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Eating at home saves money
Dave Ramsey uses the metaphor of a “Rice and Beans, Beans and Rice” diet to explain to his listeners that if they want to get out of debt, they need to go bare-bones with their food budget. That means eating at home instead of eating out and planning meals to keep the grocery bill down.
I am usually pretty good at shopping sales and using coupons. I try to keep my pantry stocked with nonperishable food, not only for everyday meals but also for emergencies. You never know when you will lose power and have to heat something on your wood stove or grill.
A “Rice and Beans, Beans and Rice” meal budget doesn’t have to be boring, and eating actual Rice and Beans can be pretty good. Check out all of my Rice and Bean recipes here
Buying in bulk can also save you money in the long run, but only if you are going to use all of the product and if you do the math to make sure you are getting the best price per unit. (Total item price ÷ unit weight or number = price per unit.) Example: Members Mark 25 lb bag of rice was on Amazon for $11.72 ÷ 25 pounds = 46¢ a pound. The cheapest 1-pound bag of rice I found was $1.66, which would be $41.50 for 25 pounds; that’s a savings of $29.78.
Some items I recommend buying in Bulk that can be stored for a long time include:
White Rice
If stored properly in the pantry or freezer, white rice can last well past the “best-by date”. White rice will store well for up to 10 years at room temperature. In cooler storage areas, rice sealed in oxygen-free containers can be stored for up to 30 years.
Beans
Either dry or canned. Dry beans will save you money, but canned beans will save you time. Canned beans will store well for 5-10 years if kept in a cool, dry place. Dry beans can last up to 30 years if stored properly in a sealed container. They do start to lose moisture after a few years, so you will need to increase your soaking and cooking times when you use them.
Oats
Both rolled and Instant Oats can be stored for a long time. Instant Oats, if stored in an air-tight container, can last for several years. Rolled Oats can last for up to 30 years if stored in an air-tight container in a cool environment. Oats can be used to make your own flour, cereal, and granola bars.
Honey
Honey can last forever. Honey may crystallize over time, but it will still be safe to eat. You can de-crystallize it by warming it up; the best way is to place the jar in a pan of hot water and stir while gently heating it on the stove. Do not overheat it. You can store it in the container it’s sold in. Just avoid heat and moisture. Moisture can cause honey to turn into mead.
Quinoa
Quinoa is a seed, not a grain; it can last for several years past its “best-by date”. It needs to be stored in a cool, dry place to prevent mold. Never eat moldy quinoa. Quinoa should keep well for 3-4 years. Cooked Quinoa will keep well in the freezer for a year.
Cheese
Whenever cheese goes on sale, I buy extra and freeze it. Cheese maintained at 0° F lasts indefinitely from a safety perspective, but the quality deteriorates over time. Blocks of cheese may become crumbly after freezing and are best used for cooking. Freeze it in the vacuum-sealed package you purchased it in or in a freezer bag with all of the air pressed out.
Pasta
Dry Pasta will last for years past the “best by date,” especially if stored in an air-tight container in a cool, dry place. Dry pasta can lose flavor and quality over time, but it will still be safe to eat with a shelf life of 8-30 years.
- ROTINI PASTA: Rotini are two-inch lengths of thick, screw-like pasta whose twists and spirals embrace refined and simple sauces
- BARILLA PASTA: Made with durum wheat to deliver great taste and perfect "al dente" texture every time
- CREATE DELICIOUS PASTA MEALS: Pasta lovers pair rotini pasta with a light tomato sauce (with or without finely diced vegetables), a dairy-based blend, or an oil-based blend
- COOKS TO PERFECTION EVERY TIME: Perfect fun shaped pasta in 7-8 minutes for quick meals and weeknight dinners
- NON-GMO & KOSHER CERTIFIED PASTA: Barilla Rotini pasta is crafted with high quality Non-GMO ingredients and is kosher certified
- PENNE PASTA: The ridges of Penne make it ideal for retaining sauces on the entire surface, inside and out
- BARILLA PASTA: Made with durum wheat to deliver great taste and perfect "al dente" texture every time
- CREATE DELICIOUS PASTA MEALS: Pair penne pasta with a chunkier meat or vegetable-based pasta sauce, a refined dairy-based pasta sauce, tomato sauce, or a spicy sauce
- COOKS TO PERFECTION EVERY TIME: Perfect pasta in 11-12 minutes
- NON-GMO and KOSHER CERTIFIED PASTA: Barilla Penne pasta is crafted with high quality Non-GMO ingredients and is kosher certified
- PREMIUM QUALITY PINTO BEANS: High-quality, dried pinto beans, perfect for a variety of savory dishes.
- VERSATILE COOKING INGREDIENT: Ideal for refried beans, burritos, chili, soups, salads, and side dishes.
- NUTRIENT-RICH: Packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins, supporting a healthy and balanced diet.
- LONG SHELF LIFE BULK PACK: 4 lb. bulk bag of dried pinto beans, perfect for stocking up on pantry essentials.
- COST-EFFECTIVE AND SUSTAINABLE: A budget-friendly, plant-based staple that’s perfect for meal prepping, vegetarian, and vegan diets.
- One 16 ounce bag of pinto beans
- Some of your favorite Amazon Fresh products are now part of the Amazon Grocery brand! Although packaging may vary during the transition, the ingredients and product remain the same. Thank you for your continued trust in our brands
- Excellent source of fiber
- Non GMO
- May contain soy
- REIMAGINE TRADITIONAL: Craft your favorite recipes in a whole new way with Mahatma Extra-Long-Grain Rice. This long-grain white rice works with any flavor combination and always turns out light and fluffy!
- EASY RICE: Prepare rice according to package directions. On a stovetop, add 1 cup rice to 2 cups boiling water for 20 minutes or until water absorbs. Alternatively, microwave the above measurements on HIGH for 5 minutes, for 15 minutes at 50% power, then let stand for 5 minutes.
- TRUSTED VEGAN FOOD: Our bulk white rice is 100% vegan and vegetarian, but that's not all. It's free from gluten, MSG, and preservatives and verified by the Non-GMO Project. It's even kosher, so you can gather everyone you love around your table!
- REWRITE RECIPES: Start your day with cheesy rice omelets. Try a rice salad, soup, or veggie burrito bowl for lunch. Build dinner with our rice and a protein like chicken. You can even craft dessert—pudding, pie, or a traditional Latin-American arroz con leche!
- HEART & SOUL OF THE FAMILY TABLE: Mahatma rice is for all who give so much of themselves to provide their families with the best life possible. For close to 100 years, we’ve poured our heart and soul into every bag of quality rice and grains—so you can enjoy it with those you love.
- Store rice in a cool, dry place in an airtight container to preserve freshness and prevent moisture or pests
