How building food bowls can help you spend less money at the grocery store

TAMPA, Fla. - Inflation is hitting hard at the grocery store with food prices 13% higher than this time last year. You can get creative to cut down cooking costs, and to stretch your dollar further, put it in a bowl. 

Little Leon is one of Tampa's many bowl-based restaurants. 

"Tampa is kind of the home of the bowl right now," Little Leon Owner Austin Brenner said. 

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He opened up shop during the COVID-19 pandemic and has some tips on building bowls to save money. There can be so many delicious options on your counter and fridge – but can it be combined?

"I think so, I mean most pantries you'll always find beans, corn, a tomato in their fridge," Brenner said.

These ingredients may be things we've been eating in other forms, but for whatever reason, putting them in a bowl and having a big portion makes it more fun and enjoyable to eat. Leftovers get a reboot and ingredients are stretched further.

"Stretching the food out you're going to be spending less money," Brenner said.

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There is some strategy to how you mix and match your bowls, so start with a theme. You will need a base, veggie, protein and sauce. 

Splitting the items across your bowls can get you more bang for your buck. The bowls help make your food go further and serve up savings.