You are not hallucinating. Almost everything costs more than before at the grocery store. Food inflation could reach up to 7% in 2022. The increase will particularly affect dairy products (6 to 8%), cereal products (7%) and fruits and vegetables (3 to 5%) according to the Canadian Food Prices Report. Here are some recipe ideas for eating well despite the expected price hikes.
• Read also: Three reasons why you should be interested in inflation
• Read also: This year, the Grinch is inflation: the end-of-year festivities are inaccessible for many Quebecers
1. Seasonal canned curry
Canned foods often have a worse press than fresh vegetables. However, they are often less expensive and keep longer than the latter. Bottlenecks in distribution chains, the lack of labor in certain sectors as well as the consequences of climate change mean that the prices of fresh vegetables can fluctuate.
A good ol ‘curry made with inexpensive canned foods like lentils, chickpeas, and diced tomatoes will get you fed the whole household for a modest price, plus you can make leftovers for the week. It can be enhanced with rice and local seasonal vegetables, generally cheaper than imported ones.
Photo courtesy, Cédric Aucoin
2. Monday spaghetti without meat
Meat has been particularly affected by inflation in 2021, in 2022 it will be animal products like milk that will be expensive. The drought caused by climate change is one of the reasons for this price increase. The grain harvests thus disturbed, the herds of pastoralists cost more to feed.
It is therefore a good idea to reduce your meat consumption, economically and environmentally. According to research from Dalhousie University, it’s a decision 49% of Canadians have made in the past year.
Plus, there’s no need to eat chickpeas at all meals! Plant protein options are now too diverse to go without. With a firm tofu seeded in your grandmother’s spaghetti sauce, your diners will see nothing but fire. In addition, vegetable proteins keep longer and are certainly less expensive than meat.
3. Last Chance Roasted Vegetables
Speaking of waste, one might think that it is more economical to buy large quantities of food in advance. In reality, this mode of operation can lead to more food waste and unnecessary expenses. The vagaries of the week sometimes prevent us from cooking as much as we would have expected and a good part of this food bought all at the same time is wasted.
Buying only what you need allows you to avoid this kind of unfortunate event, in addition to benefiting from the products put on liquidation. Highly versatile meals like oven-roasted vegetables are great for taking advantage of what’s 50% off the grocery store shelf that needs to be cooked right away.
Carrots, potatoes and broccoli are vegetables whose price is generally low in Quebec, in addition to being delicious grilled with a little oil and spices.
4. Great Depression Cake
Also called Depression cake, this dessert wasn’t named for the mental state it’s supposed to be made in, but for its inexpensive list of ingredients. Imagined during the great economic crisis of the 1930s, this chocolate cake does not require eggs, milk or butter, because these products were particularly expensive at the time … A bit like now in fact.
All you need is flour, sugar, cocoa powder, a little oil, vinegar, water, baking soda and a big pinch of salt. How is it possible ? The mixture of vinegar and baking soda in the cake dough causes a chemical reaction that injects bubbles into it and gives volume to the cake. Made with basic ingredients that are still readily available, Great Depression Cake proves you can still indulge yourself even when your budget is a little tight. We will understand if you prefer not to reveal to your guests the name of the delicious dessert that you have just served to them.