Today, cooking often looks very different from how our grandparents used to prepare meals. In an age of complete meal delivery kits, pre-packaged convenience foods, and specialty ingredients, the art of cooking simple, affordable meals can feel like a lost skill. But there’s a lot we can learn from how earlier generations approached food.
The secret wasn’t about having fancy tools or expensive groceries. It was about creativity, resourcefulness, and respect for every ingredient used. Whether it was turning leftover scraps into soup, baking bread from scratch, or growing herbs in the backyard, these habits weren’t just about saving money—they were about making food an integral part of life.
In today’s fast-paced world, going back to these old-school methods might seem like a daunting task, but it’s easier than you think. And the best part? Cooking like your grandparents can save you money while helping you eat healthier and more sustainably.
Plan Meals Around What You Have
Our grandparents didn’t shop with endless recipes in mind. Instead, they cooked based on what they already had at home. Meal planning often revolved around seasonal ingredients, pantry staples, and leftovers that needed to be used up. You can do the same by taking stock of your fridge and pantry before heading to the store. Build your meals around ingredients that are already on hand and buy only what’s necessary to fill in the gaps. It’s a simple habit that can lead to significant savings over time.
Embrace Simple, Seasonal Ingredients
Grandparents often relied on seasonal produce because it was fresher, tastier, and cheaper than out-of-season items. They also didn’t expect their meals to feature dozens of exotic ingredients. A pot of vegetables, some beans, and a bit of seasoning could create a filling and flavorful dinner.
So why not try to focus on local, in-season produce when planning your meals. It’s often less expensive and can inspire you to experiment with new flavors. Plus, simple dishes don’t need to be boring—sometimes, the most basic ingredients create the best meals.
Cook in Bulk
Batch cooking wasn’t a trend for your grandparents; it was a way of life. Large pots of soup, stew, or casserole could feed a family for days. Leftovers weren’t seen as a hassle—they were tomorrow’s lunch or dinner.
Consider making larger portions of your favorite recipes and freezing leftovers for future meals. It saves time on busy days and ensures you always have something ready to eat without resorting to takeout.
Learn the Art of Scratch Cooking
Many of the pre-packaged and ready-made items we rely on today simply didn’t exist in your grandparents’ time. They baked their own bread, made their own sauces, and even whipped up desserts from scratch. While it might take a little extra time, making things from scratch is almost always cheaper than buying pre-made versions.
Use Every Part of the Ingredient
Waste wasn’t an option in the kitchens of the past. From bones to vegetable peels, every part of the ingredient was used in one way or the other. Bones became stock, stale bread turned into breadcrumbs or croutons, and overripe fruit was transformed into jams or baked goods. Today, this zero-waste mindset can help you stretch your budget and reduce food waste.
Make Meat a Supporting Player
Meat was often treated as a luxury item, not the centerpiece of every meal. Instead, dishes featured filling grains, beans, or vegetables, with small amounts of meat used to add flavor. This approach made meals more affordable and often healthier. Incorporating more plant-based meals into your week or using meat more sparingly might just be the tip you need to cut your grocery costs.
Grow What You Can
Backyard gardens and even small windowsill herb pots were staples for many grandparents. Growing food wasn’t just a hobby—it was a necessity and a way to save money while ensuring a steady supply of fresh ingredients.
If you have space, try planting a small garden with easy-to-grow vegetables like tomatoes, zucchini, or leafy greens. Even if space is tight, a few pots of basil, parsley, or mint can add fresh flavor to your meals without costing a dime after the initial setup.
Keep It Simple
One of the biggest lessons from grandparent-style cooking is that simplicity is key. Meals didn’t need to be elaborate or overly fancy to be satisfying. A pot of soup, a loaf of bread, and a simple salad were often enough to feed a family. By focusing on simple recipes and techniques, you can save money, reduce stress in the kitchen, and rediscover the joy of cooking. Sometimes, less really is more.