45 Healthy & Cheap Dinner Ideas To Eat Right All Year Round

Mar 14, 2024

If your takeout bill is nearing astronomical heights and the drive-thru isn't the healthy non-salads you want to be eating, cheap dinner ideas that you can eat at home are the way to go. There are plenty of ideas that will leave you feeling good but still incorporate delicious ingredients.

Even if you're not the biggest fan of cooking, making a tasty dinner doesn't have to be a chore. There are so many fantastic easy-on-the-wallet and 30-minute dinners out there that make for the perfect weeknight meal. Keep scrolling for the best cheap (and tastiest) recipes to make, whether you're getting ready for back to school season or you just want a tasty dinner-for-one.

What is the cheapest thing to make for dinner?

Image via Easy Pasta Sauces

Items like pasta and rice can become a cheap dinner. If you're looking for healthy dinner options, look for seasonal produce — it's usually cheaper than some of the other produce!

What can I cook for under $10?

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Aside from pasta and rice, look for canned foods like beans or corn. The price will also change depending on how many meals you get out of your meal prep. A $50 grocery bill means you can have five $10 meals.

What can feed a lot of people for cheap?

Our favorite meals for a lot of people are soups, casseroles, and large pasta dishes. They're filling, delicious, and there's a good chance you'll have leftovers.

Our Favorite Healthy And Cheap Dinner Ideas For 2023

Image via B+C

April Fools' Meatloaf Recipe

This savory cake is a funny and new take on a classic dinner dish. Don't worry, it still tastes just as good as your regular meatloaf recipe! (via Brit + Co)

Photo by Polina Tankilevitch / PEXELS

The Perfect Al Dente Pasta

We love when we get the opportunity to make a simple dinner fancier, and pasta is always an affordable choice. Grab some veggies (in-season picks should be cheaper!) to add an extra healthy element. (via Brit + Co)

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Shrimp Fajitas Sheet Pan Recipe

Spice up your weeknight with a delicious and colorful recipe. Punchy peppers and spiced shrimp taste amazing together, especially when there's a squeeze of lime juice. (via Brit + Co)

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Basil and Brussel Sprout Mac and Cheese

We've shown you how to make smoked gouda mac in your microwave, adorably miniature mac and cheese muffins, and now it's time to make a more green take on this comfort food classic. After all, when is it not time for a return of the mac… and cheese? (via Brit + Co)

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Lemony Greens Soup

Veggielicious and full of flavor, this nutritious recipe is both delicious and budget-friendly for the win! It makes for a great soup when the weather gets cold, but the peas and the asparagus also make is perfect for summer. (via Brit + Co)

Image via Isabella Martinez-Funcke

Mini Slow-Cooker Lamb Tacos

This dinner may look like a million dollars, but really, this dish is very budget-friendly. Not only does it go easy on your wallet, but it also goes easy on your calendar; just throw it in the slow cooker while you finish work or chores. (via Fiestas: Tidbits, Margaritas & More/Brit + Co)

Image via America’s Test Kitchen

Oven-Roasted Fries

Simple, delicious, and very affordable — potatoes get us every time, especially when they're crispy and served with a creamy dipping sauce! The best part might just be that the oven roasting cuts down on your oil consumption. (via Brit + Co)

Image via Feel Good Foodie

Colorful Greek Salad Recipe

When it's hot outside, you really can't beat a summer salad. And when that summer salad is giving off major Mamma Mia vibes? That's just another green flag. (The onions + olives + peppers + cheese are also pretty great). (via Feel Good Foodie/Brit + Co)

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Simple Walnut-Crusted Salmon

We love this tender, pink fish more than most because it’s tasty and SO easy to make. This nutty recipe is sure to become a weeknight staple that pleases everyone, without breaking the bank. (via Brit + Co)

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Keto-Friendly Zucchini Lasagna

If you’re a zoodle lover than this recipe is for you. Swap in some mean green for the heavier pasta counterpart and you’ll be feeling leaner while your wallet gets fatter. BOOM. (via Brit + Co)

