One of the biggest expenses for a lot of Scottish families is the regular weekly food shop, as supermarkets can often be very good at making us spend more.
Some households will also be feeling the strain a bit more this year as the cost of living continues to increase with a surge in household bills and petrol prices.
That's why, the experts at NetVoucherCodes.co.uk, have offered cash strapped Brit's some advice on how to beat the supermarket advertisements so that you can save on your food shop.
Compiled of 23 top tips, the list provides a range of advice that will help any shopper become savvy enough to avoid any misleading deals and keep their costs down when out at their supermarket.
A spokesperson for NetVoucherCodes.co.uk said: “Brits are really feeling the pinch right now and saving on your food shop is one of the most obvious places to start to cut costs.
“Reducing how much you spend doesn't mean you’ll go hungry - it just means you’re shopping smarter, shopping around and only buying what you actually need.
“Easy tips include buying in bulk, meal planning and making a list when you head to the supermarket. Other tricks include using discount retailers, your local shop and buying fresh items loose.”
To help you keep costs down, here are NetVoucherCodes.co.uk ’ s tips that you can use as a handy guide or checklist the next time you go shopping.
Tips on saving money on your food shop
Use the world food aisle
Often overlooked by a lot of British shoppers, the world food aisle is actually a great place to pick up some good quality products for much less.
They are available in all the big UK supermarkets, such as Tesco, Asda, Morrisons & Sainsbury's, and you can get a range of products including pasta, rice, sauces and packaged noodles.
Search 'high' and 'low'
Supermarkets are clever, they strategically place their most profitable items at eye level. Even items targeted at children will be at their eye level.
Make sure you check for deals down low and up high and in all corners of the aisles as these are where the deals will be.
'Value packs' aren't always the best value
Don't be fooled by those products that say 'best value' or contain '40% extra', as it's not always the case.
Always check the price per 100g/ml – this way you can work out the cheapest item gram for gram. Two smaller packs can often be cheaper than the ‘value pack’.
Buying loose is cheaper
While buying a bag of fruit or veg can seem easier, purchasing them loose can actually be a cheaper option. Always cross-check the prices as you may find that buying 4 individual apples, for example, is cheaper than buying them pre-packed.
Beware of 'thin' or 'mini-packs'
You’ve probably seen the term ‘Thins’ or ‘Mini’ on the biscuit and cracker aisle. These are typically smaller or thinner versions of common household snacks like digestives.
While you may assume they cost less because they’re smaller, you’re wrong. You will actually be paying more than buying the full-size version. Always check the prices to see which is better value.
Shop with a budget in mind
It's an old-fashioned tactic but it certainly comes in handy to try and ward of any temptations you get when walking around the supermarket for things you don't actually need.
If you see any magazines or last minute items at the checkout - try and avoid them, they are only there to tempt you to spend more.
Planning what you need before heading to the shops is the easiest way to avoid the urge of going over budget and buying things you don’t need.
More expensive products aren't always better
As humans, we are conditioned to think that if something is more expensive then it is obviously better quality - this is not always true.
Often a manufacturers’ brand and own branded products may have even been made in the same factory, by the same people!
Try not to fall trap to this ‘brand hypnosis’. While the packaging may be more attractive, the actual product you’re getting is most likely the exact same as its cheaper counterparts.
Watch out for packages with words like 'finest' or 'Extra Special', while own branded products will come in simpler packaging to make you think it's not as good quality.
Try the downshift challenge
If you’re serious about saving, why not take the Downshift Challenge? It’s super simple and could save you some serious cash.
All you have to do is drop to one brand level and pick up a cheaper or supermarket owned brand next time you are out grocery shopping.
This is a great way to test whether or not you’re spending more for the exact same quality. After all, why pay more for something that is the same?
Buy own branded toiletries and cleaning products
You probably haven’t considered switching down from branded toiletries, but you would be surprised how much you could save when downshifting brands.
Washing powders, shower gels and other cleaning products are just a few examples of where you can downshift! And unlike food, no taste test is needed.
Never shop when you're hungry
It goes without saying that if you’re hungry while food shopping, you’re likely to buy more food that you don’t need.
If you’re heading out for something simple like some milk or a loaf of bread, try not to pick up a basket or trolley as this will encourage you to fill it up!
