How to Slash Your Grocery Bill by 30%: Practical Tips for Shoppers in the UK

This post will help you cut your grocery bill. Why is this important?

In January 2024, the inflation rate for food and non-alcoholic beverages in the UK continued to ease to 7.0%, according to the Office for National Statistics. While this marks an improvement, it’s clear that rising prices are still putting pressure on household budgets. The same period saw 8.2% restaurant and café inflation, making dining out even harder.

With four in ten adults in Great Britain reporting that they’re spending more than usual just to buy their regular groceries, it’s more important than ever to find ways to stretch your food budget. In this guide, we’ll explore practical tips to help you save up to 30% on your grocery bill while still enjoying nutritious and delicious meals.

SAVE MONEY

Here are 21 excellent ways to save money on your food shop in the UK.

1. Plan your meals

Planning meals for the week can save you money and reduce food waste. Start by checking what you already have in your fridge, freezer, and cupboards to avoid buying duplicates. Then, decide on meals that use these ingredients. You can also plan meals around weekly offers at supermarkets like Tesco and Sainsbury’s, ensuring you take advantage of any discounts. If meal planning feels overwhelming, start small by planning just your weekday dinners or a few meals at a time.

Meal planning also allows you to make healthier choices, as you’re less likely to buy expensive takeaways or pre-made meals when you already know what you’ll be cooking. Apps like Mealime or Yummly can make this process easier by offering customized meal plans based on your dietary preferences and the ingredients you have at home. They even create a shopping list for you, which can further reduce unnecessary purchases.

For those looking for even more convenience, consider meal kit delivery services like HelloFresh. Currently, HelloFresh is offering 60% off your first box and a free dessert for life with flexible subscription plans. They deliver just the right amount of ingredients, reducing food waste and helping you stick to your budget while still enjoying delicious, home-cooked meals.

By sticking to your meal plan, you’re less likely to overspend or impulse buy items that aren’t part of your weekly meals. This is one of the simplest ways to keep your food bill in check.

2. Stick to your shopping list.

Once you’ve made a meal plan, the next step is to create a shopping list and, most importantly, stick to it. Supermarkets design their offers and displays to tempt you into spending more, and impulse buying can significantly increase your grocery bill. By sticking to your list, you can avoid these temptations.

Shopping online or using click-and-collect services from stores like Asda and Ocado can also help reduce impulse purchases. Online shopping allows you to search for exactly what you need without browsing aisles filled with unnecessary products. Many online platforms also allow you to see your total before checkout, which makes it easier to stick to your budget and remove any nonessential items.

Staying focused on your list helps you buy only what you need, preventing food waste and saving money. It can also help you avoid the common trap of buying items just because they’re on sale. A bargain is only a decent deal if you actually need the product.

3. Store your food properly.

Proper food storage is crucial for extending the shelf life of your groceries and reducing waste. Many people unknowingly store food incorrectly, leading to early spoilage. For example, eggs should be stored in the fridge to last longer, while onions should be kept in a cool, dry place to prevent them from going soft or sprouting. Similarly, milk is best stored at the back of the fridge, where the temperature is most stable, rather than in the fridge door, where it’s frequently exposed to warm air.

Investing in airtight containers for items like cereal, pasta, and grains can help keep them fresher for longer. Properly storing fruits and vegetables, such as keeping potatoes and bananas separate (as bananas can cause the potatoes to spoil faster), can also make a big difference.

For items nearing their expiration date, consider freezing them to extend their life. You can freeze bread, cheese, and even milk and use them later without losing their quality. By taking a little extra time to store food correctly, you can save money by preventing spoilage and making your groceries last longer.

4. Get your portions right

One of the easiest ways to reduce food waste and save money is to get your portions right. Pre-packaged meals often contain larger portions than you need, leading to waste. By cooking from scratch, you can control portion sizes and avoid over-preparing food, which not only saves money but also encourages healthier eating habits.

