Bargain grocery shop ideas
Never shop when you’re hungry, right? That’s definitely one way to stop you raiding the shelves for treats at your local supermarket that you don’t *technically* need. But, what about some more practical tips and ideas to help you save money on your grocery shopping and cut back on those eating out splurges? Here are our top swaps to try - saving cash without compromising on tasty treats.
1. Swap brand-heavy snacks for supermarket own
Watch the pennies drop off your weekly shop by swapping your favourite brands for supermarketbranded alternatives. Challenge yourself by starting with the cheapest version of your usual snack and if that doesn’t take your fancy, try the next cheapest. Don’t worry if you don’t like all the low price versions you try, it’s just about making changes where you can – you could just find a new favourite.
2. Takeaways for ‘fakeaways’
We know you love a Friday night treat. We all do, right? So instead of splurging on a weekly takeaway, experiment with making your own at home such as your favourite Chinese dishes, fish and chips, pizzas and even kebabs. You’ll find tonnes of inspiration on social media for these delicious recipes which will help you save calories as well as cash. And if one night you really can't face your fridge? Treat yourself to your favourite takeaway just once or twice a month. You'll be surprised how much you could save.
3. Meal deals for homemade lunches
Buying daily lunches can be up to £5 a day or even more if you like a pub treat or fancy burrito! Just from eating last night’s leftovers or whipping up your own sandwiches, soups and salads, the savings can be huge. Try it for a week, pop the money that you would have spent on lunch into a pot and, on Friday, see how much you’ve saved.
4. Meat-filled meals for veggie-packed dinners
Bulking out dinners with vegetables, beans and lentils can be great ways to make meals go further, for less. Try adding extra kidney beans to chilli con carne and bulky vegetables like cauliflower and broccoli to your favourite curries.
5. Expensive cappuccinos for DIY lattes
Coffee addict? We’re here to make sure you still get your caffeine fix (we get it) while saving money along the way. Whether it’s sachets of frothy coffee or a simple tin for the same price as your takeaway cappuccino, ditching the habit is a huge money saver. Keep trying! Even just one a week compared to a daily sip could save you up to £20.
6. Big shops for online shops
Taking up online grocery shopping instead of wandering around the aisles can help to curb excess spending. Give meal planning a go and only order what you need for the week’s meals. You can easily keep tabs on how much you’re adding into your online basket and re-jig things if you are on a tight budget. This way, you won’t be enticed by those tempting end of the aisle offers. And, you won’t have a shock when you get to the till and see how much your shopping has all come to. We all know that feeling.
7. Individual portions for super-sized joints
Pre-prepared packets of meat and fish for just one meal cost a lot more than a whole joint. With larger joints of beef or whole chickens you can get a lot more meat for your money and create more meals with the leftovers. Think homemade chicken soup for lunch and chow mein for dinner on a Monday after your Sunday roast!
Need help carving up? Asking at the meat counter in your supermarket or at your local butchers to prep your meat and fish won’t cost you any more, and you won’t have to spend time learning Masterchef-worthy new skills.
8. Disposable for reusable
Using sandwich bags and clingfilm every day? The cost adds up fast, and the single-use plastic isn’t great for the environment either. Try investing in reusable wax wraps or good quality sandwich boxes. You’ll reduce the amount you spend on disposable plastic and do your bit for the planet too.
