- Sometimes own-brand items are more affordable than the big brands and they normally don’t sacrifice much on quality.
- Convenient, prepared and pre-packaged items (such as ready meals and pre-sliced produce) cost a little more than buying the ingredients and preparing the food yourself. That’s because someone (or a machine) has to prep and package them for your convenience. Loose fruit and vegetables are often less expensive and some supermarkets also offer seasonal vegetable boxes for a reduced price. Not only do you save money, but you’re using less packaging, which is great for the planet
- Buy one, get one free deals may not be all they’re cracked up to be. Check the cost per pence according to the weight or size of the item before you buy to make sure you’re getting good value for money. It also helps to be realistic about how much you can use at once – it’s not good value if you end up throwing food away. Don’t forget to check the expiry dates as sometimes supermarkets discount items that are close to their sell by date.
- Sometimes something simple like choosing the time of day that you shop can save you money. Towards the end of the day many shops reduce the price of fresh food items as they edge closer to their expiry date. Even if you can’t use it straight away, many items are still great for freezing! There are apps like which can help.
- Who doesn’t love a good coupon? Couponing has largely gone digital and most of the savings are available via your phone or online. Visit https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/deals/supermarket-coupons/ to learn more! You can also look for stickers on products (sometimes called 'peelies'), tags over the neck of bottles, or promises of inside-the-box codes. Some you'll be able to use a coupon on that item when you buy it there and then, some will be for other items you may buy in the future. Don’t be lured by the coupon though, make sure it’s for an item you would normally buy or want to try.
- Make your list and check it twice! Write your shopping list when you plan your meals and you won’t just be less likely to forget anything, you’ll also find that you’re less likely to make impulse buys. Only buy what you need during your shopping trip by selecting how many meals you plan to use each food for - taking away the guesswork during shopping will keep the pounds in your pocket. Prepare the right amount, every mealtime - minimising waste at the same time as keeping an eye on you and your family's health. Try batch cooking which can reduce the weekly cost of a big shop and your energy bills.
