Do you often find your shopping bill is higher than expected at the checkout?
With the cost of living still putting pressure on household budgets, we know how important spending and saving are.
Getting familiar with these tips can help bring your shopping bill down, whilst still making sure you’re buying what you need.
Shopping when you are hungry can make everything look more tempting.
This can lead to buying snacks, ready meals or extra items you did not plan to buy.
Having a small meal or snack before you shop can help you stick to your plan and focus on what you actually need.
Planning meals before you shop helps you know exactly what to buy and stops you from buying food you will not use.
It can also help avoid last-minute takeaways or convenience foods.
Writing a shopping list helps you stay focused when you are in the supermarket. Checking cupboards first stops you from buying items you already have.
Organising your list by supermarket sections can also help you shop faster and avoid walking past items you do not need.
The 5-4-3-2-1 method is a simple way to build a balanced food shop. It means buying:
• 5 vegetables
• 4 fruits
• 3 protein foods
• 2 carbohydrate foods
• and 1 treat
Plus sauces or spreads if needed.
This method helps you buy a mix of foods without overfilling your trolley.
Supermarket own brands are often made in the same factories as branded products but cost less because they spend less on advertising and packaging.
Many people find that the taste and quality are just as good. Swapping even a few items to own brands can reduce your total shopping cost.
The Downshift Challenge encourages you to swap one product at a time to a cheaper version. This makes it easier to adjust without changing everything at once.
Find out more about the Downshift Challenge here.
Yellow sticker items can help you save money, especially if you plan to use or freeze them quickly.
Some supermarkets reduce prices more in the evening, but this can vary by store.
Buying something just because it is cheaper can still waste money if you do not use it. Planning how you will cook or store discounted food helps you get the most value from it.
Too Good To Go lets you buy surplus food from local cafes, bakeries, restaurants and supermarkets at a lower price. Food is usually sold in “surprise bags” at set collection times.
This can be a cheaper way to buy food whilst helping reduce food waste.
Foodbanks can provide food parcels if you are struggling to afford essentials. They can also signpost other support services that may help with bills or budgeting.
If you need help, you are not alone, and support is available.
Some local foodbanks include:
• Wyre Forest Foodshare
• Kidderminster Foodbank Trussel Trust
• Wyre Forest Food Bank
• H.E.L.P Charity
Many foodbanks provide recipe guides using low-cost ingredients and basic kitchen equipment.
Using these can help you cook easy meals at home and make food stretch further.
Freezing food helps it last longer. Many foods can be frozen, including bread, meat, vegetables and cooked meals.
Food packaging often includes storage advice to help food last longer. Storing food correctly can stop it from spoiling early.
Keeping fridges at the right temperature and storing food in the right place can help reduce waste and save money.
