As the cost of living crisis continues to affect UK households, many people are looking for ways to make their money go further.
Food prices are something that has seen a huge increase, with Magnet Kitchens reporting that the average food spend per year has soared by over £570.
The kitchen company has said that one of the key things that people can do to save money is reduce the amount of meat they buy, as households spend more than £700 a year on it alone.
A spokesperson for Magnet Kitchens said: "Many UK households have meat with most meals. Meat-eaters spend an average of £752 on meat each year alone. Much of that spend could be reduced by including some vegetarian dishes in your weekly food plan where the produce is much cheaper.
"From meat-free Mondays, to trying out new plant based dishes, not only is moving away from meat-centric eating kinder to the planet, but it can dramatically reduce food spend."
The kitchen company says that we are often on "autopilot" when shopping for food, not really noticing how our supermarket habits are hiking up our monthly spend.
So, to help people get more out of their money when doing the weekly shop, experts have shared some other cost-cutting tips.
It's hoped that by taking on these habits, it'll help people reduce their food waste and monthly spend.
Make a list of what you already have
"It’s common practice to visit the supermarket armed with the list of products you wish to purchase. Whilst this can save you money in reducing the likelihood of impulse buying, going to the supermarket with a list of items that you already have can save you even more.
"Before you go shopping, make a list of items that you already have in the kitchen. This will aid in the purchase of add ons, where you buy fewer ingredients to cook a meal that you already have the foundations of, rather than buying whole new dinners. It will also prevent you buying what you already have stored away in cupboards, fridges or freezers."
Cook with seasonal ingredients
"Buying fruit and vegetables when they are in season is almost invariably cheaper than buying imported produce. Seasonal and local produce also has fewer ‘food miles’, so you will not only be bettering your food bill, but also the planet. A quick Google will tell you what produce is currently in season, and you can then work these ingredients into your meals."
Don't get drawn in by deals
"With big red labels and bold writing, supermarket deals can seem great amid soaring prices, but buying more than you actually need just because of the offer can often result in disposing of the excess food at the end of the week.
"If you want to take advantage of a deal on groceries, think efficiently before you do so. If you’re lacking in pantry staples for example, buy in bulk when they are on offer. Beware of buying fresh food on offer unless it’s freezable."
Research and store foods correctly
"From putting potatoes in the fridge to storing salads in their plastic, many people store their foods incorrectly. Taking the time to do some research and learn how each item is best stored will significantly reduce your food spend by extending the lifespan of what you do buy.
"Potatoes and onions are best stored in dark, cool places. Salads are better wrapped in paper, not plastic and other simple tricks like storing herbs with their stalks in water will let you get the most out of your produce and prevent waste."
Organise your fridge / freezer
"Whilst it’s important and great to use fridges and freezers to extend the lifespan of food, many people go too far the other way by overstocking it, which can actually cause unnecessary spending on other food.
"A chaotic, overstocked fridge or freezer results in forgotten foods languishing at the back of it and you buying items that you already have, but are not aware of. Trade this in for an organised fridge and freezer where you can see things easily and use and stock up on them accordingly. It’s also really useful to label items in your freezer to track how long they have been in there.
"Not only is it wasteful and unhygienic to leave foods rotting at the back of your fridge, it also reduces the efficiency of your appliance in its prevention of cold air circulating between its contents. This means your fridge has to work harder and use more electricity."
Plan and batch cook
"With the business of everyday life, people often get to mealtimes and as a result of a lack of planning, quickly pop to the shops for ingredients to put together a one off, last minute meal.
"Taking the time to meal plan will really make the difference to your food spend through avoiding waste and overspending on items you won’t actually use. It will also save time and help you stick to a budget - calling for one weekly strategic shop rather than multiple last minute dashes.
"Try batch cooking your meals too, to use all ingredients in one sitting. Freeze portions to have the week ahead or when fresh food runs out. Batch cooking meals for lunch and taking them to work will also see a significant reduction in your monthly food spend."
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