Flying budget with Ryanair is just the start of your money-saving journey. The real challenge? Avoiding the hidden food costs that can turn a cheap flight into an expensive holiday. From overpriced airport snacks to tourist-trap dinners, food expenses can quickly spiral out of control.
At MoneySavvyUK, we believe a savvy traveller is a well-fed traveller — without breaking the bank. This guide will show you how to eat well for under £5 a day, both at the airport and on holiday, plus insider tips on shopping duty-free on arrival.
1. The Airport Food Trap: How to Avoid Paying £25 for a Sandwich
The “Empty Bottle” Hack: Save £15+ Per Trip
One of the simplest ways to save money is by bringing an empty reusable water bottle through security. UK airports like Stansted, Luton, and Gatwick now have free water refill stations near toilets and departure lounges.
- Why it matters: A single bottle of water at the airport or on a Ryanair flight can cost between £3.00 and £4.50.
- Money Savvy Tip: Fill your bottle after security and before boarding. For a family of four, this can save you £24–£36 on a return trip.
Security-Friendly Snacks: What You CAN Bring
Many travellers mistakenly believe they cannot bring food through security. The truth is, solid foods are allowed, as long as they are not liquids or gels.
- Allowed snacks: Sandwiches, wraps, pasta salads, hard fruits (apples, pears), protein bars, nuts.
- Packing tip: Use reusable beeswax wraps or lightweight plastic containers to keep food fresh.
- Money Savvy saving: A homemade wrap costs about £1.20, compared to £9.50 for an airport panini.
The “Tea Bag” Trick for In-Flight Drinks
Ryanair charges around £3.50 for a basic tea or coffee onboard.
- Money Savvy move: Bring your own tea bags or coffee sachets.
- How to do it: Ask cabin crew for hot water (some airlines charge a small fee, usually around £1).
- Savings: This simple trick can save you £2–£3 per drink.
Avoid the “Meal Deal” Trap
Airport meal deals are often priced 50–100% higher than their high-street equivalents.
- Best alternatives: Greggs and M&S Foodhall (where available) tend to keep prices closer to normal.
- Money Savvy tip: If you must buy at the airport, avoid dedicated airport cafes and kiosks.
2. The Destination Supermarket Strategy: Save £200+ Per Week
Eating out every meal is the fastest way to blow your budget. In 2026, dining prices in Europe have risen by 20%, making supermarket shopping a must for budget travellers.
First Stop: Find the Local Supermarket
As soon as you arrive and drop your bags, locate a nearby supermarket. The best budget chains in popular Ryanair destinations include:
| Country | Supermarket Chains |
|---|---|
| Spain | Lidl, Mercadona, Carrefour |
| Italy | Lidl, Coop, Conad |
| Poland | Biedronka, Lidl, Carrefour |
| Portugal | Lidl, Pingo Doce, Continente |
| Ireland | Dunnes Stores, Tesco, Lidl |
The DIY Picnic: Eat Like a Local
Buy fresh local bread, cheese, cured meats, fruit, and yogurt to make your own meals.
- Typical picnic items:
- Bread or rolls (£0.50–£1)
- Cheese (Manchego in Spain, Oscypek in Poland) (£2–£3)
- Cured ham or salami (£2–£3)
- Fresh fruit (£1–£2)
- Greek yogurt or local dairy (£1–£2)
- Money Savvy saving: A restaurant lunch for a family of four can cost £60+, but a supermarket picnic costs under £8.
The Hotel Breakfast Scam
Many hotels charge £12–£20 for breakfast. Instead, buy milk, cereal, pastries, and fruit at the supermarket for £3–£5 and enjoy breakfast in your room.
Cool Bag Hack
If you have space in your Ryanair-approved bag, bring a small cool bag to keep perishables fresh for day trips or beach picnics.
3. Duty-Free Shopping on Arrival: The Hidden Saving
Most travellers buy duty-free alcohol and perfume before flying, but many airports now offer Arrivals Duty-Free shops.
- Why it matters: Buying duty-free on arrival means you don’t have to carry heavy bottles on the plane or risk exceeding baggage weight limits.
- Where it’s available: Many non-EU airports and some EU hubs (e.g., Turkey, Norway, Switzerland) have arrivals duty-free.
- Money Savvy tip: Check your destination airport’s website before you fly to see if arrivals duty-free is available.
- Savings: Local spirits and wines can be 30–40% cheaper than hotel bars or tourist shops.
4. Tap Water Safety: Where You Can Drink for Free
Buying bottled water adds up quickly. Here’s where you can safely drink tap water in popular Ryanair destinations:
| Country | Tap Water Safety |
|---|---|
| Spain | Safe in most cities, including Barcelona and Valencia |
| Italy | Safe in major cities like Milan and Rome |
| Poland | Generally safe, but bottled water preferred in rural areas |
| Portugal | Safe in Lisbon and Algarve |
| Ireland | Safe everywhere |
Money Savvy tip: Carry a reusable bottle with a built-in filter for peace of mind in less certain areas.
5. Money Savvy Picnic Recipes Under £5
Spanish-Style Picnic
- Baguette or rustic bread
- Manchego cheese slices
- Chorizo or Serrano ham
- Olives and cherry tomatoes
- Fresh orange juice or water
Polish Picnic
- Rye bread or rolls
- Oscypek cheese (smoked sheep cheese)
- Kielbasa sausage slices
- Pickled cucumbers
- Apple or blackcurrant juice
Italian Picnic
- Ciabatta bread
- Prosciutto and mozzarella
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Fresh basil leaves
- Sparkling water
6. Spotting the Tourist Menu Rip-Off
Avoid restaurants with these red flags:
- Menus with lots of photos of food (often a sign of tourist traps)
- Waiters aggressively trying to pull you in
- Prices listed only in pounds or euros, not local currency
- No locals dining there
Money Savvy tip: Use apps like TripAdvisor or Google Maps to check reviews and photos from real customers.
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I bring yogurt or milk through security?
A: No, these are liquids/gels and must be bought at your destination.
Q: Are supermarkets cheaper than local markets?
A: For basics like milk and bread, supermarkets like Lidl are cheapest. For fresh fruit and local delicacies, markets often offer better prices and quality.
Q: Can I bring a small cool bag on Ryanair?
A: Yes, as long as it fits within your 40x20x25cm bag allowance.
Q: Is tap water safe to drink in Europe?
A: In most major cities, yes. Use a filter bottle if unsure.
Conclusion
A truly budget-friendly holiday in 2026 isn’t just about cheap flights. It’s about mastering the Total Cost of Trip — and food is the biggest variable. By packing smart snacks, shopping local supermarkets, and avoiding tourist traps, you can save £150+ on meals alone.
Start your trip with a full stomach and a full wallet — and don’t forget your Ryanair-approved 40x20x25 bag to avoid those nasty baggage fees!
