Food is expensive — there’s no getting around that.
According to the Office for National Statistics, the overall price of groceries went up around 25% between 2022 and 2024, and that doesn’t appear to be slowing down. Given that wages certainly haven’t gone up and the prices of everything else have been skyrocketing too, we’re all stretched incredibly thin. We have to eat, though, so it’s not like we can just… stop buying food. You can, however, save money on your shopping bill by doing a few simple things.
1. Plan your meals in advance.
Meal planning is one of the simplest ways to reduce your food bills. By deciding what you’ll eat for the week, you can create a focused shopping list and avoid buying unnecessary items. It also helps you use up what you already have, cutting down on waste. Take a few minutes each week to plan meals around what’s on sale or in season. Batch-cooking meals you can freeze or reheat later is another great way to save time and money while avoiding last-minute takeaways.
2. Stick to a shopping list.
Source: Unsplash Impulse purchases can quickly add up, especially when shopping on an empty stomach. A well-thought-out shopping list keeps you focused and ensures you only buy what you need. It saves money and reduces the chances of food going to waste. Before heading to the store, check your pantry and fridge to avoid buying duplicates. Using apps or a simple notepad to create your list helps you stay organised and stick to your budget more effectively.
3. Buy in bulk for staples.
Source: Unsplash Staple items like rice, pasta, beans, and oats are often cheaper when purchased in bulk. Buying larger quantities of non-perishable items can reduce the cost per unit and save you money in the long run. Look for bulk bins or larger packs when shopping. Make sure you have enough storage space and only buy what you know you’ll use. Dividing bulk items into smaller, easily accessible portions at home can make cooking more convenient and prevent waste.
4. Take advantage of store discounts and loyalty programmes.
Many supermarkets including Tesco, Asda, and Morrisons offer loyalty cards, discounts, and cashback schemes that can help you save on groceries. These programmes often include personalised offers based on your shopping habits, giving you discounts on the items you buy regularly. Keep an eye out for special deals, like “buy one, get one free” or reduced prices on items close to their sell-by date. Combining loyalty rewards with sales can maximise your savings over time. Even Lidl has a rewards app that lets you earn money-saving coupons, freebies, and even cash off your next shop when you meet certain thresholds.
5. Shop seasonal produce.
Fruits and vegetables are often cheaper and tastier when they’re in season. Seasonal produce is typically grown locally, which reduces transport costs and makes it more affordable. Plus, eating with the seasons adds variety to your meals. Check farmers’ markets or the seasonal sections of your local supermarket for the best deals. Planning your meals around what’s in season ensures you’re eating fresh, budget-friendly ingredients year-round.
6. Cook at home more often.
Eating out or ordering takeaways can quickly drain your food budget. Cooking at home allows you to control costs, portion sizes, and ingredients. Even simple homemade meals are usually cheaper and healthier than restaurant options. If time is a concern, focus on easy-to-prepare dishes or cook in batches and freeze portions for later. Preparing meals at home also lets you experiment with new recipes, making it a fun and rewarding experience while saving money.
7. Embrace meat-free meals.
Source: Unsplash Meat is often one of the most expensive items in a food budget. Incorporating vegetarian or plant-based meals a few times a week can significantly reduce costs. Ingredients like lentils, beans, and tofu are affordable, versatile, and packed with nutrients. Try making dishes like vegetable stir-fries, lentil soups, or chickpea curries. These meals are not only cost-effective, but also healthy and satisfying, proving that you don’t need meat in every dish to enjoy a delicious meal.
8. Avoid pre-packaged or convenience foods.
Pre-packaged foods like grated cheese, pre-cut fruit, or ready-made meals often come with a higher price tag. While they may save time, doing the prep yourself is much more budget-friendly and often results in fresher, tastier meals. For example, buying whole vegetables or larger cuts of meat and portioning them at home can save money and reduce packaging waste. Simple tasks like grating your own cheese or slicing your own fruit can quickly add up to noticeable savings over time.
9. Use leftovers creatively.
Source: Unsplash Throwing away leftovers is like tossing money in the bin. Instead, get creative by repurposing them into new meals. Leftover roasted vegetables can become a hearty soup, or last night’s chicken can be transformed into a sandwich or stir-fry. Store leftovers properly in airtight containers and keep track of what needs to be used up. A little creativity in the kitchen can turn leftovers into exciting meals while keeping your food budget in check.
10. Buy generic or store-brand items.
Store-brand products are often just as good as name brands but come at a fraction of the cost. Items like flour, sugar, and canned goods are typically indistinguishable in quality, so there’s no need to pay extra for a brand name. Compare prices and give store brands a try — you might find they’re just as satisfying. Over time, making the switch can result in substantial savings without sacrificing quality.
11. Grow your own herbs or vegetables.
Source: Unsplash Starting a small herb or vegetable garden can save money while providing fresh ingredients for your meals. Herbs like basil, parsley, and mint are easy to grow in pots on a windowsill, and a few plants can last you for months. If you have outdoor space, try planting vegetables like tomatoes, courgettes, or spinach. Growing your own produce reduces your food bills and gives you the satisfaction of eating something you’ve cultivated yourself.
12. Freeze food to make it last longer.
Source: Unsplash Freezing food is a great way to prevent waste and save money. Many items, from fresh produce to cooked meals, freeze well and can be used later when you need them. Freezing also lets you take advantage of bulk buys or sales without worrying about food going off. Label and date everything you freeze to stay organised, and portion food before freezing to make defrosting easier. Doing so ensures nothing goes to waste and allows you to stockpile ingredients for future use.
13. Track your spending on food.
Keeping an eye on your food expenses helps you identify areas where you can cut back. Tracking what you spend each week or month can reveal patterns, like buying too many snacks or overestimating how much fresh produce you need. Use a notebook or an app to monitor your spending and set realistic budgets for groceries and dining out. Knowing exactly where your money goes allows you to make adjustments and stick to your savings goals.
