Good food doesn’t have to be expensive. Using tinned ingredients, seasonal produce and simple recipes can keep costs low while still enjoying nutritious meals.
Budget-friendly staples:
Tinned tomatoes
Pasta & rice
Beans & lentils
Frozen vegetables
Smart shopping leads to better eating and less stress.
A warming, plant-based curry that’s filling, healthy and budget-friendly.
2 tins chopped tomatoes
1 tin chickpeas
1 onion
Curry powder or paste
Garlic & ginger
Fry onion, garlic and ginger.
Add curry spices and tomatoes.
Add chickpeas and simmer 20 mins.
Serve with rice or naan.
Perfect for batch cooking and freezing.
With food prices continuing to rise, reducing waste at home has never been more important. Not only does it save money, but it also helps reduce environmental impact and makes food shopping more efficient.
Here are five simple, realistic ways to cut food waste this February.
One of the biggest causes of food waste is buying without a plan. Creating a simple weekly meal plan helps you only buy what you actually need.
Even writing down:
3 main dinners
2 lunches
A few easy breakfasts
can prevent overbuying and impulse purchases.
The freezer is one of the most underused tools in the kitchen.
You can freeze:
Bread
Leftover meals
Cooked rice and pasta
Soups and sauces
Freezing food extends its life and gives you quick meals on busy days.
Tinned foods like tomatoes, beans and vegetables have long shelf lives and reduce the pressure of using food quickly.
They’re ideal for:
Last-minute meals
Batch cooking
Emergency dinners when the fridge is empty
Keeping a well-stocked cupboard helps avoid takeaway temptations too.
Incorrect storage causes food to spoil faster than necessary.
Simple tips:
Keep potatoes in a cool, dark place
Store herbs in water like flowers
Use airtight containers for leftovers
Don’t overfill the fridge
A well-organised fridge makes it easier to see what needs using.
Leftovers don’t have to be boring.
Leftover vegetables can become:
Soups
Stir-fries
Pasta sauces
Omelettes
Leftover meals can often be mixed together into something new with a little creativity.
Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to mean expensive meals out. This creamy tomato pasta is simple, comforting and perfect for a cosy night in.
1 tin chopped tomatoes
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic
100ml cream (or plant-based alternative)
Handful fresh spinach
Pasta of choice
Olive oil
Salt & pepper
Optional: parmesan or fresh basil
Fry onion and garlic in olive oil until soft.
Add tomatoes and simmer for 10 minutes.
Stir in cream and spinach until wilted.
Mix through cooked pasta and season.
Serve with garlic bread and a glass of wine for an easy but impressive Valentine’s meal.
Tomatoes are one of the most versatile ingredients in British kitchens. They’re affordable, nutritious and can be used in hundreds of meals – from soups and sauces to curries and casseroles.
Benefits include:
High in Vitamin C
Low in calories
Long shelf life
Suitable for most diets
Keeping a few tins in the cupboard makes meal planning far easier.
February is the perfect time for comforting, homemade food, and nothing beats a classic tomato and basil soup. It’s simple, nourishing and ideal for using up store-cupboard ingredients.
2 tins chopped tomatoes
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic
1 vegetable stock cube
Handful fresh basil (or 1 tsp dried)
Salt & pepper
Olive oil
Fry onion and garlic in olive oil until soft.
Add tomatoes and stock.
Simmer for 20 minutes.
Blend until smooth, add basil and season.
Perfect served with crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich.
After heavier festive foods, January is the perfect time to reintroduce lighter meals. This tomato and avocado salad brings freshness and colour to winter plates.
Juicy tomatoes paired with creamy avocado and a zesty dressing make this salad simple yet satisfying. It works as a side dish or a light lunch.
Recipe:
R&L Holt tomatoes
Ripe avocado
Red onion
Lemon juice
Olive oil
Salt & pepper
Combine gently and serve fresh.
A reminder that winter meals don’t have to be dull.
A new year brings an opportunity to reflect and plan. At R&L Holt, sustainability remains at the heart of everything we do.
From reducing energy usage to improving growing efficiencies and supporting local supply chains, the focus for the year ahead is progress — environmentally, socially and agriculturally.
January marks the beginning of another year of responsible growing and commitment to quality.
Traybakes are a January favourite — minimal prep, minimal washing up, maximum flavour. This tomato and chickpea traybake is hearty, warming and packed with plant-based goodness.
The tomatoes soften and burst in the oven, creating a rich base for chickpeas and herbs. Serve with flatbreads, rice or enjoy on its own.
Recipe:
Cherry tomatoes
Chickpeas
Red onion
Olive oil
Smoked paprika
Fresh herbs
Roast everything together until golden and fragrant.
An easy, nourishing dish that fits perfectly with January reset eating.
January often brings a renewed focus on health, and tomatoes remain a valuable part of a balanced winter diet.
Rich in vitamin C, antioxidants and natural flavour, tomatoes support immunity and add brightness to winter meals. Their versatility makes healthy eating easier during darker months.
Small food choices can make a big difference to how we feel in January.
How to Eat Well on a Budget
5 Simple Ways to Cut Food Waste This February
Why Tomatoes Should Always Be in Your Cupboard
Healthy Tomato & Chickpea Curry (Meat-Free Monday)
A Romantic Tomato & Spinach Pasta for Valentine’s Day
A Classic Tomato & Basil Soup to Warm Up February
