As the cost of living crisis continues, many are looking for ways to cut food costs.
But one woman claims to have found some budget-friendly recipes that could ease the burden on a family of four. Lauren Leyva gained widespread attention for her simple recipes that provide four servings for under £5.
Originally trained as an architect, he now runs a full-time food business called The Starving Student, committed to low-waste and affordable meals. The 26-year-old’s innovative approach has resonated online, earning millions of views with a variety of reasonably priced meat, fish, vegetarian and vegan recipes with an emphasis on minimal food waste.
“I was a student for seven years and completed my architectural training,” says Lauren. “But starting my food and recipe business through university is now a full-time business, helping over 70,000 people save money while eating well.”
His passion for cooking started at a young age, inspired by his Spanish father. “My father taught me to cook from the age of four,” he recalls. “Cooking is still the biggest bonding activity between us, and she was the reason I started sharing food photos on social media.”
Lauren’s popularity skyrocketed during the COVID-19 lockdown when she was asked to host a BBC radio segment called ‘Tasty Tuesdays’. During this time, people were forced to cook at home with limited ingredients, and her affordable and low-waste recipes quickly gained traction.
One of her most popular dishes, a tomato soup recipe, has been viewed by over a million people. “That tomato soup recipe got 16,000 new followers on social media and over 20,000 people saved the recipe. I make four servings of it for under £5,” he says.
The simplicity of the recipe is part of its appeal. Lauren made Roasted Tomato, Pepper and Garlic Soup using only three main ingredients – garlic, tomatoes and red pepper. “I wanted to create a recipe that only required what I had in the fridge at the time. The Internet embraced its low cost and minimal ingredients.”
Lauren also shares tips for saving money at the weekly shop. “When you go to the supermarket, crouch down and look at the lower shelves,” he advises. “These are usually where cheaper, non-branded products are placed. Also, look at the price per 100g or unit rather than the main price to get the best deals.”
He recommends storing long-lasting products, such as canned goods or jars, and advises batch cooking to save time and money. “Batch cooking is especially good for students and families with limited time. Spend the night preparing two large meals and freeze the portions for later use.”
Lauren is passionate about reducing food waste. “Wasted food is hard-earned money down the drain. Extending the life of food saves money.” He encourages planning meals in advance, organizing the fridge and avoiding impulse purchases by always shopping on a list.
Lauren’s commitment to helping others save money and reduce waste extends to the meal plans on her website. “I hope I can continue to inspire those who need help or inspiration in the kitchen,” he concludes.