Image via Blue Apron

Chrissy Teigen’s Pork Bánh Mì

As if we needed another reason to love this woman! Learn how to make this quick and authentic Vietnamese sando and save some serious dough (while eating plenty of it, too!). (via Blue Apron/Brit + Co)

Image via B+C

Perfect Fried Rice

No more mushy rice and veggies, just straight fresh, delicious, cost-effective goodness. Bonus: This recipe makes great leftovers, too. Once you nail this recipe, switch up your veggies and meat for a new flavor every time you make it. (via Brit + Co)

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Garlicky Cheese Bread

Who says you shouldn’t eat bread for dinner? Um, nobody! Have a simple meal of deliciousness when you combo this recipe with your favorite Riesling. Truly, a match made in culinary heaven. (via Brit + Co)

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Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta

This one-pot wonder pressure-cooks the pasta in a combo of milk and chicken stock. The result is a creamy and flavorful dish that you won't be able to stop talking about. (via Brit + Co)

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Vegan Cashew Cream Pasta

Ditch the dairy and try a silky, nut-based sauce instead! Cashew is oh-so-creamy and the perfect stand-in for cheese (and we LOVE cheese). Your skin and your stomach will thank you. (via Brit + Co)

Image via B+C

Beef Bulgogi Meatballs

This classic Korean recipe works perfectly as shish kebabs, sliders, or playful finger food. Choose your favorite, or make a buffet of options for the whole family. (via Brit + Co)

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Spaghetti Squash Burrito Bowl

Who says healthy can’t mean a little bit of indulgence? Just prep your fave toppings, roast spaghetti squash, and you’ve got a fancy (and cheap) date night ahead of you.. (via Brit + Co)

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Green Shakshuka

This one-pan wonder takes the most basic ingredients — eggs, tomatillos, and onions — and transforms them into a hearty meal you’ll crave all day. Top with delicious crusty bread and dill. (via Brit + Co)

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Shepherd’s Pie

The crispy, golden mashed potato crust is the star of this dish. The recipe calls for ground lamb, but can just as easily be replaced with beef or turkey depending on your preference and what’s on sale. No matter what you make it with, you’ll enjoy every second of dinner tonight. (via Brit + Co)

Image via B+C

Holiday Leftover Breakfast Hash

Turn your leftovers into something incredible, like a breakfast-style hash with eggs, cherry tomatoes and yesterday’s ham and potatoes. Since the ham and potatoes are already cooked, half the work is done for you. Enjoy with a ton of cracked black pepper and strips of parsley. (via Brit + Co)

These Inexpensive Dinner Ideas Will Change Your Meal Plan

Image via Half Baked Harvest

Butternut Squash and Bacon Pizza

A warm slice of pizza is the ultimate in comfort food. And when you top the pizza with caramelized onions, thin slices of apple, roasted butternut squash, bacon and blue cheese, it’s hard to beat. Perfect for using up the extra produce hanging out in your fridge, this pizza can easily be customized to your liking. Skip the bacon and add crispy roasted chickpeas for a vegetarian twist. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Image via Culinary Hill

Easy Goulash Recipe

With pasta, ground beef, cheese, garlic, and tomatoes (just to name a few), this is one cheap dinner idea that everyone is sure to love. (via Culinary Hill)

Image via Diethood

Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice

Stick with this recipe and you’ll be chowing down on tender garlic shrimp and wild rice in just 20 minutes, using just a few simple ingredients. Besides the pot you used to boil water for the rice, the rest of the dish comes together in a single skillet, so you don’t have to worry about doing a ton of dishes after dinner. (via Diethood)

Image via Love Grows Wild

Biscuits and Gravy

It may be cold outside, but inside you’re bundled up and getting cozy with this classic breakfast-for-dinner meal. The thick fool-proof sausage gravy acts like a warm blanket on the flaky buttermilk biscuits. You’ll already have most of the ingredients in your pantry, but you can save yourself some time and grab a can of store-bought biscuits to make this a quick and easy weeknight staple. (via Love Grows Wild)

Image via The Endless Meal

Chicken Carnitas With Jalapeño Pineapple Salsa

A rotisserie chicken is an economical shortcut in this recipe. Shred the chicken (skin and all) and broil it for a quick 10 minutes, then pile it in a warm tortilla. Add in your favorite toppings like guacamole, a hint of lemon juice and the unforgettable sweet + spicy pineapple pomegranate salsa. Taco Tuesday will never be the same. (via The Endless Meal)

