How I Save Money on Allergy-Friendly Ingredients & Stretch Meals That Go the Distance

Living gluten, dairy, and egg free can feel expensive at times—especially when specialty ingredients and allergy-friendly staples seem to cost a premium. But over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to keep my grocery bill in check while still feeding my family nourishing, delicious meals.

🛒 Where I Shop Smart

I’m a big believer in being strategic with where and how you shop.

• Local monthly produce box — One of my best finds is a monthly box of fruits and vegetables from a local supplier. It’s incredibly low-cost and keeps my fridge stocked for weeks with fresh, seasonal produce.

• No-frills grocery stores — For pantry staples like gluten-free flour, canned coconut milk, and dried beans, I head to a no-frills store that doesn’t carry fancy extras or overpriced deli counters. They keep the basics affordable, and that’s exactly what I need.

• Flyer hunting — I scour flyers each week for deals on the items I use regularly. Patience pays off when you can buy gluten-free pasta, vegan mayo, or vegan butter on sale and stock up.

• Bulk Barn — Bulk shopping is a game changer for ingredients like nuts, seeds, and gluten-free flours. Buying only what I need saves money and reduces waste.

  
  

🍲 Batch Cooking & Freezing for Busy Weeks

I’m a fan of cooking once and eating many times over.

• Meatballs in bulk — I make a big batch of meatballs and freeze them. Each week I season them differently—sometimes Italian style, other times Asian-inspired—to keep meals exciting without extra work.

• Soups to go — Big pots of soup get portioned into single servings and frozen for quick lunches or easy dinners on hectic days.

• Lasagna for later — My allergy-friendly lasagna freezes beautifully. It’s a lifesaver to just pop it in the oven when I need a comforting meal fast or company comes over.

  
  

🥄 My Top Tips for Saving Money on Allergy-Friendly Groceries:

• Make a meal plan based on flyers and sales — no impulse buys!

• Buy in bulk for ingredients you use a lot

• Freeze leftovers or batch-cooked meals for quick reheating

• Shop local and seasonal produce to maximize freshness and value

• Don’t be afraid to mix and match flavors on batch meals

  
  

✅ Want More Tips & Recipes?

My cookbooks are full of allergy-friendly recipes designed for busy families who want simple, affordable, and delicious meals.

Download my Simply Sides eBook with 15 easy side dishes for $6.99, or grab my full cookbook, Simply Meals, with 40+ recipes to make allergy-friendly cooking easier and more fun.

Download Simply Sides

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