainly for being such a lovely person.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks very much

[@allisonspeer6837]

Love to watch your videos to see how life in France compares to life in middle America, USA. Poor people have to eat more carbs... fillers that stretch out their proteins. We stock up on food, grow our own vegs, raise chickens for eggs and also have our own beef cattle to butcher once a year so I'm blessed not to have to depend on the grocery stores. I also am shocked at the prices and I always wonder how a person can afford to eat at these prices. I pray for them and the hardship it must be to spend hundreds of dollars on a grocery cart full of food. I learned to can years ago when we were younger and had 4 kids to feed. All of these things are really as you said a buffer to help out wiht these crazy prices.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching

[@g.a.hadley3263]

Thank you so much for this video. You have given me some practical application tips, which I truly appreciate.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching

[@clareryder445]

More good food advice Jane thank you.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks so much

[@gregsgirl23au]

I always check the supermarket catalogues online for the coming week to see what's on special, or 50percent off, in season veg and fruit and we build our menu and pantry stocks on that. I blanch and freeze any veg leftover as well. Have a lovely day Jane and Mike 😊

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks very much

[@iriswelch3553]

We were fortunate to have a great crop of tomatoes this summer, so the freezer is full. Also froze some squash. Now it's soup once a week with leftovers for lunches. Any odd bits during the week end up in a stir fry or frittata. Even eggs have gone up recently! Beyond that, we watch for any marked down meats and stretch what we can.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Well said

[@trena7770]

The big thing here in America when trying to save for a house, cutting budgets or needing to cut food costs is beans and rice meals. I know some who have lived off of beans and rice as substance for a year just to buy a house. It’s not fun, but it gets to the goal. We have cut back a lot on grocery items, and at the same time stocked up on shelf stable essentials. I’ve been canning/preserving like crazy! Yes, even apple pie filling! Because everyone still needs that sweet happiness right?! Even if it’s right out of the jar. I was gifted a whole lot of venison from a friend who got a fresh harvest and was out of room in his basement freezer. I gave him a jar of chicken broth and a jar of apple pie filling because that’s what he likes. I made venison stew tonight and the rest I will defrost and can up so it’s shelf stable. Our power goes out out so much here in upstate New York on a regular year. I’m not chancing the power fluxes as well. I have a propane barbecue we use as a backup because our stove is electric. The main thing that worries me is our heat. It’s propane wall blow force heater with an electric starter. So when power goes out we have no heat. We’ve dealt with lengthy outages in the winters before. Even in our -20 F to -30 F or more. We just pile up in beds with a ton of blankets once we can’t stand the cold any longer. I wish I could change the heat over to wood burning, but it’s not in our budget. I absolutely believe we will all get through this as unity. Be there for your neighbors, help out when you can. Barter and trade systems back in place. And just be there for one another. ❤

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching and commenting

[@Masterclassonlife]

Thanks for the tip of meal planning based on the carbohydrate rather than the protein.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

There’s healthy carbs like quinoa that we eat and buckwheat

[@stephaniet9264]

You are right Jane, we have to plan for the long haul. Who knows if and when this will all come back to normal pricing. Sadly, again, I think this is now normal. By example, we use to go out to eat once a week, but no more. After months of cooking at home we decided to take the night off and go to our favorite Japanese restuarant. The staff and food is wonderful and we want them to stay in business. As you know waitstaff does not make much of an income. Sadly, the menu is understandbly cut in half and subtitutes are no longer availalable due to rising food costs....also understandable. However, the food portions are small and the fish portions are half the size and they tried to cover it up by using a lot of coleslaw, cabbage, shredded carrots, etc., on top of the fish portion. In fact, saying that the portions are meager, is an understatement. We were very disappointed at that type of behavior as we would have accepted if they told us that they were cutting portion sizes rather than trying to sneak it by us. We were long term customers and would have appreciated the truth. Anyway, we won't be going out to dinner anymore. My birthday dinner will be spent at home and that's fine with me.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

That is why I don’t eat out. It’s never value for money. They need to charge appropriately and factor in decent wages too.

