Save money when food shopping
With a little planning, you can make your food budget go further:
Visit larger supermarkets where possible,these often have a wider range of products, sometimes at lower prices.
Plan meals ahead and only buy what you need.
Make a shopping list and check what you already have at home before you go.
Choose a time to shop when you’re not rushed – it can help you make better choices.
Avoid shopping on an empty stomach, as this can make it harder to stick to your plan.
Special offers aren’t always the best value, so take a moment to compare prices.
Many supermarkets reduce fresh foods before their use-by date. These can be great value, but only buy what you can use, or freeze items if needed.
Try value or own-brand products – these are often cheaper and can taste just as good.
Remember, cheaper items are not always at eye level – it’s worth checking the top and bottom shelves.
Eat well on a budget
Healthy eating doesn’t have to cost more. These tips can help you get the most for your money:
- Choose seasonal fruit and vegetables – they’re often cheaper and taste great.
- Choose loose fruit and vegetables – they can cost less than pre‑packaged options.
- Some supermarkets sell “wonky” fruit and vegetables. They’re just as nutritious, but may be cheaper because they vary in shape and size.
- Tinned foods like fruit, vegetables, beans, chickpeas and lentils are affordable, quick, and easy to add to meals.
- Choose fruit tinned in natural juice rather than syrup.
- Choose vegetables tinned in water with no added salt.
- Frozen fruit and vegetables are often good value and come pre‑prepared, which can save time and make cooking easier.
- Community gardens and allotments may sell fruit and vegetables at a lower cost.
Save money and reduce waste at home
There are lots of easy ways to enjoy good food while keeping costs down:
- Make favourite takeaway-style meals at home, like curry and rice or pizza.
NHS Better Health – Healthier Families and Parent Club have lots of tasty, family‑friendly recipes to try. - If you do have a takeaway, make some sides at home such as rice, noodles or naan bread – it’s often cheaper and easy to do.
- Try smaller portions of meat, and aim for a meat‑free meal or day at least once a week.
Beans, lentils and chickpeas are great value, provide protein, and work well as meat alternatives. - Other good‑value protein options include eggs, milk, yoghurt, budget cuts of meat, frozen chicken thighs, hummus, and tinned or frozen fish.
- Leave skins on fruit and vegetables where possible and safe to do so. If peeling is needed, some peelings can be added to soups or stews.
- Make packed lunches at home, using leftovers or simple sandwiches.
- Freeze extra food, such as bread and other items that won’t be used in time. Most foods can be frozen – check the packaging for guidance.
- Cook in batches and freeze portions for another day. This can save time, money and energy during busy weeks.
The British Dietetic Association has more tips on eating well for less which includes some budget meal ideas.
