As the cost-of-living problem worsens, finding solutions to reduce your food expenses may become crucial. You’ll likely already be trying to make ends meet due to increased rent, mortgage, or energy prices, not to mention the cost of your weekly food shop. Some of these increased costs are out of your control, however here are some top tips on how you can reduce the weekly shopping bill;

1. Go shopping once a week

To save money, you should buy all your food requirements at once. Additionally, you save money on petrol by only making one trip. Multiple shopping trips can lead to greater overall costs. Try to remember everything, as even a quick trip to the corner shop for a loaf of bread or a bottle of water can end up costing you more than required. These extra purchases can cause you to go over your budget.

2. Use Loyalty Cards

The majority of stores feature loyalty cards that you may scan after each purchase to accrue points. Many consumers scan their cards but never spend their points, losing out on a tonne of discounts! Tesco, for instance, will typically mail you vouchers for the points you have accrued. If you want to use them, you may also get them from the internet. Tesco also allows you to use your Clubcard points on car insurance.

3. Make A List

One of the best things you can do to save money when grocery shopping is to make a list. Write down all the ingredients you’ll need after you’ve planned your meals. Make sure you are aware of what is in your fridge and freezer so that you can determine what else you require and avoid purchasing unnecessary food.

4. Use a money-saving app

‘Too Good To Go’ matches app users with local restaurants and food outlets that have food left at the end of the day to sell for less. This way, the food doesn’t go in the bin so you’re doing your bit to reduce food waste, too. You might expect to spend anything from around £1 to £7 for a ‘magic bag’ from a local business that contains a surprise mix of products.

5. Meal Plan

Making a weekly meal plan will help you save money on groceries since you’ll know precisely what you need to buy. It will also help you become healthier and more conscious of what you’re putting into your body. While purchasing prepared meals can save time, the cost is almost always higher. Additionally, a lot of these meals contain unhealthy components and don’t fill you up as much as home-cooked food.

6. Branded food isn’t always best

Buying fewer brand names will save you a fortune, and it’s likely you won’t even be able to tell the difference. Start out with the basics, like oats, rice, pasta, canned beans, and canned fish. Try swapping at least one thing a week for something cheaper, and you might be surprised at how much you actually save.

7. Buy Wonky Veg

In order to maintain a healthy, balanced diet, vegetables are crucial. They are, however, also among the most expensive items you will find in your supermarket. Instead, buy the “wonky veg” packs that some stores provide. There are numerous benefits to wonky vegetable boxes.

They help farmers because they don’t have to waste produce, and they also benefit the environment.

There isn’t much of a difference between wonky and regular vegetables, and you won’t be able to notice the difference when you’re eating it.

8. Shop online

One sure way of sticking to your shopping list is by doing it online. You can get it delivered or pick it up for free on click & collect. You can enter exactly what you want without the worry of being tempted by other products. Try to shop around for the cheapest price for your basket before ordering.

9. Reduced food is just as good

Every shop has a rota for when it will start reducing items. If you often find great food in the reduced section of the shop (be careful with best before dates), it’s good to know when to visit a shop to get the first pick on reduced foods . It’s one of the most satisfying ways to save money on food!