[@twilightshealy4152]

I've been stocking up as well. I live by myself but have told my adult children and my sister to get what they need...just please leave me a list of what they took so I can replace it. I have friends that provide meals made with deer meat which was acquired on my property to help with protein and calorie intake. I'm getting quite fond of deer burgers...it just take the correct seasonings & added ground beef to produce a delectable entree. This was an excellent video today....but your videos are always informative.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks so much

[@alyssonwatt779]

Hi there from South of the Equator in sunny Johannesburg. Our food prices, fuel and electricity prices have gone through the roof. A brick of butter is now $4.50. Petrol is just under $2 /L. Our electricity prices have increased 4000 % over the last 10 years and we're looking at another 35% increase shortly. Anyway .... I came across your channel by mistake and am so thankful that I did. You've made me rethink how I buy food, eat etc. It's lovely how you mention Mike but we don't see him. It would be great to also get a mans perspective. Ta! Keep up the great vids.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks very much

[@KS-jf2jf]

Lots of greetings from Canada! I just found you and sounds like we are all living similar realities. Batch cooking is what we do, too, and based on what is on sale and what we need to use up. We even have started to "rescue food" from a local grocery store. That helps our budget a lot and we are also able to share food with friends, family and local shelters. I look forward to following you, fellow frugalista 😊 thank you so much!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks very much

[@susanjacks8830]

When we find meat on sale (roast beef or chicken, or hamburger) I pressure can the meat to add to my stock for quick meals at the lowest price. The meats are fully cooked and shelf stable so no freezer required. Love your channel and all your suggestions. We are in Ohio USA 🇺🇸

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks very much

[@missmerrily4830]

It's so true that we have to find new ways of thinking about food and how to buy it and use it, Jane. Whereas I once scorned those packs of microwaveable rice which always seemed so expensive, i now realise they are actually quite economical, given that they take only 2-3 minutes to cook in a microwave and not much more time if fried with other ingredients. And those other ingredients, like a lot of fresh or frozen verggies can bulk it out with just a little meat, fish or shellfish into a main meal that's really energy saving in all respects.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Agreed

[@barbararoberts4471]

Hi Jane, your video really hit home today. We have always been big meat eaters, but that has changed with the rising prices here in Canada. I have been stockpiling beans, canned meat and fish, rice and other grains. I do still buy as much fresh produce as possible, make stock for soups and stews that are plant based. They are really quite yummy and satisfying and of course a good value for stretching the food budget. Thanks for sharing.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching

[@heatherj3030]

This is a really helpful. I do some of this, but it's easy to forget ways to save. I've gotten more serious about gardening and food preservation. There's a learning curve to gardening, and I've had successes and failures, but overall it's been good, and has saved us money, but more importantly, I gained skills in case things get worse economically. Your videos definitely remind me where I can improve. Thank you for the tips.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you

[@katielee9354]

Im all about being prepared as well. iv spent this weekend collecting as many recipes l could find for thrifty meals and also to use possible 'left over produce' in my fridge that seems to happen even when l meal plan. Im disabled and we have no car, so cant get out to look in 'reduced section' at supermarkets for meals, which l definitely would do if l could. But my home del is only for foods on sale and l meal plan from that. My husband has finished planting all our long term fruits in the garden now ie rhubarb, all berry fruits and semi dwarf apple pear, tree etc, all bought on sale on ebay. All flowers are now only to be grown at front garden leaving more space more easy to grow veg nk year ie potatoes, toms, beans, salads, . Even front garden might be used now for food growing l think. Our plan is that at least one meal a day will be 'free' from the back garden produce. l heard many years ago that the UK government has a future plan 'ready' for food rationing again if needed, so now is the time to collect as many thrifty recipes as possible and write them down as we may not even have access to the internet. if power cuts. Even a window sill will grow salads and a balcony can grow toms, potatoes , beans, We dont buy compost, we use the free Lasnage layer method for my veg plot and containers. & it definitely works. My seeds are saved each yr and potatoes , toms , etc are grown from supermarket ones. So all my food grown is free. We spend approx 2 hr or less per week growing food.

[@sheilaloxton-best1330]

How inspiring,well done.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You’re doing great

[@ohmcintyre2067]

Hi, Jane! I’m not quite as organized as you are, but I keep a rough track of prices and can see that many of my food products here in the US have gone up 30% in the past year also: 42 ounces of store brand oatmeal has risen from $2.98 to $3.98 (when I can get it, often there is only the even more expensive name brand left), 50 pounds of store brand dog food (cheapest) has risen from $18 to $29. I rarely eat meat so I can’t speak to that, but eggs and dairy have gone up 25-30% also. When I see a good price on butter or cheese, I’ll buy several packages and freeze it. I’m making lots of soups and stir fries and have started my small winter garden with lettuce and greens.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Those are big increases

[@xxkittymeowxx8093]

Love your channel ! Just found you ! Very good advice ! Have been implementing most of these ideas for 3 years. I am retired on S.S. in the U.S. and have to watch my spending !