Image via The Whimsical Wife

Whole Roast Chicken

Roasting a whole chicken is not as scary as it seems. Designate a few hours every Sunday afternoon to watching the bird brown in your oven and you’ll never cook chicken another way again. Make sure to let the chicken rest on your counter after baking to give it time to reabsorb all the juices. Use the meat in your salads, quesadillas, and sandwiches for the next week. (via The Whimsical Wife)

Image via The Garlic Diaries

One Pot Mexican Skillet

Another one-pot meal that’s going to change the way you think about weeknight cooking, this recipe is the ideal combination of spicy and savory, and gets most of its flavor from inexpensive spices. Every element of this dish, from the chicken to the whole wheat pasta, is perfectly seasoned since it all cooks together in the same pan. This is one meal that’ll warm you up on the coldest winter nights. (via The Garlic Diaries)

Image via Love and Olive Oil

Pumpkin and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Seasonal without tasting like a pumpkin spice candle, this twist on traditional stuffed shells will have you hoarding cans of pumpkin puree. Enjoy with a small chopped salad and a good glass of wine and you’ll feel like you’re eating at a five-star restaurant instead of your kitchen table. (via Love and Olive Oil)

Image via Well Plated

Kale Pasta With Walnuts and Parmesan

If you’re craving a big bowl of carbs, throw in some kale to balance it out and make sure your body gets all the nutrients it needs to power you through the first few days of 2016. The crunchy walnuts and olive oil dressing take this spaghetti to the next level. A sprinkle of parmesan cheese is the bow that ties it all together. (via Well Plated)

Image via Something New for Dinner

Black Bean Soup

Sometimes you just don’t feel like fussing with an intricate recipe and would rather have a simple, straight-forward meal to fill your hungry tummy. A food processor makes this soup come together in no time, but it can also be done with an immersion blender. Top the soup the same way you would a taco, with guacamole, sour cream, and cilantro. Crush a few tortillas chips and sprinkle over your soup for a crunchy alternative to crackers. (via Something New for Dinner)

Image via Spicy Southern Kitchen

Chicken Pot Pie

This recipe makes enough to feed a group of your hungriest friends, or you can make it for yourself and have enough left to last you the rest of the week. Using leftover rotisserie chicken and a bag of frozen veggies means you can have a meal that tastes like it took all day to make when really you were done in under 45 minutes. Your secret’s safe with us. (via Spicy Southern Kitchen)

Image via Damn Delicious

Baked Ranch Chicken Tenders and Veggies

This kid-friendly recipe will please the pickiest eaters (and skinniest of wallets!). Coat the chicken in corn flakes to get a super crispy crust without frying. Serve alongside your favorite dipping sauces — honey mustard and peppercorn ranch would be delish! (via Damn Delicious)

Image via Love Grows Wild

Cheesy Pumpkin Pasta

This savory pumpkin pasta is just the kind of comforting meal you need after a long day. The creamy sauce completely engulfs whichever type of pasta you use (basically whatever is hanging out in your pantry). Just make sure you use canned pumpkin puree and not spiced pumpkin pie filling. (via Love Grows Wild)

Image via Little Broken

Lentil Chili

Hearty, chunky and good ’til the last bite, this lentil chili will have even the biggest carnivores coming back for a second helping. Transfer three cups of chili to your food processor and blend until smooth, then pour the pureed chili back into the original pot. This helps thicken up your chili without having to add cornstarch or flour, which can sometimes affect the taste. (via Little Broken)

Image via The Clever Carrot

Mediterranean Chicken + Pasta Bake

Go with boneless, skinless chicken thighs, as opposed to the breast, for this recipe. Not only is it a cheaper cut of meat, but it also won’t dry out in the oven. Adding a jar of artichoke hearts and chopped kalamata olives to the pasta will make you think you’re dining off the coast of Greece. (via The Clever Carrot)