Using kitchen scales or measuring cups can help you learn what a proper portion size looks like. For example, pasta and rice are often overcooked in large quantities, leading to leftovers that might go uneaten. No waste and maximum ingredient use are achieved by cooking only what you need.

Another helpful tip is to stretch ingredients across multiple meals. For example, if you roast a chicken, you can use the leftovers for sandwiches, salads, or even soups the next day. This reduces the need to buy additional groceries and makes your food go further. By being mindful of portion sizes and using leftovers creatively, you can cut down on your grocery costs while reducing waste.

5. Build in ‘no spend’ days

‘No spend’ days are a simple yet effective way to reduce both food waste and grocery bills. The idea is to have at least one day a week where you don’t buy any new food and instead focus on using what’s already in your kitchen. This could involve getting creative with leftovers or finding new ways to use items that have been sitting in your pantry.

Apps like Kitche can help by tracking what food you have at home and suggesting recipes based on those ingredients. For example, if you have leftover vegetables and some rice, the app might suggest a stir-fry or vegetable fried rice. This helps prevent food waste and eliminates the need for unnecessary ingredient purchases.

These days also allow you to challenge yourself in the kitchen, turning it into a fun activity rather than a chore. If you’re not a confident cook, apps like Kitche can guide you through simple recipes that make the most of what you already have. Over time, these ‘no spend’ days can significantly reduce how much you spend on groceries each week.

6. Switch your supermarket

Switching where you shop can have a big impact on your grocery bill. Budget supermarkets like Aldi and Lidl are known for offering high-quality products at much lower prices than some of the bigger chains. These stores frequently offer their own brands, which rival name-brand products in quality but are significantly less expensive.

However, even if you prefer shopping at larger supermarkets, you can still save money by looking for price-matched deals. For instance, Tesco has a price match with Aldi on many items, ensuring you get competitive prices on everyday essentials. It’s also worth checking out the cheapest supermarkets in the UK through online price trackers, such as those found on Which? or in the “Food price barometer” updates.

If you’re willing to shop around, you might find that certain items are cheaper at different stores. For example, some supermarkets might offer better deals on fresh produce, while others have lower prices on pantry staples. Flexible shopping allows you to get the best deal.

7. Look for yellow stickers.

Many UK supermarkets offer yellow-sticker discounts on food that’s nearing its sell-by date. Stores sell these items, ranging from fresh meat to bakery products, at a significant discount to expedite their expiration. Knowing when your local supermarket applies these stickers can help you score some fantastic deals.

For example, stores like Tesco and Sainsbury’s typically reduce items at specific times of day—usually late in the afternoon or evening. If you can time your shop to these hours, you’ll be able to pick up heavily discounted food that you can either use right away or freeze for later.

Additionally, you should monitor applications such as Too Good To Go, which collaborates with supermarkets and restaurants to provide discounted prices for unsold food. This not only saves you money but also helps cut down on food waste. Stocking up on yellow-sticker items and freezing them for later use is an excellent way to keep your grocery bills in check.

Batch cooking involves preparing large quantities of food at once and freezing portions for later. This method saves time and money and helps you avoid the temptation to order expensive takeaways or buy convenience meals. Meals like soups, stews, curries, and casseroles are perfect for batch cooking, as they freeze well and can be reheated easily.

Start by selecting a weekly day, such as Sunday, to prepare multiple meals that will sustain you throughout the week. Many people find that doubling or tripling a recipe only adds a few minutes of prep time, but the payoff is worth it when you have a freezer stocked with homemade meals. By cooking in bulk, you also reduce food waste because you’re using up ingredients before they spoil.

Batch cooking is especially useful if you have a busy schedule. Instead of scrambling to make dinner every night, you can simply reheat a pre-cooked meal. It’s healthier and more affordable than constantly turning to ready meals or takeout. For inspiration, check out batch cooking recipes on websites like BBC Good Food.

