Welcome to Forkonomics!
Cook smart. Spend less. Eat well.
Forkonomics is a space for anyone looking to stretch their grocery budget without sacrificing flavor, comfort, or practicality. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping for the week, or just trying to make the most of what’s in your cart, this blog is here to help.
Each meal plan starts with a simple challenge: Create five satisfying meals for around $50 using ingredients from a single store — no specialty items, no complicated prep, just real food for real life.
What You’ll Find Here
- Budget-friendly meal plans with real-world pricing
- Printable shopping lists and prep guides
- Tips for stretching ingredients across multiple meals
- Seasonal and themed menus
- Tools to help you plan, cook, and save with confidence
Grocery Cost Breakdown
| Category | Items Included | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Proteins | Chicken, Ground Meat, Ham Steak | $17.38 |
| Dairy & Eggs | Cheese, Mozzarella, Eggs | $6.42 |
| Pantry Staples | Baking Mix, Sauces, Soup | $7.93 |
| Frozen & Dry Goods | Egg Noodles, Veggies, Rotini | $7.36 |
| Bread | Italian Loaf | $1.47 |
| Produce | Lettuce, Tomatoes | $5.01 |
| Salad Extras | Croutons, Dressing | $3.33 |
| Seasonings | Assumed pantry staples | $0.50 (estimated) |
Total Grocery Spend: $49.40
Pantry Assumptions
To keep things simple, my recipes assume you already have a few basic staples on hand:
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Butter or margarine (your choice)
If a recipe calls for additional spices or specialty ingredients, I’ll always list them in the shopping guide so you’re never caught off guard.
Ingredient Philosophy
Forkonomics is built on real-life cooking — practical, flexible, and budget-conscious.
Fresh First
I love cooking with fresh vegetables whenever possible. They bring vibrant flavor, texture, and nutrition to every meal. But for many of my budget plans, I use frozen options to help:
- Stretch your grocery budget
- Save time on chopping and prep
- Ensure year-round accessibility
Thanks for stopping by Forkonomics. Let’s cook smart, spend less, and eat well — together!
Forkonomics 
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