Image via I Heart Naptime

Turkey Noodle Soup

Take leftover turkey and turn it to a steaming pot of comfort food at its finest. This basic recipe is like a magic cure-all elixir and will be one of your go-tos for years to come. There’s nothing a big bowl of turkey noodle soup can’t fix. (via I Heart Naptime)

Image via She Likes Food

Vegetarian Sloppy Joes

This lentil and chickpea sloppy joes are packed with protein and are a great meatless Monday recipe. Make your own barbecue sauce or grab a bottle of your favorite one from the store. Either way, this is one meal the whole family will go crazy for but won’t break the bank. (via She Likes Food)

Image via Munching With Mariyah

Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup

This hearty Tuscan white bean soup is one comfort food recipe you'll want to make every week. The shallots and fresh garlic add to the warm base of this dish, creating an unforgettable flavor profile. (via Munching With Mariyah)

Image via Takes Two Eggs

Easy 15 Minute Yaki Udon (Stir Fried Udon Noodles)

Here's another one-pot recipe you can whip up in 15 minutes or less! (via Takes Two Eggs)

Image via Pink Owl Kitchen

Creamy Cajun Mushroom Pasta

A creamy mushroom pasta with cajun flavor? Consider this dish worth adding to our pasta recipes list. (via Pink Owl Kitchen)

Image via Two Peas & Their Pod

Enchilada Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

This budget-friendly recipe takes the classic loaded baked potato recipe and flips it on its head. Using sweet potatoes instead of the russet version, you can easily create a sweet and savory meal that wins the hearts of all who are lucky enough to get a bite. (via Two Peas & Their Pod)

Image via The First Mess

Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Smoky Almond Bits

This cheap dinner idea is so simple you'll wonder why you haven't thought about making it before. And get this - the smoky almond bits are vegan and topped with maple! (via The First Mess)

Image via Kathryn's Kitchen Blog

Pizza Stuffed Bell Peppers

We know pizzais a simple dish to indulge in but did you know you could make pizza stuffed bell peppers? Try making this cheap dinner recipe tonight! (via Kathryn's Kitchen Blog)

Image via Cozy Cravings

Puff Pastry Breakfast Egg Tarts

Breakfast for dinner is always a great idea! (via Cozy Cravings)

Image via Salt & Lavender

Crockpot Ranch Chicken Tacos

This is yet another cheap dinner idea you can cook using your crockpot! (via Salt & Lavender)

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This post has been updated with additional reporting by Jasmine Williams.

9 "Surprising" Foods That Taste Better (And Last Longer) Outside The Fridge

Lately, I’ve been paying closer attention to my grocery receipts. It’s not just the price of eggs — everything feels more expensive, and it's made me think more intentionally about how to make my food last longer. I’ve always hated wasting food. Not only is it tough on the planet, it’s tough on my budget, too. Americans toss out about 38 percent of our food — that’s the equivalent of 145 billion meals ending up in landfills (yikes!). Sure, a big chunk of that comes from restaurants, but even at home, being mindful of waste feels like a win for both the environment and my wallet.

So, instead of putting my groceries away haphazardly, I want to make sure I'm storing everything exactly how — and where — it should go. Luckily, I've learned there are some foods that actually last longer outside of the fridge. And they might surprise you!

Scroll to see the foods you don't need to refrigerate after all...

Alena Darmel

1. Cucumbers

I have never left cucumbers outside the fridge, but it turns out that this can cause them to become too watery. Instead, find an airtight containerand store them in your pantry or countertop. Then toss them in this colorful Greek Salad!

Rens D

2. Bell Peppers

Stashing bell peppers in the fridge can actually make them lose their crunch (who knew?). For peak crispness, keep them at room temperature and enjoy within one to two days. If you're not planning to eat them that quickly, pop them in the fridge to help prevent them from going soft too soon.

Elle Hughes

3. Basil

Store your basil as you would a fresh bouquet of flowers, in a jar with water. Cold temps can cause basil leaves to turn black, so it’s better off out of the fridge.

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4. Butter (And Peanut Butter!)

