Money Saving Tip: Getting the Dregs Out of Food Jars or Bottles

Whether it is peanut butter, ketchup, salad dressing, or honey, you are invariably not getting your money's worth from bottled groceries. No matter how hard you try, there is usually still a couple of teaspoons of product at the bottom of the food jar or bottle. You can save money and reduce waste with these easy tips for getting the dregs out of food jars and bottles, and how to use them efficiently.

Money Saving Tip - Peanut Butter

The best way to get the most peanut butter of the jar is to use a long handled spoon or spatula. Still, after scraping the entire jar, there is still some peanut butter left. One way to get more out of the jar is to actually cut the plastic jar open and scrape it out. Another good way to utilize the food is to use it to feed wild animals such as squirrels. Simply put the peanut butter jar outside and wait a few days.

Money Saving Tip - Jelly and Jam

Jelly and jam and other sticky fruit products are hard to get out of jars. Even the slightly dry bits on the edges can still be used to save money in the kitchen. Pour a quarter cup of milk into the jelly jar, put the lid on tightly, and shake. Once the jelly is dissolved from the sides of the jar, pour the milk and fruit mixture into paper or plastic cups and freeze for a creamy treat. It works great for popsicles too.

Money Saving Tip - Ketchup, Mustard, and Dressings

Many people interested in saving money tip their ketchup or salad dressing bottles upside down to get the last bits out. If this does not work for you, simply pour some warm water into the bottle and shake it vigorously. Let the bottle sit for a while until the food product is totally dissolved in the water. This remaining liquid can be used in the base for homemade soups, or as a marinade for meat. It can also be mixed into chop meat for meatloaf or gourmet burgers.

Money Saving Tip - Honey or Syrup

Honey or pancake syrup gets stuck in jars and bottles very easily since they are naturally sticky products. Instead of throwing out the last bits, or waiting a long time for the dregs to trickle down to the cap, you can save money by pouring a spoon or two of very hot water into the bottle and shaking. The heat will melt the syrup and help it pour out of the bottle. If this does not work, use more water and use the sweet liquid in coffee and tea.