The Economics of Food Choices: A lesson in Opportunity Cost

Using Opportunity Cost to Turn Pizza Savings into a Pantry Full of Staples

A few months ago, I found myself craving pizza—again. It’s one of those go-to comfort foods that can deeply satisfy a food craving because of its aroma, flavors and textures. As seen in another article The Economics of Food Choices: A Lesson in Marginal Analysis, I was ready to order delivery, but as I thought about my options the costs started to add up: $25 to $35 when factoring the pizza, plus delivery fees and a tip. Suddenly, the idea of paying more then $25 for one meal didn’t seem so satisfying. That’s when Further thinking about opportunity costs reshaped the way I think about my food choices.

The Pizza Cost Realization

The convenience of delivery pizza was undeniable, but at what cost? One delivery night after another added up quickly. When I compared that to how far the same amount of money could stretch at the grocery store, or when making online bulk food purchases it was an eye-opener.

For the price of one pizza delivery, I realized that I could buy:

• A 5-pound bag of rice for $9.39 and;

• A 5-pound bag of dried pinto beans for $10.99.

  
  

That’s an enormous amount of food compared to a single meal of pizza, no matter how delicious it is.

My First Experiment

The next time I craved pizza, I decided to try something different. I made my own version using tortillas and fat-free cheese. It wasn’t gourmet, but it hit the spot—and it cost only a few dollars. The money I didn’t spend on delivery went toward those bags of rice and beans. That one shift left me feeling deeply satisfied, like I had unlocked a personal budgeting solution that could lead to real savings over time.

What I Discovered

This experiment wasn’t just about saving money; it was about seeing how far a small adjustment could go. A $30 delivery fee could be transformed into dozens of meals with rice and beans as the base. Here’s what I found:

• Rice and Beans Are Nutritional Powerhouses:

   They’re versatile, filling, and provide a solid foundation for meals. Adding spices, vegetables, or sauces made them anything but boring.

  
  

• The Pantry Stockpile Grew:

   Instead of a fleeting pizza night, I now had ingredients that lasted weeks. It felt satisfying to know my money wasn’t just disappearing in one evening.

  
  

• A Mindset Shift:

   I started thinking more about opportunity cost—the value of what I gave up by choosing one thing over another. In this case, skipping pizza delivery meant gaining a stockpile of food staples.

Making It a Habit

I didn’t give up pizza entirely, but I became more mindful about when I splurged. Now, when I opt for homemade pizza, I feel like I’m making a small investment in myself. The rice and beans I buy instead remind me that little changes can make a big difference.

Why This Matters to Me

This wasn’t just about money—it was about rethinking convenience and its hidden costs. I discovered that being resourceful can be empowering. Each small decision, like choosing to make my own pizza, started adding up in ways I hadn’t expected.

A New Perspective on Food and Money

This experience taught me something deeper than how to save money: it taught me to see value differently. A pizza craving led me to discover how far a few dollars could go when spent with intention and thoughtfulness. For me, it’s no longer just about satisfying hunger; it’s about making choices that align with my goals, even if they start with something as simple as dinner.

I’m still learning, but this small change reminded me that financial growth doesn’t always come from big decisions. Sometimes, it’s in the little moments of more sustainable choices that can transform one food choice into a much more impactful decision towards saving and personal finance goals.

Examining this example made me see and believe that small choices can add up to make a larger result, leading to more informed and empowered decisions.