According to the USDA, butter is best used within a day or two at room temperature to preserve its flavor. When I lived in San Francisco, I could leave it out on the counter year-round without worrying about it melting. Now that I’m in a hotter climate, I keep it out most of the year — just not during the peak of summer. Peanut butter also does well at room temperature, staying smooth and spreadable for up to three months (after which you'll need to refrigerate it).

Pixabay

5. Tomatoes

I grew tomatoes in my garden for the first time last year, and nothing beats the taste of one plucked straight from the vine. To keep that juicy , sun-ripened flavor going, store your tomatoes at room temperature on the counter — not in the fridge. Cold temps can dull their flavor and texture. Try making a simple Tomato Confit recipe to drizzle over bread or pasta, yum!

Gil Ndjouwou

6. Avocados

A friend and I were debating whether avocados belong in the fridge — turns out, they don’t. At least, not until they’re ripe. I eat one almost every day, so I go through them fast, but once they ripen, I pop them in the fridge to slow down the over-ripening. If you’re craving Avocado Toast, stash them in a paper bag to speed things up, or just let them ripen naturally in an open container on the counter.

Natalia Olivera

7. Fresh Bread

If you want to get the most flavor (and life) out of your fresh bread, skip the fridge. Refrigeration actually speeds up staling. Instead, store it in a bread box or basket — somewhere that blocks light but still lets it breathe. Planning to eat it the same day? Leaving it uncovered at room temperature works just fine. Otherwise, a paper bag or the freezer are your best options.

Eric Prouzet

8. Potatoes (Sweet or Otherwise)

I like to keep my potatoes and onions tucked away in the pantry where it’s cool and dark. Storing them in a paper bag at room temperature helps preserve their texture and flavor. The fridge might seem like a good idea, but it can actually do more harm than good — the moisture makes potatoes overly sweet and kind of gritty, and the humidity can cause them to mold more quickly.

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9. Onions & Garlic

Onions, shallots, and garlic can become moldy when exposed to the high humidity of the refrigerator. Store them in a relatively cool, dry place in your pantry or a cabinet that’s not exposed to light. Your onions will remain fresh and ready to use whenever you need them for recipes like this Spring Veggie Galette that I make every year!

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8 Sundresses That Channel Piper’s Style From ‘The White Lotus’

Piper Ratliff's outfits on The White Lotus are exactly what I'm looking to add to my spring and summer wardrobe for 2025. Piper's (Sarah Catherine Hook) style is the perfect mix of bohemian and classy that gives off a certain laidback elegance. And considering I'm a Carolina girl myself (not to mention I'm actually from the beach), I know exactly how to achieve that ultimate vacation vibe. Here are the best sundresses for a White Lotus look...without any of the drama.

Keep reading for the best sundresses to add some Piper Ratliff & White Lotus magic to your summer wardrobe.

How To Get Piper Ratliff's style from 'The White Lotus.'

Fabio Lovino/HBO

Like I mentioned earlier, all of Piper Ratliff's best outfits are a mix of three things: bohemian, classy, and fitted. While the aesthetic is giving girl off duty, her attention to detail means she always looks put together. Because if you ask me, that's the secret to always looking expensive! Her best outfits feature pieces that are fitted in a flattering way, her accessories are intentional, and everything in her outfit is working together. In this case, less is more.

8 Dresses For Summer 2025 Piper Ratliff Would Approve Of

Abercrombie & Fitch

Abercrombie & Fitch Emerson Poplin Wide Strap Midi Dress

This gorgeous dress is perfect for both spring and summer, and it's flirty while still offering plenty of coverage. Plus the blue and white color combo is so giving Carolina.

Madewell

Madewell Seamed Squareneck Midi Dress

To channel Piper's more minimalist outfits, this khaki dress is flattering, elevated, and it lets your accessories take center stage.

J. Crew

J. Crew Squareneck Midi Dress

If you prefer to keep your accessories, low-key, a printed dress will do all the heavy lifting for you. And this print is totally giving White Lotus!

Old Navy

Old Navy Fit & Flare Lightweight Smocked Gingham Midi Dress

You can never have too many fit and flair dresses if you ask me. Especially when they feature fluttery sleeves and a dreamy gingham print.

Anthropologie

Anthropologie LSPACE Calla Midi Dress

For the ultimate beachy look, opt for a lightweight, strappy dress. You can wear it over your bathing suit during the day or a colorful bodysuit at night.

