5 Cheap Items To Make Your Groceries Last Way Longer
Written by
Heather Altamirano
Edited by
Jenna Klaverweiden
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Putting food on the table is expensive, and it doesn’t help that the cost of groceries keeps going up. From 2020 to 2024, food prices increased 23.6%, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, causing Americans to shell out even more at the register.
On top of high costs, Americans waste $473 billion in food each year, according to Feeding America. However, there are solutions to save money and avoid throwing out costly groceries.
Here are five items that can help your food last way longer, which can save you money since you won’t be tossing out spoiled pricey food.
Also see five money-saving food habits to pick up during a recession.
Lerine Reusable Gallon Freezer Bags
- Price: $9.93
A pack of six Lerine reusable bags from Amazon is ideal for “providing the perfect protection for fruits, veggies, raw meat, seafood and leftovers for long-term storage in the freezer,” according to Kyle Taylor, a chef and founder of He Cooks.
The bags are convenient and easy to use. They’re dishwasher safe, leak-proof and high quality.
Zwilling Vacuum Sealer and Containers
- Price: $79.99
Another way to keep food longer is using vacuum sealer containers. “They remove air in seconds, preserving fresh fruit and vegetables significantly,” Taylor said.
His go-to is the Zwilling vacuum sealer and containers, which are easy to use and make meal prep simple. You can find it on Amazon for $79.99.
Food Huggers Reusable Silicone Food Savers
- Price: $17.99
Fresh produce is typically on everyone’s shopping list, but it has a short shelf life. However, there’s an easy way to keep fruits and vegetables longer with the Food Huggers reusable silicone food savers, which are great for anything from lemons to bell peppers to bananas.
These are great products to have because they won’t take up too much space and they work. Amazon sells a five-pack for $17.99.
“I already have a set and bought 2 more sets for gifts. It’s great to store lemons, limes, tomatoes and onions face down in these and not use plastic. Its important to store them flat in the fridge or they may fall out out of the little silicone cup. There are different sizes to choose from. Good purchase!” one reviewer wrote.
GripStic Assorted Bag Clips
- Price: $23.95
The GripStic assorted bag clips aren’t your average chip clips. These keep out air and moisture so your food stays fresher longer. Plus, they’re small and compact so they won’t take up too much precious drawer space. Amazon sells a 12-pack for under $24.
“Great idea and works very well. I have owned this brand for a couple of years and I have had no issues. I use them for resealing potato chips, cookies, crackers, bread, etc.,” one Amazon reviewer wrote.
Stasher Reusable Silicone Bags
- Price: $20.00
Stasher reusable silicone bags are great for keeping produce fresh. You can find a six-pack of 12-ounce bags on sale now at MorningSave. They’re also chef-approved.
John Adler, head chef and senior vice president of Blue Apron, uses the bags often and has had the same set for five years with no signs of wear and tear.
“They are excellent for vegetable and fruit storage, as well as for packing snacks when you are on the go or packing your kids’ lunch,” he said. “I really love their sturdy bottoms, which make them easy to pack, store in the fridge, and ensure that they don’t get smashed up.”
Buying food isn’t cheap these days, and these items can make your dollar stretch further and keep more money in your wallet. By not throwing away premature rotten food, you can save money and cut down on waste.
Editor’s note: Pricing and availability may vary depending on location.
More From GOBankingRates
Sources
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, “Food Prices and Spending.”
- Feeding of America, “Food waste statistics in the US.”
- Kyle Taylor, He Cooks
- John Adler, Blue Apron