Often overlooked, local markets can offer fantastic savings, particularly on fresh produce. Many markets sell seasonal fruits and vegetables at lower prices than supermarkets. You can also find excellent deals on fish, meat, and baked goods. Additionally, some markets reduce their prices toward the end of the day to clear out stock, so if you visit later in the afternoon, you can pick up bargains.

Shopping at markets not only helps you save money but also supports local farmers and small businesses. It’s a more sustainable way to shop, as you’re often buying produce that’s locally grown and hasn’t travelled long distances, reducing its environmental footprint.

If you’re unsure where to find your nearest market, websites like Local Food Advisor can help you locate markets in your area. You might be surprised at the variety and quality of produce available. Plus, buying directly from farmers means you’re often getting fresher food at better prices than what you’d find in a supermarket.

10. Use food apps or websites

There are plenty of apps and websites designed to help you save money on food. For example, Olio is a food-sharing app that allows people to give away surplus food for free, reducing food waste and helping others. You can pick up items from people in your local community that they might not be able to use before they expire.

Another excellent app is Too Good To Go, which lets you buy surplus food from restaurants, cafes, and shops at a fraction of the cost. These “magic bags” are often filled with items that are still fresh but didn’t sell that day.

If you’re looking for discounted groceries, Approved Food is an online store that sells clearance food and drink at heavily reduced prices. These items are often close to or just past their best-before date, but they’re still perfectly safe to eat. Using these apps and websites can significantly cut down your grocery costs while helping the environment by reducing food waste.

11. Bulk buy if you can afford it.

Bulk buying is a fantastic way to save money, especially on non-perishable items like pasta, rice, and toilet paper. Many supermarkets offer better prices per unit when you buy in larger quantities, so stocking up can help you save in the long run. However, it’s important to only bulk buy items you know you’ll use to avoid waste.

When bulk buying, pay attention to the unit price displayed on the supermarket shelf. This will tell you the cost per kilogram, litre, or item, making it easier to compare different products. You can also take advantage of sales to stock up on essentials at a lower price.

For larger bulk purchases, consider shopping at wholesalers like Costco or Makro, which offer discounts on bulk goods. While these stores often require membership, the savings can quickly offset the initial cost. Buying in bulk means fewer trips to the supermarket, reducing the temptation to buy unnecessary items on impulse.

Investing in energy-efficient kitchen gadgets can save you money on both your food and energy bills. Slow cookers, air fryers, and soup makers are excellent for preparing budget-friendly meals while using less electricity than traditional ovens or stovetops. Slow cookers, in particular, are perfect for cooking cheaper cuts of meat, as the long cooking time breaks down the fibres, making them tender and delicious.

Air fryers are another cost-effective option, allowing you to cook food quickly with less oil, which is healthier and more affordable than deep frying. Soup makers are excellent for using up leftover vegetables and turning them into hearty, filling meals that can be portioned and frozen for later.

You can often find second-hand kitchen gadgets on sites like Facebook Marketplace or in charity shops at a fraction of the cost of new ones. These gadgets can last for years and pay for themselves by reducing your food waste and energy costs.

13. Think about cooking times when shopping.

When planning your meals, it’s important to consider how much energy you’ll use cooking them. Certain cooking methods, like using the oven, consume more electricity than others, which can drive up your energy bills. For example, an electric oven can cost around 28p for 15 minutes of cooking, whereas using an air fryer costs about 8p, and a slow cooker only 9p for the same time.

Opting for meals that can be prepared using more energy-efficient appliances like slow cookers, air fryers, or microwaves can save you money not only on your grocery bill but also on your energy costs. Websites like BBC Good Food offer plenty of recipes designed for slow cookers and air fryers, making it simple to switch up your cooking methods.

Batch cooking and making double portions to freeze for later is another way to save energy. You can cook once and enjoy the benefits for several meals. By taking into account your cooking methods and the items you purchase, you can achieve significant cost savings.

