Does anyone else just put their head in the palms every morning when you read the news? You’re not alone. If you think grocery prices are rising faster than a soufflé, it’s not your imagination. A lot has happened in the past years and it really has changed the way the world operates. Now we're facing a curveball with tariffs, which are basically taxes on goods that come from other countries. These tariffs can raise the price of everything from fresh fruits and veggies to meat, packaged foods, and even packaging. With prices rising unpredictably, it can feel like a lot to manage. But don’t worry, you’ve got options! The team at The Chef & The Dish eats extremely well. We also have very, very low grocery bills. Why? Because we're grocery experts. We hear stories of friends who have families and are spending $1,000+ a month on groceries. Holy moly! Little changes will save a ton.
Let's explore how tariffs affect grocery prices, tips to navigate the rising costs, and why learning to cook (especially with fun cooking classes like The Chef & The Dish) can help you save money and keep your kitchen exciting, no matter what’s happening in the world.
What Are Tariffs and How Do They Affect Grocery Prices?
So, what’s the deal with tariffs? Essentially, a tariff is a tax placed on goods imported into a country. If that tax is put on food products (like grains, produce, or meats), it makes those items more expensive to buy. That extra cost usually gets passed down the line to us—the consumers—when we pick up groceries at the store.
For example, if there’s a tariff on imported avocados, they’re going to cost more. Same goes for grains or any other goods that get imported from other countries. Since tariffs can apply to a wide range of grocery items, the result is that prices rise in a way that can be unpredictable and tough to plan for. And it’s not just a temporary inconvenience—tariffs can sometimes affect food costs for months or even years. Tariffs also impact the entire supply chain from gas to packaging.
How to Navigate Rising Grocery Costs (Without Freaking Out on the Produce Manager)
Our team eats restaurant quality menus every day. From homemade yogurt with fresh strawberry preserves to made-from-scratch green curry - take it from us, these tips are worth it. Yes, prices are going up. But that doesn’t mean you can’t work with it and keep your grocery bills in check. Here are a few easy tips to help you navigate the higher prices:
1. Go for Seasonal and Local Produce
Buy in season. Buy in season. Say it with us - Buy. In. Season! Seasonal fruits and veggies are always a win when it comes to saving money. They’re usually cheaper because they’re abundant and don’t have to be shipped from far away. So, if you’re noticing that imported produce like bananas or berries are getting pricey, try picking up whatever’s in season. It adds a lot of variation to your diet. Plus, locally grown produce supports small farmers—bonus points for that!
2. Stock Up on Pantry Staples
Buying in bulk is a great way to save money in the long run. Items like rice, beans, pasta, and canned goods last for a while, and you can use them to create a ton of different meals. These pantry staples won’t be as affected by tariffs as fresh produce, so stocking up on them when prices are lower will help you weather the storm when things get a little pricier at the store. It's also good to consider the quality of canned and preserved foods has also never been better. Explore fancy tinned seafood from Europe, or learn how to preserve food at home. We love opening our preserves in the cold of February. It’s incredible how much better these foods can taste!
3. Mix in Some Plant-Based Proteins
I made Beef Bourguignon this weekend. It was fabulous. But meat can get very expensive—especially when tariffs are affecting the price. If you’re looking to save money on protein, try incorporating plant-based options like beans, lentils, quinoa, tofu, and tempeh into your meals. It won't work with a steak, but it absolutely works with a stir-fry or stew! In my Beef Bourguignon, I added extra mushrooms, pearl onions, carrots and threw in non-traditional potatoes as well. Plants can extend your meal and your wallet. Not only are they budget-friendly, but they’re also versatile and can be used in a ton of different recipes.
4. Plan Your Meals Around Sales
We love meal planning. It's incredibly rewarding for anyone who likes being in the kitchen. It's also one of the best ways to save money, especially when food prices are fluctuating. If you plan your meals based on what’s on sale each week, you’ll avoid buying things that are priced higher because of tariffs. Look for discounts on items that can be used in multiple dishes—like pasta, grains, or canned tomatoes—and build your meals around those. For example, cucumbers are on sale here this week - so our meal plan this week includes an Asian Smashed Cucumber Salad, Pork Souvlaki with Tzatziki, a traditional Greek Salad, and a Hungarian Cucumber Salad.
