As we wave goodbye to 2024, it’s the perfect time to reflect on our eating habits and set ourselves up for smarter, more intentional choices in the new year.
Whether it’s about reducing waste, saving money on groceries, or simply eating better, 2025 is all about leveling up without blowing our budgets.
Let’s talk about 10 food and eating habits we’re officially leaving behind in 2024.
Table of Contents
1. Skipping Leftovers
How many times have you packed up leftovers with the best intentions, only to find them weeks later, way past their prime?
It’s time to stop treating leftovers like a backup option and start seeing them as a time and a money-saver.
Get creative with last night’s dinner. Turn roasted chicken into a comforting soup, or repurpose stir-fry into quick fried rice.
In 2025, leftovers are getting the respect they deserve!
2. Buying Pre-Cut Produce
Pre-cut fruits and veggies seem convenient, but they often come with a hefty price tag—and they spoil faster. In fact, they can cost up to three times more than buying them whole!
Why pay extra when you can grab a fresh head of broccoli or a whole pineapple and prep it yourself? A good knife and a little time in the kitchen are all you need to save money and keep produce fresh longer.
Plus, chopping veggies can be oddly therapeutic—pop on your favorite playlist and make it a zen moment.
3. Ignoring Store Brands
If you’ve been skipping store brands thinking they’re lower quality, you’re missing out on big savings.
Most store brands are made by the same manufacturers as name brands. You’re just paying for the label! From pantry staples like pasta and canned goods to snacks and spices, store brands are a goldmine for saving money on groceries without sacrificing flavor.
4. Falling for Grocery Store Impulse Buys
We’ve all been there: you’re waiting in line and suddenly a bag of fancy chocolates or an overpriced snack jumps into your cart. Grocery store layouts are designed to tempt you, but in 2025, we’re staying strong.
Make a shopping list, stick to it, and avoid those last-minute splurges.
TIP: Don’t shop hungry. A full belly makes for better decisions.
5. Letting Ingredients Go to Waste
There’s nothing more frustrating than finding wilted greens or mystery liquids lurking in your fridge.
In 2024, we’re saying goodbye to food waste. Learn how to store your ingredients properly—herbs in a jar of water, berries in a breathable container, and so on.
Not sure what to do with that half-bag of spinach? Toss it into an omelet or smoothie before it turns. Every little bit counts.
6. Cooking Without a Plan
Winging it in the kitchen might seem fun, but it often leads to wasted ingredients and unnecessary takeout.
Meal planning doesn’t have to be complicated. Start by planning three meals a week, and build from there.
TIP: Planning your meals around what’s on sale is a surefire way to save money on groceries. And don’t forget to include a night for leftovers—it’s a win-win.
7. Relying Too Much on Convenience Foods
Frozen dinners and pre-packaged meals might seem convenient, but they’re usually more expensive and less healthy.
Make your own freezer meals or prep snacks ahead of time. You’ll get the same convenience without the extra cost. Instead of grabbing a boxed lunch, try making a batch of pasta salad or burritos you can freeze and reheat when needed.
8. Ignoring Sales and Discounts
How many times have you paid full price for something, only to see it on sale the next week? Let’s stop leaving money on the table.
Keep an eye out for weekly deals, use digital coupons, and stock up when your favorites go on sale. If you have the storage space, buying in bulk can also help you save in the long run.
Apps like Ibotta or Fetch Rewards make it easy to cash in on everyday purchases, too.
9. Ignoring Seasonal Eating
Buying out-of-season produce not only costs more but also often lacks flavor. In 2025, we’re embracing seasonal eating.
Winter produce has a lot of hearty veggies like squash, sweet potatoes, and Brussels sprouts. Summer produce? Bring on the berries and corn. Seasonal eating doesn’t just save money on groceries; it also means fresher, tastier meals.
10. Overloading on Packaged Snacks
Packaged snacks are easy to grab, but they’re often overpriced and full of unnecessary additives.
This year, we’re swapping those bags of chips and granola bars for DIY options. Try roasting your own chickpeas, making popcorn on the stovetop, or whipping up energy balls with oats and peanut butter.
These snacks are healthier, customizable, and way more budget-friendly.
Ready for 2025?
Leaving these eating habits in 2024 doesn’t mean making huge changes overnight. It’s about small, intentional tweaks that add up over time. By cooking with a plan, embracing seasonal produce, and reducing waste, you’ll save money on groceries and feel more in control of your meals.
So, what eating habits are you saying goodbye to this year? Let’s chat in the comments!
