Shoppers have been wowed after getting a reminder of a tip for reducing the cost of family meals that's been around for decades.
A number of factors have led to a serious rise in the cost of living over the last few months, with the government having to step in to assist people with a number of packages.
However, as prices for food start to creep upwards, one budget meal planner is reminding families of a 'quick and easy way' to cut back.
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Lorna Cooper is an expert in affordable cooking and the brains behind the popular Facebook page Feed your family for about €20 a week.
And, as the Manchester Evening News reports, her recent tip has gone down a serious treat.
It's simple: If you want to cut down on costs, then cut down on the amount of meat you add to meals by replacing it with lentils, chickpeas, beans, barley and oats.
Lorna explains: "We often tell people to bulk out meat meals
"The reasons for this is that meat is often the most expensive aspect of the meal. Another is that we don't actually need the huge portions of meat that many of us enjoy and by reducing the portion we reduce the price.
"It isn't a new phenomena. Yorkshire puddings are used to fill up people so they eat less meat, same with dumplings and stuffing. Breadcrumbs are used in sausages, meat balls and meat loaf to reduce the meat content. Lentils, chickpeas, beans, barley and oats are used for the same reasons.
"It is a tip that has been used for centuries. If you don't want to do it we won't force you. But if you are meat eaters who want to reduce the cost of your weekly shop then is a very quick and easy way to do it."
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