5. Cut Back on Processed Foods (That Includes Pre-cut Produce)
Processed and pre-packaged foods often come with a higher price tag, and those prices only go up when tariffs affect packaging and manufacturing. The more you cook from scratch, the more you’ll save. And while we're at it - we understand the argument that pre-cut produce can save time, but it is so much more expensive and filled with preservatives that are simply not good for you and your family. Invest in your cooking skills so you can learn to cut, dice and chop quickly. Buy a quality knife and learn how to use it! You’ll save a ton of money and your food is so much fresher. Plus, cooking your own meals is a great way to eat healthier, so it’s a win all around.
6. Shop Around for Better Prices
We cannot stress this enough. Don’t just settle for one grocery store. Prices for the same products can vary drastically. Every week when the fliers come out, we mark the best deals at every store. Throughout the week as we’re on our errands, we’ll make a drop in to the nearby market to cash in on the sales. Take a few extra minutes to compare costs at different places. Warehouse stores, like Costco, or discount chains, like Aldi, can also often save you money on the basics. And don’t forget about local farmers’ markets for fresher, possibly cheaper options!
7. Invest in Your Cooking Skills
Here’s where things get fun: learning how to cook can really help you deal with rising food costs. The more you know about preparing meals from scratch, the less you’ll have to rely on expensive pre-made options. You can also use affordable ingredients and still create delicious, restaurant-quality meals.
One of the best ways to get started (or level up) is by taking cooking classes. The Chef & The Dish offers live, online cooking classes with professional chefs from around the world. You can learn to make everything from Italian pasta dishes to Thai curries, all in the comfort of your kitchen. By learning to cook globally inspired meals, you can use ingredients you already have and add some excitement to your daily routine—without the markup of dining out or the 20% gratuity.
8. Grow Your Own Food
We will caution you to be careful on this one. Someone on our team once spent an estimated $50 to grow one little green pepper, but… if you’ve got a little space at home, starting a garden can really help offset rising produce costs. Even if you’re just growing herbs, tomatoes, or leafy greens, you can reduce your reliance on store-bought produce. Plus, gardening is a rewarding hobby that brings fresh ingredients straight to your doorstep. Key tip, learn to grow from seed for the most saving.
Why Cooking Classes Like The Chef & The Dish Are a Financial Game-Changer
Instability in the financial sector causes us all to look at our wallets and retirement savings in horror. We need to be more strategic about spending without giving up the things we love. Cooking is way more fun when you learn something new. Cooking classes like The Chef & The Dish are perfect because they let you learn to cook global cuisines from your own kitchen—no passport needed. Whether you want to master the art of Spanish paella or dive into the flavors of Mexican street food, these online cooking classes give you the chance to try something new and exciting.
Cooking can also be a great way to entertain yourself (and others) without spending tons of money on going out. Instead of blowing your budget on a pricey meal at a restaurant that also is undergoing its own shrinkage, or paying for the babysitter and an Uber, create a global feast at home. You can cook a full dinner for yourself or even host a dinner party with friends and family, all while learning about a new culture’s food traditions.
Plus, cooking is a fantastic way to unwind and relax. Whether you’re following along with a class or improvising with what’s in your pantry, it’s a fun way to shift your focus and enjoy the process, especially when times feel stressful.
Rising grocery prices and tariffs are a real challenge, but you don’t have to let them control your food budget. By shopping strategically, cooking from scratch, and investing in fun cooking classes like The Chef & The Dish, you can keep your kitchen exciting, save money, and still eat well. Not only will learning to cook help you save cash, but it’ll also turn your kitchen into a place of creativity and adventure.
ABOUT THE CHEF & THE DISH
The Chef & The Dish has chefs around the world that you video conference into your kitchen for a private 1:1 virtual cooking class. Learn how to make pasta with a chef video calling you live from Italy, Pad Thai with a chef virtually in your kitchen live from Thailand. Together you cook, share stories, laugh and make a multi course meal together. Rated 'Best Date Night,' 'Best Gifts,' and "Best Cooking Classes" by WSJ, Forbes, Vanity Fair, Martha Stewart, Rolling Stone and tens more. Transport your kitchen for the day.™
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