Use your local shop
If you’re shopping for something specific, like a pint of milk or some bread, head down to the local shop instead of the supermarket. This way, you will be least tempted to buy things you don’t need and can save both time, money and petrol!
Collect coupons
Coupons are a great way to save £100s on your shopping bills. You can find coupons for selected stores online or they may even be on food packaging or on the receipt.
You can find them in a whole variety of places from magazines and newspapers, to supermarket newsletters.
Apps like Shopmium or the Lidl Plus app are great places to look for bargains and even cashback.
Search online – here are a few online sites you can sign up to that offer daily coupons:
Don't fall for 'misleading' discounts
We all know how tempting it is to throw discounted items into our trolley because it’s such a good deal. But is it? The sole purpose of the supermarket is to encourage you to spend, which you’re likely to do more of if you believe something is on sale – even if you don’t need it.
Supermarkets often increase the original price of items when they are on a multi-buy offer and they will often have a 'sale' signage popped up for items that are barely discounted.
Shop at cheaper stores
Discounters like Aldi, Lidl, B&M Bargains, Home Bargains and Farmfoods are great places to shop for affordable goods. These can often prove a lot cheaper than the bigger supermarkets. Many consumers visit just once a month to stock up on staples like store cupboard goods.
B&M and Home Bargains are also great for picking up toiletries and cleaning products at much cheaper prices.
Beware of BOGOF deals
We all love a Buy One Get One Free deal, right? But what we don’t know is this tactic is essentially used to force consumers to buy more.
On some occasions, these deals can be great, especially on items you get through a lot. But keep in mind if the items are perishable and unlike to get eaten or used, you’re probably best buying just 1.
Toilet rolls, toothpaste and items you regularly use are the best types of products to snap up when they’re on a buy one get one free deal.
Use your leftovers
Have food in your fridge going out of date or have cooked food leftover from last night’s dinner? There are many great websites out there with hundreds of recipes for your leftover goods. Tools like Supercook and BigOven can even come up with recipes for you. All you have to do is tell them what ingredients you have.
Write a meal plan
Meal plans are great if you’re looking to save on your food shop. If you know exactly what you’re buying and what meals you plan to cook, it’s easier to avoid spending money on the things you don’t need. Plus, you may even have a lot of the ingredients already in your fridge or cupboards – like pasta, rice or seasoning!
Buy after 'best before' dates
A lot of us get confused by the labelling on packages and it cause many of us to avoid some products that might be a on offer.
If the product says 'best before', it just means that the they are still edible and safe to eat past that date and usually they are on sale at a heavily discounted price.
Abandon your online shopping
If you’re an online food shopper, it’s possible to grab a big discount simply by abandoning your online shop.
Simply add a few items to your online basket then exit the site. They often email you with a discount to entice you back! Make sure you’re signed in to your account while shopping, so they know who you are.
Time your shopping trip wisely
Savvy shoppers will already know all about the 'yellow stickers', but if you don't, then it is worth keeping an eye out for them on your next food shop.
Reduced items are usually labelled up at the same time every day, usually mid-morning, but the best times to get these items are is in the mid-evening.
Sometimes you can find items reduced up to 75%!
Reclaim old clubcard vouchers
If you’re a Tesco shopper, you will know how great Clubcards are! Not only for grabbing huge savings in-store but earning points with every spend to later redeem.
However, many of us forget about the points we have accumulated (possibly over years). And what many people don’t know is that there is an easy way to get your points back.
Just head to 'YourVouchers' page on your account and you will find any discounts and points you may not have redeemed.
Bulk buy
Bulk Buying can be a great way to save money on items of food you use a lot of. For example, rice, pasta, coffee and other store cupboard staples that are non-perishable. Often, buying in bulk is more cost-effective as opposed to buying items individually and can save you time on heading to the shop each time you run out.
Claim cashback on your big shop
Shopping online? Make the most of it by using a Cashback site! Simply use their link to buy items online and they will reimburse you a percentage of the sale. Quidco and Topcashback are great places to look online.
There are also mobile apps you can download to get cashback on your supermarket purchases. Quidco ClickSnap, Shopmium and CheckoutSmart are just a few examples free to download.
Most apps work with all big supermarkets and allow you to check the eligibility of an item by scanning the barcode.
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond. Sign up to our daily newsletter here.
