As we move further into summer, Americans may notice food costs continue to climb, but at a slower clip than in recent years. After rising 5.8% in 2023, the food-at-home Consumer Price Index eased to just 1.2% growth in 2024 and is forecast to increase about 2.2% in 2025 — a touch below the 20-year historical average — according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Last year, a group of 10 could expect to spend $71.22 for a summer cookout. That estimate included hamburger buns, cheese, ground beef, cookies, ice cream, strawberries, chips, chicken breasts, pork chops, pork and beans, lemonade and potato salad. With this year’s projected changes, that identical meal is anticipated to cost roughly $70.92 — a slight decline from the prior year, mostly because poultry and fruit prices have softened.
Even with cookout costs still relatively high, how can you pull off summer cooking without breaking the bank?
11 Tips for Summer Cooking on a Budget
These inexpensive summer cooking strategies can impress your guests and your wallet. You might even save time and reduce stress in the process.
1. Break Out the Slow Cooker
Slow cookers and one-pot dinners have been trending for several years.
They’re incredibly simple: add your ingredients, set the time and temperature, and go about your day. Cleanup is minimal.
Even better, slow cookers shine with cheaper cuts of meat that need long, slow cooking to become tender. Using a slow cooker also lets you spend more time with guests and keeps the oven off so your air conditioning doesn’t have to work overtime.
2. Grow Your Own Herbs and Vegetables
Starting a small garden takes some effort up front, but you’ll undoubtedly save money over time — especially if you regrow vegetables from kitchen scraps. If yard space is limited, begin modestly by using a sunny windowsill.
3. Go All in on Freezer Meals
Want a juicy budget tip for summer cooking? Rely on items you already have in the freezer. It’s an easy way to prepare meals, helps you avoid extra purchases, and clears out your freezer.
Pizza. Lasagna. Chicken fingers. Turn it into a fun summer evening meal and involve the kids.
Conversely, stock your freezer with ready-to-eat meals for those long summer days when you’d rather not cook.
4. Host a Potluck Cookout
You supply the grill and the burgers or chicken, and have friends bring the rest.
Assign sides, desserts and beverages to your guests. This reduces the burden on both your budget and your time, and lets you relax and enjoy a pleasant summer evening with friends.
5. Make Your Own Salad Dressings and Marinades
Most salad dressings and marinades are simple to make — concocting your own keeps you from buying pricier bottled options.
Whether it’s ranch, a classic vinaigrette or honey mustard, Bless This Mess shares nine easy dressing recipes. For grilling, these marinade ideas from The Pioneer Woman use inexpensive pantry staples.
6. Buy Veggies That Stay Fresh Longer
Vegetables such as cabbage, carrots, sweet potatoes and onions will last for at least a month — often longer with proper storage.
Produce like peppers, mushrooms, leafy greens and asparagus spoil faster, so plan to use those first.
7. Take Advantage of Free Grocery Pickup
Some big grocery chains offer free in-store pickup, while others provide it for orders above a set amount.
Shopping for groceries online can help you cut costs because you’re more deliberate with purchases and less prone to impulse buys. Plus, it saves time. You may need to download the store’s app to arrange pickup.
8. Join Your Store’s Loyalty Program
It’s not 1988 anymore. You don’t need a massive coupon binder to save on groceries.
Nearly every major retailer has a loyalty program accessible via its app. Stores can offer discounts based on your spending patterns, and those savings appear right in the app. Save money and a tree at the same time!
9. Go Vegetarian (for One Night a Week)
Eating everything isn’t cheap. Animal proteins can be costly.
A 2021 study from Oxford University found that switching to vegetarian or vegan meals can reduce food expenses by up to 33%. That doesn’t require a permanent change — try a meatless night now and then to trim costs.
10. Pick Cheaper Cuts of Meat
When it’s time for meat again, skip expensive filets and rib-eyes and opt for more economical grilling choices like pork chops or chicken thighs.
Some of these cuts can be a bit tougher, so consider using a slow cooker (see #1) or grilling low and slow to tenderize them.
11. Know Your Dates
Not the fruit — the dates on packaging. “Best by” or “sell by” dates don’t always mean what you assume. According to the USDA, “best if used by” labels indicate peak quality and, except for baby formula, do not necessarily signal safety.
Products may gradually decline after that date, but it’s up to you to inspect for spoilage, mold, off smells and other signs of food gone bad. If everything appears fine, you could very well save a few dollars.
Alex Mercer is a senior staff writer at Savinly covering earning, saving and managing money. He has written about personal finance for more than a decade.
