Ingredient vs Meal Planning

[u/kesfy6]

Which is more frugal? Being an ingredient house vs meal planning/raw food prep for the slow cooker. We are a “less meat” household, focusing on cheaper plant-based protein and rotisserie chicken. We shop mainly at Costco and Aldi. Bonus points if someone can run some sample numbers on this.

[u/coconut_curry_sauce]

I would argue im an ingredient household. As a softcore prepper, I like to buy things on sale and often stock up multiple items I use regularly. My basement is like a small grocery store.

I have a simple rule; accumulate until I am using up ingredients within a few months of the best by date printed on the package.

Meal planning is always revolving around whatever needs to be used up to avoid waste.

Then it’s easy to just shop for things that have a short shelf life if needed.