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Kitty

[@villamathilda6984]

Wow! Such an inspirational video! Thank you! As always love from Sweden ❤

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you

[@patmartin9727]

I never turn down any excess food I am offered by people who don’t want it. I can always use it or freeze it for later. If I can’t use it up I will pass it on to someone else who can. Like wise when I have surplus supply’s I hand them on to others.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Good point Pat.

[@pamelapaul1709]

I’m in England so totally agree with you about the cost of everything skyrocketing, we were watching a lot more carefully what we spent and what we could save, then last Monday our youngest daughter got the call we had been praying for and in the Early hours of Tuesday she had a heart transplant, I am now staying up at the hospital close to her and are so thankful that we followed common sense and put money to one side to help and have no debts to worry about, as you never know what’s around the corner

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Best wishes to your daughter.

[@socorro6476]

In recent weeks, I am paying much more attention to serving portions. Even though I am well stocked up with supplies. Part of me refuses to buy the expensive items now. I live alone, but also we’ll aware of those in need and am planning to help others if they have no other means. A friend is giving me a lot of apples 🍎 tomorrow from her orchard , so I am looking forward to make apple sauce, apple butter and give them out as gifts. I have remaining green onions and green tomatoes to harvest and make something out of them. We can’t waste food. It’s much fun to be creative with cooking food in the pantry or freezer.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching and commenting

[@kerstinkiel5314]

Most of my diet is protein, my tummy is not so good with a lot of carbs, so I tend to buy my meats first - pork, mince, chicken, bacon, fish and then I'll spend whatever is left in the budget on remaining food stuffs so depending on the price of the meats that week determines what else I can buy eg.. salads might be a bit plainer, no biscuits etc. I also need to buy some kitchen utensils that will help cut down on waste.. i need a drizzler? for oil rather than pouring it straight from the bottle. Any more idea's along this line would be gratefully received. Also following your advice my fiance in France had stocked up on instant potato mash ( you warned of a possible potato shortage in France) . I also made him buy a camping stove and a builders light in case of power cuts - more sensible advice from you. You mentioned apple chutney which sounds just lovely - do you have the recipe anywhere? Thank you Jane for all your sensible advice during these difficult times.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

The apple chutney is on our channel.

[@cherylei6258]

💐 Get well soon!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you

[@lisaward3890]

Hello Jane& Mike,we do stock up on different things in our kitchen. We also stock up on just add water type meals,like for people that backpack hike or camp. I think they are called freeze dried meals. Yes checking our cupboards first is a great practice. When a person peels potatoes,the peels can be roasted in the oven for a simple snack,i make them! Knowing about substitutions are helpful,that way a person will not be caught in a panic! I have begun batch cooking now. I use slow cookers,instant pot!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks very much for watching

[@blue-penmisty-dawn3682]

Thanks for all your helpful tips! You reminded me of a few I had forgotten!👍💖

[@lavondakrout2848]

Jane, you are so right about making do with what you already have, and what is available. I needed to make a birthday cake for a friend today, and a couple of years ago I might have made a Julia Child chocolate cake (which was fairly expensive, and used almost every dish and pan in the kitchen!), today I pulled some frozen zucchini out of the freezer, and made a walnut zucchini cake. My friend was thrilled, my husband loved it, and I spent nothing extra, using all ingredients that we already had. On the topic of prices...this week here in Indiana at Aldi large 5 pound packages of chicken legs were 99 cents a pound. Bet you can guess what we are eating this week!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Well done

[@loisbriggs5675]

Hi from Australia. Your zucchini cake sounds wonderful. Would you be willing to share the recipe? If not, no problem. You are very fortunate that your Aldi has such good deals. Doesn’t seem to happen over here. Kind regards.

[@barbarasheers1273]

Excellent discussion. Thanks you gave me "food" for thought.

[@wendysusan-wo4pv]

Our food in Canada seems to get more expensive every week! It makes budgeting a real challenge. I have had to cut down on what I buy, if I want to stay within my budget.

[@adaly5115]

Hi Jane and Mike we are doing the very same as yourselves with our buying food and meal planning and building up a reserve. It was after you did your vlog on Rationing that we the financial committee decide to do this way thank you Anna. P.S. You are looking a bit better but do take it easy both of you.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you