As grocery prices continue to climb, many Americans are getting inventive with their leftovers. Even though overall food inflation has eased, staples like beef, chocolate, and coffee are still becoming pricier.
Home cooks are creatively transforming scraps into meals, using ideas like “pizza eggs” or setting a specific night for leftovers. A recent survey indicated that nearly half of consumers report they’re now opting for leftovers more often.
A Nashville chef, Amanda Frederickson, has sparked interest in a trend called “fridge grouting,” where leftover ingredients are repurposed into new dishes. This approach gained traction during the pandemic and seems to be holding strong. “When you throw away food, you literally throw away money,” she said, highlighting the focus on budget meals.
The USDA notes that on average, American households waste about $1,500 yearly due to discarded food. In Minnesota, Sarah Dougall has revived the classic college dish, pizza eggs, where she fries leftover pizza with eggs for breakfast. She also uses leftover rice to whip up fried rice for dinner.
Chicago architect Kelly Baer collects vegetable scraps and leftover bones in her freezer to prepare soups and grains later. “Everyone is really well trained” in their household about these cost-saving techniques, she mentioned.
Grocery brands are noticing this shift too. Brendan Foley, from a spice manufacturer, pointed out that consumers are buying more seasonings to enhance their home cooking as a way to save money.
On platforms like Reddit, users discuss how to think outside the box with their leftovers, suggesting a shift in mindset. One user shared a practical tip: instead of asking what to do with leftover chicken, consider all possible dishes you could create with it over a week. Another called their leftovers a “remix,” showcasing how versatile they can be.
Some people refer to creating meals from leftovers as “survival night,” while others draw inspiration from Chinese cuisine, creating various bite-sized options. The USDA also advises using stale bread for French toast and reusing or freezing food to get the most out of what you buy.
Freezing items like fruits, vegetables, and pre-cooked meals can help maintain freshness and stretch grocery budgets. And for storing leftovers, experts recommend refrigerating food promptly, using airtight containers, and ensuring leftovers are heated thoroughly to prevent foodborne illness.
