In general, the more an ingredient is prepared, the more it’s going to cost you. Instead of buying that package of cubed pineapple, get a whole one you cut yourself. Shred your own cheese.
There are certain foods, though, where convenience can save you money. Primary among them is what you can find in the frozen foods aisle. Frozen vegetables can be cheaper than fresh. And like seafood, it’s frozen at peak quality. Plus, there’s no worry about having to toss spoiled food. If you make a lot of smoothies, frozen berries, especially those sold in family-size bags, can be a budget-friendly option.
While the price can vary depending on the store, a rotisserie chicken may be cheaper than a whole raw bird. It can also be stretched into multiple meals. For example, use some of the meat for one dinner (quesadillas, hand pies or curry, perhaps) and then more, plus the carcass, to build a soup that can incorporate other affordable ingredients, such as beans, rice, pasta, carrots, potatoes and frozen vegetables.