**Home Cooking vs. Takeout: The Math Is Wild** 🍝

Americans spent how much on takeout last year? Meanwhile, 89% agree cooking at home saves money... yet most still order delivery.

Here's the reality check:
- Restaurant pasta dinner (family of 4): $50-60
- Same meal made at home: under $10
- Fast-casual pasta per plate: $10-15 (~$60 for 4)
- Grocery store ingredients for same: <$10

Food inflation hit 27% since 2020, so 81% of Americans now say cutting food costs is a top goal for 2025.

**The real move?**
- Meal plan → no impulse takeout
- Batch cook → leftovers for days
- Bulk buy rice/pasta/canned goods
- Use discount apps (up to 50% off surplus items)
- Check pantry before shopping → less waste, less spending

You don't need to cut out dining out completely. Just make it occasional, not routine. The savings compound fast when you're disciplined about grocery shopping.

How much do you actually spend on takeout monthly?