J. Crew

J. Crew Fitted-Waist Shirtdress

If there's anything that makes sense for a preppy Carolina girl, it's a collar. Add some raffia sandals for a Piper Ratliff-approved boho edge.

Anthropologie

By Anthropologie Strapless Drop-Waist Midi Dress

Y'all, I can't stop thinking about this dress. The silhouette! The color! The detail! It's the perfect thing to pack for any vacation...whether or not you're showing up to a White Lotus resort. ;)

Amazon

CUPSHE Beach Dress

Comfy, casual, and some eye-catching details? Sign me up.

Which Piper Ratliff-inspired look will you be rocking this summer? Don't forget to read up on Everything You Need To Know About The WhiteLotus Season Finale.

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

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8 Ways I’m Changing My Grocery Budget Just in Time for Tax Season

There have been many years when I really had to scrimp to pay my taxes, but I’ve found that casseroles, frozen veggies, and meatless meals are a great way to help make ends meet. Admittedly, you should be frugal about your grocery expenditures at any point during the year. But during tax season, it can be especially crucial to pinch pennies (at least until you get that tax refund, that is!).

Not long ago, I was that person who went to the grocery story list-free and haphazardly selected items for my cart as I passed by. Then I realized that as tax season was approaching I should consider a more frugal approach to feeding myself. Intrigued by the idea, but skeptical about my ability to execute on it, I dove in and decided to pare down my grocery bill. Originally, I was worried that scrimping on price would mean lowering my standards for quality, but it turns out that with a little careful planning, you can make some really delicious meals on a dime. Scroll on to see what I discovered.

Photo by Katya Wolf

Use a Grocery List

The number one tenet of saving on your grocery bill is to make a list and stick to it. This goes hand in hand with meal planning and makes everything from budgeting to cooking a more streamlined process. Although it seems like a lot of upfront effort, think about it like this: Even if it took you one hour a week to plan — which, according to Investopedia, could help you save about $640 or more a year on food waste and other costs — that would save you about $12 an hour. For those who make $12-$15 an hour, the savings are like taking a paid week off of work!

Photo by Pixabay

Buy In Bulk On Sale Items

So many things freeze beautifully. When items that you use regularly are on sale, from bread to butter to meat, snap them up in bulk. Although the savings seems minimal, when you add it up over a year’s worth of purchases, the amount of money you keep in your pocket will be significant. Plus, if you buy in bulk, you’re always guaranteed to have your favorite ingredients on hand.

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Stockpile In The Freezer Section

If you’re doing things right and stockpiling, then you’re going to make good use of your freezer. Although we want to eat our favorite fruits and vegetables year-round, buying things in season is significantly cheaper, which means that when these items are affordable and available you’re going to want to stock up. Even if you’re buying pre-frozen fruits and vegetables, you’re saving money, and the research shows that you’re not losing any nutrients by doing so.

Photo by Thomas Le on Unsplash

Shop In Season

While you can most likely find your favorite items at your grocery store year-round, prices (and not to mention taste) will fluctuate greatly based on the season. In particular, if you’re buying tomatoes, berries, grapes, peaches, or asparagus out of season, you could really be hurting your grocery budget. Instead, opt for their frozen counterparts or wait until they are *naturally* back in the store.

Photo by Megan Bucknall on Unsplash

Enjoy More Casseroles

Casseroles do not belong in the 1950s. In fact, they are every bit as valuable today as they were 70 years ago. Why? Because they’re a healthy and delicious way to stretch out pricier ingredients and feed more mouths. You could feed each person one chicken breast or you could use two in an entire casserole which will feed you both for dinner and leave you with leftovers for lunch the next day. If you’re not sure where to begin, find tons of Brit + Co casserole recipe inspiration.

Photo by Andy Holmes on Unsplash

Use Herbs and Spices

Scenting your meals with a handful of herbs and spices is a good way to add a lot of flavor with little extra cost. Bonus points if you grow your own herbs. Also, you should definitely be buying spices in the international section of the store. I recently noticed that an ounce of cloves costs $3.79 in the spice aisle but 99 cents in the international section.

