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Food Prices To Rise By 15%, According To Report (PLUS Tips Eating Healthy For Less)

Food Prices Set To Rise: Tips To Eat Well For Less
The Huffington Post UK

A report released earlier this week warned consumers to prepare for a 15% increase as farmers are struggling to afford expensive animal feed for their stock.

Published by investment bank Robobank, the report estimates that food prices would soar to record highs by 2013, purse strings are set to get even tighter.

The US has experienced the worst drought in decades which has seen retail prices of soybean and corn rise dramatically.

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As reported by LA Times, many food items will see an increase next year. Beef and veal could increase by as much as 5% and dairy products by 4.5% in 2013.

To help prepare for the inevitable squeeze, HuffPost UK Lifestyle have come up with some simple changes to get that all important healthy food for less.

Eat Healthy For Less
Find Meat Alternatives(01 of09)
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This may sound like an obvious one, but replacing meat with vegetable sources of protein like rice, beans and lentils, will always help reduce costs. That goes double during this period, when the USDA specifically predicts a price hike in animal protein. The Environmental Working Group recommends reducing meat-based meals by two additional meals per week, replacing them with lentils or beans for significant savings. (credit:alamy)
Skip Prepared Foods(02 of09)
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Not only are boxed, frozen meals, pizzas and burritos more likely to be processed and laden with excess sugar, fat and salt, they're also generally more expensive, according to the EWG. (credit:alamy)
Plan With A Shopping List(03 of09)
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Grocery stores are designed to encourage more purchases, so walking in without a game plan can be dangerous for your bottom line. Instead, come equipped with a list full of staples that get you the most bang for your buck. (credit:alamy)
Think About The Nutrient You Want(04 of09)
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Want fiber? Black beans and popcorn may be the cheapest sources. Need to up your protein intake? Go for canned tuna. For a more complete list of swaps, check out Fitbie's suggestions. (credit: FLICKR: RARAMAURINA)
Preserve!(05 of09)
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Buying in bulk is a cheap way to get a lot of food in your larder, but healthful fruits and veggies can go bad before you can eat them. That's where pickling, jarring and canning can come in handy -- it's a cheap, healthful way to keep seasonal produce all year round. Start by checking out the National Center for Home Food Preservation, a government resource that provides guides on safe canning, pickling and other forms of preserving. (credit:Flickr: JMacPherson)
Freeze(06 of09)
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Another form of preservation, freezing is a good option for perishable items like meat and cheese, in addition to produce. The EWG also points out that freezing allows buyers to bring home family-sized packs that are on sale, further helping with savings. (credit:alamy)
Grow Your Own(07 of09)
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Though there's an initial investment in starting a garden -- the seedlings, planting boxes, fertilizers, tools and other instruments do add up -- there are incredible gains, too: a steady source of organic, fresh fruits and veggies. If you don't have a backyard, rooftops, balconies and community plots work just fine. Want to learn how to create your own veggie garden? Real Simple has some good tips. (credit:Alamy)
Vouchers(08 of09)
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This is an obvious one, but so many people don't do it. Using vouchers is a great way to get organic and other pricier health foods at a discount. (credit:Alamy)
Buy Dry(09 of09)
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Dried beans are cheaper than canned. Dry milk, mixed with water, makes a cheaper and no less healthful substitute for recipes. Get bulk bags of dry oats for oatmeal, rather than the more perishable boxes of cereal. Dried fruits are another way to keep vitamin-packed goodies on your shelves for longer periods. (credit:Alamy)
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