Try our family budget meal plan for a week of low-cost meals, or explore our quick budget meals, budget family chicken recipes and budget comfort food for fuss-free, affordable cooking.
Money-saving tips for your weekly shop
1. Plan your meals
It may seem simple, but planning your meals for the week ahead will help avoid impulse buys and food waste, which is your number-one enemy when you’re cooking on a budget. To help stick to your budget, write a shopping list of everything you need to buy and take it with you.
Planning ahead means you can look forward to the upcoming meals while taking away the stress of worrying what to cook after a busy day at work. You could leave one day off the schedule in case of any last-minute dinner plans or extra leftovers – that way you don’t buy more than you need and no food goes to waste.
2. Buy own-brand products
Save cash by swapping big-brand products for supermarkets’ own-brand products. Not only are own-brand products cheaper, but all food manufacturers must follow the same food standards. Small savings from ‘downshifting’ (moving from branded to budget ranges) can quickly add up, especially on items you buy regularly. For example, the cost of a 400g tin of tomatoes in Sainsbury’s can vary from 39p for Stamford Street Co. (Sainsbury’s budget range) to £1.50 for Mutti.
Make sure you have a good look around when you do your next supermarket shop, too. Supermarkets tend to stock mid-price and premium brands directly in front of you at eye level in order to catch your attention, with budget and own-brand items hidden further down at the bottom of the shelves.
3. Avoid chopped, grated and pre-washed ingredients
These convenient items are much more expensive than their whole counterparts, with the additional cost coming from the extra processing, packaging and labour involved. Bags of pre-grated cheese, chopped fruit or packs of ready sliced veg often cost significantly more per gram than blocks of cheese, whole fruit or unprepared veg.
They often come in smaller quantities and have a shorter shelf life due to the increased surface area and handling, which can lead to more food waste if not used quickly. Buying whole foods allows you to use only what you need, store the rest for longer and reduce unnecessary packaging. Taking a few minutes to chop, grate or wash your own ingredients not only saves money but gives you more control over portion sizes and freshness.
4. Shop seasonal
In-season fruit and veg is often cheaper than imported groceries. This is because they haven’t been shipped thousands of miles, plus they taste fresher, as they’re grown in their natural season and in optimum conditions. Eating seasonally is also more sustainable. Make a list of what season your favourite produce is at its best and then stock up. Spring veg like carrots, courgettes and potatoes are at their best and most affordable now.
5. Use frozen and canned foods
A good alternative for saving cash, frozen and canned foods, such as frozen peas, canned beans and tinned tuna, are cheaper though just as nutritious. Frozen vegetables are often frozen soon after picking, so the nutrients are preserved, too. Stock up your freezer staples such as berries, fish and shellfish, and bread. See our top freezable family meals for cooking on a budget, plus read how to make your freezer work for you.
6. Make an inventory
Before you go shopping, check your kitchen and take note of what you’ve already got at home. There’s a high chance that your fridge and cupboards are well stocked with all the makings of a filling family dinner. Making an inventory will prevent you from buying too much, which often leads to food waste. It will also mean you buy enough for the week, so you won’t need to make a last-minute dash to a convenience store where prices are typically higher.
7. Look in the reduced section
The reduced aisle in supermarkets is a great way to save money on your groceries, with reductions increasing as the day goes on. However, if you don’t plan on eating what you’ve bought that evening, it can be an extra spend you don’t need to make and may result in food waste. Be savvy with your choices, and make the most of reduced-price foods with your freezer.
8. Buy spices in bulk
When you purchase spices in larger quantities, particularly from world food stores or zero-waste shops, the cost per gram is significantly lower compared to the small jars or tubs found on supermarket shelves. It will also reduce the need for frequent top-ups, which can help you avoid impulse purchases during extra trips to the supermarket. Plus it means less packaging.
By keeping your spice cupboard well stocked you are more likely to have what you need to hand. You could even try buying spices in bulk and sharing with your friends by divvying up into jam jars. Learn more about how to use storecupboard spices.
9. Buy less meat
Meat has become more expensive, so cooking more vegetarian and vegan dishes will make you better at sticking to your food budget. Buy less meat, but buy the best you can afford, and use affordable plant-based protein sources to bulk out your meals: try swapping meat for cannellini beans and lentils, for example. When you do buy meat, look out for deals at your local butchers, and opt for the more affordable cuts such as chicken thighs and drumsticks.
10. Become a member of supermarket loyalty schemes
Don’t pay higher prices for everyday items just because you’re not a member of a supermarket loyalty scheme. All of the major supermarkets have loyalty schemes that claim to offer lower prices simply by joining (although these are sometimes contested!), from Sainsbury’s Nectar to Tesco Clubcard. Make the most of these and supermarket apps that can save money and give you rewards, too – from free fruit at Lidl to money added to a cashpot on the Asda app.