Photo by Nature Zen on Unsplash

Go Meatless Most Days

Meatless Mondays are all fine and dandy, but if you really want to save a few extra dollars, you need to make more than one day of the week meat-free. Not to mention, it’s better for your overall health to eat less meat. Studies show that people who eat less meat have a lower risk of dying from cancer, heart disease, and other chronic illnesses. So you’ll be doing something good for your wallet, and your well-being to boot.

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Get Cash Back On Groceries

Credit cards, like Credit One Visa and American Express offer cash back on groceries — a simple win for saving cash when grocery bills are higher than ever.

Subscribe to our newsletter for more money-saving tips!

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The 25 Happiest Countries In The World Just Dropped For 2025!

The World Happiness Report for 2025 is officially here, and there's a LOT to take away from it — including the happiest countries around the world that you can visit and live in this year. Whether there's better healthcare, more community, and everything in between, some places really are just happier than others. So, without further ado, these are officially the most happy countries in the world for 2025!

Scroll to see what the happiest countries in the world are for 2025!

When did the 2025 World Happiness Report come out?

Yan Krukau

The 2025 World Happiness Report was aptly released on March 20, the International Day of Happiness!

What does the World Happiness Report measure?

FbyF Studio

Published by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford, the report is based on data from the Gallup World Poll, which surveys individuals in over 140 countries. It ranks nations by happiness using the average life evaluations over the past three years, specifically from 2022 to 2024.

Participants in the survey rate their overall life satisfaction, and these self-assessments determine the rankings. To better understand the factors influencing happiness, the report examines six key indicators: GDP per capita, healthy life expectancy, social support, generosity, personal freedom, and perceptions of corruption.

What rank is USA in World Happiness Report?

Samson Katt

This year, the United States isn't faring so well. This year, our nation dropped to its lowest ranking ever: number 24.

According to Illana Ron-Levey, Gallup's managing director, some of the United States' decline in happiness was "at least partly attributable to Americans younger than age 30 feeling worse about their lives."

Why would some people be less happy in 2025?

Vlada Karpovich

"Today's young people report feeling less supported by friends and family, less free to make life choices, and less optimistic about their living standards," she added.

The good news is that the research shows people are generally kinder than we assume, and recognizing this could boost our happiness and transform how we perceive those around us.

Moreover, there are plenty of extremely happy countries that make desirable travel destinations. Here are some that topped the list in satisfaction.

Paul Theodor Oja

2025's Happiest Countries In The World

It may not come as a shock that Finland has taken first place for the eighth year in a row. The nation boasts many beneficial policies and initiatives, such as universal health care, as well as a strong social support and education infrastructure. It also has a very low crime rate.

Visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities, too, from soaking up the northern lights under the Arctic sky to hiking in one of Finland's 41 national parks, seeing breathtaking architecture, experiencing Midsummer, a celebration of the summer solstice, and, of course, trying Finnish food.

The runners-up to Finland include Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden in second, third, and fourth place, respectively. Just like Finland, these three countries held onto their global happiness ranking from 2024.

Damir K

Those hoping to visit Denmark can explore its capital city, Copenhagen, which is rich in museums and other cultural experiences, learn about the fascinating history of Vikings, and dine at Michelin award-winning restaurants.

Rudy Kirchner

Over in Iceland, experience unbelievable 24-hour daylight from mid-May to late July, go whale watching, take a diving tour or guided snorkeling trip at Thingvellir National Park, traverse glaciers, relax in geothermal spas, and walk along beautiful black sand beaches.

Shvets Anna

Finally, in Sweden, there are various vibrant cities to check out, like Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö. Pop fans must visit the ABBA museum, while culinary connoisseurs need to try authentic Swedish meatballs, and nature lovers can take in all the natural beauty that Sweden is renowned for.

Aside from the Nordic countries, which are dominating the globe in terms of happiness, two Latin American countries also made it into the top 10 for the very first time. Costa Rica ranked at number six, and Mexico at number 10.

Diego Madrigal

If you travel to Costa Rica, you can embark on all kinds of adventures, from hiking and zip-lining to surfing and river rafting.