14. Ditch the brands

One of the simplest ways to cut costs on your grocery bill is to switch to supermarket own brands. These are often just as good, and sometimes even better, than more expensive branded items. For instance, a 460-ml bottle of Heinz ketchup can cost around £3.00, but Tesco’s own-brand ketchup is just 90p for the same size, saving you £2.10 instantly.

While it may be tempting to stick with the brands you know, trying out own-brand alternatives for staples like pasta, rice, flour, and canned goods can lead to significant savings. Many supermarkets also have premium own-brand ranges that rival the quality of leading brands but at a fraction of the price.

If you’re hesitant to make the switch all at once, try swapping one or two branded items each week and see if you notice a difference. You’ll be astonished by the significant savings you can achieve simply by making this minor alteration. Over time, this can result in hundreds of pounds in savings per year, especially on frequently purchased items like cereals, sauces, and household goods.

15. Make the most of supermarket loyalty schemes.

Many UK supermarkets offer loyalty schemes that reward you for your regular shopping. Signing up for programs like Tesco’s Clubcard, Sainsbury’s Nectar Card, or Morrisons’ More Card can help you earn points on your purchases, which can be redeemed for discounts on future shops. Some supermarkets even offer exclusive discounts or member-only deals that can save you money right at the checkout.

These schemes often work best when you combine them with other savings strategies. For example, if you’re already planning to shop at Tesco, checking for Clubcard deals in advance can ensure you get the most out of your shop. Some schemes also allow you to convert points into vouchers for other retailers, restaurants, or entertainment services, further extending the value of your points.

Look for free in-store magazines or coupon booklets at supermarkets like Tesco or Asda, often located near the entrance. These publications frequently contain valuable coupons, special offers, and meal ideas that can help you save on your weekly shop.

Tesco, for instance, includes discounts exclusive to Clubcard members, allowing you to stretch your budget even further. It’s always worth picking up one of these booklets, as they offer discounts on everything from household essentials to fresh produce, making it easier to save on items you regularly buy.

While loyalty schemes are a fantastic way to save, they only work if you’re buying what you actually need. Do not fall for offers just to earn points or take advantage of a deal that doesn’t fit into your meal plan. Used correctly, these schemes can provide substantial savings over time.

16. Consider eating more vegetarian or vegan meals.

Meat can be one of the most expensive items on your grocery list, so cutting back on it—even just a few meals a week—can significantly reduce your costs. Vegetarian and vegan meals often rely on cheaper ingredients like beans, lentils, grains, and vegetables, which are not only budget-friendly but also packed with nutrients.

Switching to plant-based meals doesn’t mean compromising on taste or satisfaction. There are countless delicious vegetarian and vegan recipes available that are simple to prepare and affordable. Websites like BBC Good Food and Deliciously Ella offer a variety of plant-based dishes that will inspire you to try something new.

If you’re not ready to go fully vegetarian or vegan, you can start by having “meatless Mondays” or incorporating more plant-based protein into your meals. Adding lentils to a curry or beans to a stew is a simple way to stretch your meals without spending more. Over time, you’ll find that reducing your reliance on meat can lead to substantial savings, both financially and environmentally.

Ovens are one of the most energy-intensive kitchen appliances, so maximising their heat can lower energy and food costs. Whenever you use the oven, try to cook more than one dish at a time. For example, if you’re roasting a chicken, you could also bake some potatoes for a future meal or cook a batch of cookies for dessert.

This practice not only saves energy but also saves time in the long run, as you’ll have multiple components for different meals ready to go. You can also plan meals that make use of the oven’s residual heat. For example, after roasting a dish, you can add some vegetables or a dessert that requires less heat to avoid wasting energy.

By thinking strategically about how you use your oven, you’ll cut down on energy costs and make meal prep easier for the week ahead. Websites like BBC Good Food offer helpful tips for batch cooking and making multiple meals at once, allowing you to get the most out of each oven use.

