As winter temperatures bite and household budgets remain under pressure, New Zealanders are turning back to one of the simplest and most affordable ways to feed a family – homemade vegetable soup.

The back-to-basics approach is being encouraged by 5+ A Day, which said seasonal winter vegetables were plentiful, cost-effective and ideal for creating hearty meals that can stretch across several days.

Broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, kūmara, parsnips and potatoes were among the vegetables currently in season, offering both value and versatility for home cooks looking to keep food costs in check.

Dr Carolyn Lister, principal scientist at the Bioeconomy Science Institute and a trustee of the 5+ A Day Charitable Trust, said in a statement that soups were an easy and practical way to turn affordable produce into nutritious meals for the whole family.

“When vegetables are in season, they’re generally at their best value, best quality and best flavour,” she said.

“Winter vegetables are incredibly versatile and soups are one of the quickest and easiest ways to turn affordable produce into meals that are nutritious, warming and satisfying for the whole whānau.”

She said soups were particularly well-suited to busy households, offering flexibility and helping to reduce food waste.

“A big pot of soup can often feed a family for several meals, making it ideal for leftovers, lunches or batch cooking ahead of busy weeknights.

“Throwing everything into a slow cooker at the start of the day means dinner is ready when you get home.

“Adding your choice of protein – such as chicken, chickpeas or lentils – is also an easy way to turn simple vegetable soups into complete meals.”

With grocery prices continuing to climb, 5+ A Day said buying seasonal produce remains one of the most effective ways consumers can manage costs without compromising on nutrition.

“Winter vegetables might seem simple, but they punch well above their weight nutritionally,” Lister said.

“They contain important nutrients including fibre, vitamin C, beta-carotene and antioxidants that help support overall health and wellbeing during the colder months.”

The organisation was also encouraging shoppers to choose New Zealand-grown produce, noting the added benefit of supporting local growers and regional communities at a challenging time for the sector.

Growers were facing ongoing pressure from rising production costs, including fuel, freight and fertiliser, making consumer support increasingly important.

“New Zealand growers work incredibly hard to keep fresh produce on our shelves year-round,” Lister said.

“By choosing local, seasonal vegetables, consumers are not only getting great value but also supporting the people growing food for our communities.”

For those looking for inspiration, 5+ A Day has a range of simple, budget-friendly soup recipes available online, from creamy spiced cauliflower to carrot and kūmara blends, and broccoli, leek and blue cheese combinations – all designed to keep families warm, well-fed and within budget this winter.