People Are Sharing The Food Substitutions They're Making Now That Groceries Are So Expensive

"I'm using ground chicken a lot more instead of ground beef. Around here, it's less than half the price of ground beef and leaner."

"Chips and similar junk food have gotten so expensive. Now, I snack on celery and hummus. Celery in my area is only expensive if it's precut, so I chop it myself, and the store brand hummus is only a couple bucks. I also look for any apples on sale to eat with peanut butter. I feel way better when I stick to healthy snacks, too."

"Make your own spice mixes instead of buying pre-made packets. I use a LOT of chili powder, so I found a DIY version. And bonus: I literally already had everything I needed for it. I've also made blackening seasoning, fajita seasoning, and taco seasoning."

"I've given up on buying frozen pizzas (my favorite one is nearly $8 now). The point was to have something quick and easy, but for that price, I'll just buy a rotisserie chicken that will last many meals. Aside from eating the chicken with rice, I've pulled it apart to make chicken salad sandwiches, tacos, and more. Then, any leftover meat goes into the freezer."

Grocery prices are causing widespread stress, prompting shoppers to change buying and cooking habits. Many substitute cheaper proteins like ground chicken for ground beef to save money and reduce fat. Snack choices have shifted from expensive processed items to affordable produce with simple accompaniments, such as celery with hummus or apples with peanut butter. Home preparation of spice mixes replaces pre-made packets, using existing pantry staples. Consumers prioritize versatile, value items like rotisserie chickens to provide several meals, repurpose leftovers into sandwiches or tacos, and freeze portions to extend food value and reduce waste.

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