As the cost of living rises, many families in the UK are looking for ways to cut down on expenses. One of the biggest regular costs for households is groceries and food shopping. With some planning and smart shopping habits, families can find many simple ways to save money on groceries without sacrificing nutrition or variety.
Make a Weekly Meal Plan
One of the best ways to save money on groceries is to plan out your family’s meals in advance. Take some time each week to sit down and make a meal plan for the next 7 days. Think about what you already have in your kitchen that needs to be used up. Browse grocery store flyers and circulars for deals and plan recipes around what’s on sale. Make a detailed shopping list based on the meals you plan to cook. Sticking to your list at the store can help avoid impulse buys and reduce food waste. If you foster children with Fosterplus, your allowance will help cover the cost of food for the children you care for.
Shop Own Brands and Generics
Choose the store’s own brands rather than pricier name brands whenever possible. Generic no-name brands are also significantly cheaper than name brands for pantry staples, canned goods, cereals, bread, produce, dairy products and many other grocery items. The quality and taste are usually comparable. Buying own brands and generics instead of name brands can save families up to 30% on their grocery bill.
Look for Discounts and Loyalty Savings
Check grocery stores for weekly promotions, coupons and loyalty card savings. Stores often deeply discount certain products each week or month to get customers in the door. Take advantage of these “loss leaders” by building your meal plan around what’s on sale that particular week. Signing up for a loyalty card can earn you extra discounts and savings. The savings from coupons and loyalty programmes can really add up over the year.
Buy in Bulk When Items Are on Sale
For non-perishable pantry items you use frequently, stock up and buy in bulk when they are discounted. Products like breakfast cereal, pasta, rice, lentils, beans and tinned tomatoes can be purchased in large quantities when they are marked down. For refrigerated staples like cheese, hardier vegetables and meat, consider bulk buying and freezing what you don’t immediately need. The savings per unit are significant when buying in bulk. Just be sure to have enough storage space.
Shop Discount Supermarkets
Discount supermarket chains like Aldi and Lidl offer very low prices year-round by cutting down on overhead costs. Shopping at discount grocers for the bulk of your family’s groceries can lead to major overall savings versus traditional supermarkets. You may have to sacrifice brand name products, but the savings are worthwhile.
Grow Your Own Produce
For families with a bit of garden space, consider growing your own vegetables, herbs and fruit. The startup costs are minimal and homegrown produce provides essentially free food during the growing season. Kids can also get involved in gardening activities. Even a few pots on a balcony can provide tomatoes, greens and herbs.
Meal planning, smart shopping habits and self-sufficiency strategies are simple ways UK families can cut down on grocery costs. A bit of effort goes a long way towards savings.
