Always sticking to a shopping list, walking down the aisles in a specific order – and opting for a smaller shopping trolley – are some of the top ways to quickly and easily cut your bill while food shopping, an expert has revealed.
Other shopping hacks for grabbing the groceries while on a budget include looking at lower-level shelves to find the non-branded products, and making the most of the frozen food aisles.
And it may also be worth checking out smaller-sized products, or calculating the cost per 100ml or 100g – as it could be cheaper to buy small than opt for larger-sized items.
The top 10 tips come from personal finance guru, Lynn Beattie – also known as “Mrs Mummypenny” – who is recognised for her helpful advice on how families can survive the cost-of-living crisis by shopping savvy and sensibly.
She has teamed up with The No Meat Company, the plant-based food brand behind the Ultimate Burger, which commissioned research into the nation's shopping and eating habits, since the financial downturn first began.
It emerged 53% have changed the way they shop and cook due to the rising costs – with 25% eating less meat, 27% setting stricter budgets, and 26% bulk-buying and freezing.
And food guru Lynn says that switching to meat-alternative products is another great way to make savings, as they are just as substantial and can often make a meal go further for a fraction of the price.
Neville Tam, at The No Meat Company, said: “Soaring costs have led to a drastic change in our usual lifestyle habits, and there’s no denying it’s a tough time for many – but your food shop doesn’t have to cost the earth.
“With the rising cost of living, it can be a challenge to do the right thing for your health and the planet by eating plant-based, it’s certainly no mean feat.
“We’re really grateful to Lynn for her top tips, and we want to help people to keep making those simple swaps, such as switching to meat-alternative products that still taste great but are better for you, the planet – and easy on the wallet too.”
The study, of 2,000 adults, also found that more than half (52%) would like to become better at doing food on a budget, as only a fifth claim they are “very savvy” at this.
More than four in ten (41%) often look for ways to spend less in the kitchen, and will typically turn to cooking websites (32%), or family and friends (31%), for advice.
But 69% think they could make even more savings than they do now, if they found other ways to adapt their shopping and cooking habits.
When asked whether they would consider plant-based alternatives to meat now, compared to pre-cost-of-living crisis, 47% said likely, compared to 53% who said unlikely.
Among those who wouldn’t opt for meat-free, 53% said they aren’t keen on the taste, while 18% believe these products are too expensive, according to the OnePoll study.
One in ten said they wouldn’t ditch meat because their family and friends wouldn’t eat plant-based alternatives.
But when it comes to frozen food, 18% now buy more of these goods compared to pre-2021 – with the average shopper dedicating £63.51 of their monthly shop to these products.
Reasons for this include the cheaper price (63%), lasting longer than fresh food (66%), and less food waste (54%).
The research also found other areas Brits have had to cut back on, including takeaways (46%), clothes (40%), and holidays (33%).
Commenting on the findings, Lynn Beattie said: “The drastic change in food prices has really made us re-evaluate the way we shop, but it’s not always easy to know how to tighten our belts during these tough times.
“This is why I have enjoyed sharing my tips and tricks on how to save the pennies while still enjoying delicious and healthy meals.”
LYNN BEATTIE’S TOP 10 ULTIMATE FOOD SHOP HACKS:
- Always have a shopping list and stick to it – but before you do, make sure you have raided the cupboards and fridge freezer to see what you can use up for the week ahead.
- Choose a half-size trolley – there is less room to fill with impulse purchases and things you don’t need.
- Walk the supermarket in a specific order – start at the reduced section, then visit the frozen food aisles, then the canned products, and finish at the fresh foods.
- Always look at the lowest-level foods – the non-branded products are likely to be lower down and out of eye line.
- Always look at the cost per 100g or 100ml – displayed on the shelf-edge label, promotions on smaller-sized products can make the cost cheaper compared to bigger items.
- The frozen food aisle is your friend – these products are frozen at the point of picking, which means nutrients are immediately locked in and last longer, as well as being better value than fresh.
- Try batch cooking – rather than making it for the exact number of household members, double it and freeze it.
- Opt for more meat-free recipes – some meat alternatives can be cheaper than meat, and products such as lentils or tofu are great alternatives, while being substantial and better value for money.
- Make the most of shopping vouchers – apps such as Green Jinn and Shopmium offer heavily discounted items you can use in store.
- Sign up to supermarket loyalty schemes and apps to earn rewards and get great discounts.