We can actually use many perfectly edible parts of the food we throw away to make delicious meals. For example, the stems and leaves of vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower are just as nutritious as the florets. Instead of discarding them, you can chop the stems into stir-fries or roast the leaves as a crispy snack.

Vegetable scraps like onion skins, carrot peels, and celery tops can be saved and used to make homemade stock. Simply freeze your vegetable scraps in a container and, when you have enough, boil them with water, salt, and pepper to make a flavourful broth for soups or sauces. This not only reduces waste but also saves you money on store-bought stock.

Cheese rinds, especially from hard cheeses like Parmesan, can be added to soups and stews to infuse them with rich, savoury flavours. Even stale bread can be transformed into breadcrumbs, croutons, or a bread pudding.

By making a conscious effort to use every part of the food you buy, you’ll reduce waste and stretch your ingredients further, ultimately saving money on your grocery bill.

19. Don’t pay for convenience

Pre-prepared and convenience foods often come with a hefty price tag. For example, pre-chopped vegetables or pre-cooked rice can cost significantly more than their unprocessed counterparts. By preparing these items yourself, you can save a lot of money.

While it may seem like pre-packaged or pre-cooked foods save time, the cost adds up quickly. For instance, a bag of pre-chopped onions might cost twice as much as buying whole onions. Similarly, buying whole fruits and vegetables instead of pre-sliced options can make a big difference in your weekly grocery bill. It only takes a few extra minutes to chop your own produce, and the savings are well worth it.

Cooking from scratch also gives you more control over the ingredients you use, allowing you to avoid unnecessary additives and preservatives found in many convenience foods. You can save time by preparing easy recipes in advance, without resorting to expensive pre-made meals, thanks to websites like BBC Good Food.

By avoiding convenience foods and preparing meals from scratch, you can significantly cut down on your grocery costs while eating healthier, fresher meals.

Understanding the difference between “use by,” “sell by,” and “best before” dates can help you avoid wasting perfectly excellent food. “Best before” dates are more about quality than safety—items past this date might lose some flavour or texture but are usually still safe to eat. On the other hand, “use by” dates are a safety measure, especially for perishable items like meat, fish, and dairy.

Before throwing food away, check for signs of spoilage, like an off smell or mold. For dry goods like pasta, rice, or tinned foods, they can often be eaten well beyond their “best before” date. Apps like Too Good To Go also help reduce food waste by selling surplus food from stores and restaurants that’s still perfectly edible.

By learning how to safely extend the life of your food and being mindful of expiration dates, you can reduce how much you throw away and save money. Freezing items nearing their expiration date is another excellent way to avoid waste and make the most of your groceries.

21. Cut the cost of fruit and vegetables

Buying fresh fruit and vegetables can be expensive, but there are ways to save. First, consider buying seasonal produce. Seasonal fruit and vegetables are typically cheaper because they’re more abundant and don’t require expensive storage or transportation. You can check out BBC Good Food’s seasonal calendar to see what’s in season throughout the year.

Another excellent option is buying “wonky” vegetables. These might look a little different but taste just as delicious as their perfect-looking counterparts. Many supermarkets, like Morrisons and Asda, offer wonky veg boxes at a discount.

Growing your own herbs and vegetables is another excellent way to save. Even if you don’t have a garden, you can grow herbs like basil, parsley, and mint indoors. Repotting supermarket herbs or starting from seeds can give you a continuous supply of fresh ingredients for your meals. Websites like Grow Your Own provide useful guides on getting started with home gardening.

By making smart choices when it comes to fruit and vegetables, you can enjoy fresh, nutritious food without overspending.

By implementing these tips, you can make a significant impact on your grocery bill, cutting costs while still enjoying high-quality meals. Whether you’re switching supermarkets, using food-sharing apps, or learning to batch cook, these strategies will help you save money and reduce food waste, all while eating well. Comment below which tip you found useful. Please share this post with friends and family.

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