Bryan Martinez

Or, in Mexico, see the archaeological site Chichen Itza, take a delicious food tour, and sit back on the sand of some stunning beaches.

What's the full list of the happiest countries in the world for 2025?

Kristoffer Brink Jonsson

Finland
Denmark
Iceland
Sweden
Netherlands
Costa Rica
Norway
Israel
Luxembourg
Mexico
Australia
New Zealand
Switzerland
Belgium
Ireland
Lithuania
Austria
Canada
Slovenia
Czechia
United Arab Emirates
Germany
United Kingdom
United States
Belize

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Why The ACOTAR TV Show Cancellation Is Actually A Good Thing

While I love seeing BookTok-viral novels get turned into movies (hello It Ends With Us!), it's just as fun to see them get turned into TV shows, like Fourth Wing — which is why I had such high hopes for A Court of Thorns and Roses at Hulu...before it got canceled. But believe it or not, the fantasy series cancellation could actually a good thing.

Here's the latest update on the A Court of Thorns and Roses show.

Is the ACOTAR TV show still happening?

KoolShooters/Pexels

A Court of Thorns and Roses TV show has officially be scrapped at Disney’s 20th Television, according to Variety. But ACOTAR fans, don't give up hope! Sarah J. Maas was working with Outlander creator Ronald D. Moore, but now Variety's sources say that after the rights expire at Disney, SJM will be shopping the rights to an ACOTAR show to a different studio and platform.

Honestly, I'm totally here for this because a platform like Prime or Max would provide a different kind of edge and aesthetic to the series that would serve it in a different way. And if we have to wait a little longer for a platform SJM feels most aligned with, I'm willing to stick it out!

On February 27, 2024, Sarah J. Maas reportedly went out to coffee with Margot Robbie. Margot's production company (LuckyChap) has backed projects like I, Tonya, Promising Young Woman, Saltburn. Everything Margot touches turns to gold so I really hope she eventually ends up on the creative team for A Court of Thorns and Roses!

Who plays Rhysand in ACOTAR?

Jared Subia/Unsplash

We never got an official cast announcement, but there are plenty of ACOTAR fancasts.

Hannah Dodd, who plays Francesca in Netflix's hit series Bridgerton, would be the PERFECT addition to the cast, whether she plays Elain or Feyre. And now, I honestly don't know if I'll be satisfied with anyone else ;). "She is ELAIN," one TikTok user comments. "Literally copy paste from my brain Elain."

Deuxmoi (via Marie Claire Australia) revealed some potential actors who could be in the running, like Thomas Doherty, Theo James, and Katherine Langford. Actress Brec Bassigner expressed that she'd love to be considered for a role. "I emailed my team, and I was like, ‘Listen, I don’t care if I have one line. I have to be a part of this,'" she says in an interview with TV Line.

Is ACOTAR getting a 6th book?

Amazon

Yes, ACOTAR book 6 is on the way! We don't know who the new book will focus on, but Sarah J. Maas did say she's excited to bring it to us.

"The next book in that series, I have the ideas and general, vague thoughts. But the nitty gritty of writing and the emotional journeys with the characters — I usually love to go on those journeys with them," she said during an appearance on TODAY.

What is A Court of Thorns and Roses about?

Amazon

A Court of Thorns and Roses follows Feyre, a huntress who's forced to live with the immortal faeries after killing a wolf in the woods. The longer she stays in the Fae's world, the more she begins to love it — and the passionate, alluring faerie Tamlin. But as a dark shadow grows, both their world and Tamlin are put in danger, and it's up to Feyre to save them all.

When did the Court of Thorns and Roses series come out?

Amazon

A Court of Thorns and Roses is the first novel in the series of the same name, and was published in 2015. Sarah J. Maas continued the series with A Court of Mist and Fury in 2016, A Court of Wings and Ruin in 2017, A Court of Frost and Starlight in 2018, and A Court of Silver Flames in 2021.

Are you excited for the A Court of Thorns and Roses TV show? Let us know your dream cast in the comments and on TikTok! And read up on The Only ACOTAR Character Breakdown You Need Before Book 6 Comes Out.

This post has been updated.

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