Food is one of the easiest things to overspend on without even realising it.
You need to eat, sure, but does it have to cost so much? Between takeaways, meal deals, overpriced coffees, and those quick snack grabs, your monthly food bill can spiral out of control before you know it. One minute you’re just treating yourself to a nice meal, and the next, you’re staring at your bank account wondering where it all went. Of course, cutting back doesn’t have to mean giving up everything you enjoy. You just need to be a bit more mindful of where your money is actually going — here’s how to do it.
1. Track every food purchase for a month.
You think you know where your money is going, but do you really? Food spending sneaks up on you in ways you don’t even notice—especially when it’s small amounts here and there. A couple of coffees, a quick sandwich on the go, a takeaway after a long day… it all adds up faster than you’d expect. For a full month, track everything you spend on food. Write down every supermarket shop, every coffee, every time you order in. Most people are shocked when they see the actual total, but once you know what’s draining your money the fastest, you can start making small changes that actually stick.
2. Set a food budget that makes sense.
A budget doesn’t mean you have to live off beans on toast forever — it just means knowing your limits. If you don’t set one, you’ll keep justifying every meal out, every extra treat, and before you know it, you’re way over what you can actually afford. Be realistic. If you’re currently spending £500 a month on food, cutting it straight down to £150 probably won’t work. Start by knocking off £50-£100 and see how it feels. Separate your food budget into groceries and eating out so you know exactly how much you can spend without guilt.
3. Plan meals before you shop.
Supermarkets are designed to make you spend more. If you walk in without a plan, you’ll leave with things you don’t need and probably forget the one thing you actually went in for. And then? You have to go back, which leads to more spending. Instead, plan out your meals for the week. Write a list and stick to it. If you tend to get distracted, shop online instead—it makes it easier to avoid impulse buys. And don’t shop when you’re hungry. We all know how that ends.
4. Cook at home more often.
Source: Unsplash Takeaways and restaurant meals are fun, but they’re also so much more expensive than cooking at home. Even those “cheap” meal deals add up fast if you’re grabbing them multiple times a week. Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated. Even if you swap just two takeaways a week for home-cooked versions, you’ll notice a difference in your spending. If you’re short on time, look into quick 15-minute meal ideas. The less effort it takes, the more likely you’ll actually stick to it.
5. Stop buying food when you’re hungry.
Shopping on an empty stomach is a guaranteed way to overspend. When you’re hungry, everything looks good, and suddenly, you’re filling your trolley with random snacks, expensive ready meals, and stuff you didn’t even know you wanted. Eat before you shop. If you find it hard to resist impulse buys, try shopping online, where you won’t be surrounded by temptation. It’s a small change, but it makes a big difference over time.
6. Cut down on wasted food.
Throwing away food is the same as throwing away money. If you’re constantly tossing out leftovers or forgetting about fresh produce until it goes bad, you’re probably spending more than you need to. Be realistic about what you’ll actually eat before it expires. Freeze leftovers, plan meals around what you already have, and store things properly so they last longer. Even just taking stock of what’s in your fridge before heading to the shop can stop you from buying more than you need.
7. Cut back on coffee and snack runs.
Source: Unsplash A takeaway coffee here, a meal deal there — it doesn’t seem like much in the moment, but over the course of a month? It adds up fast. If you’re grabbing a £3-£5 coffee every day, that’s well over £100 a month just on coffee. Bringing your own coffee a few days a week or keeping snacks in your bag instead of buying them on the go can make a surprising difference. You don’t have to cut them out entirely — just be more intentional about when and where you spend.
8. Use discounts and loyalty schemes.
Source: Unsplash If you’re already spending money on food, you might as well get something back. Supermarket loyalty cards, cashback apps, and meal deals can all add up to big savings over time. It’s not about chasing every deal, just using the ones that actually fit your usual shopping habits. Check if your favourite grocery store has a loyalty scheme, and if you eat out regularly, see if any of your go-to spots offer discounts or rewards. It’s a simple way to stretch your budget without changing your routine too much.
9. Swap to budget-friendly ingredients.
Some foods are naturally more expensive than others. If you’re always buying branded products, imported produce, or premium cuts of meat, your grocery bill is going to be higher than necessary. Try swapping to supermarket own brands, buying seasonal fruit and veg, and opting for cheaper protein sources like beans, eggs, and frozen fish. It’s a small shift, but over time, those swaps can make a big difference in your spending.
10. Set limits on takeaways.
Takeaways are one of the biggest money drains. It’s so easy to justify ordering food when you’re tired or don’t feel like cooking, but those costs add up quickly. Instead of swearing off takeaways completely, set a limit. Maybe it’s once a week or twice a month. Having a planned takeaway night makes it feel like a treat instead of just a lazy habit.
11. Prep meals in advance.
Meal prepping doesn’t mean eating the same bland meal every day; it just means having food ready to go so you’re not tempted to order in. Even prepping just a few meals a week can help stop last-minute spending. Batch-cooking simple meals or just prepping ingredients in advance can make a huge difference. If you already have food waiting in the fridge, you’re far less likely to reach for the takeaway menu.
12. Give yourself a food “treat fund.”
Completely cutting out takeaways, snacks, or coffee runs will probably just make you crave them more. Instead of trying to quit everything cold turkey, set a small budget for treats. Having a “treat fund” means you can enjoy your favourite foods, but in a way that’s controlled and guilt-free. This makes it easier to stick to your budget without feeling like you’re missing out.
