How to save money on your food shop – a beginner’s guide to budget shopping

Meal planning ideas 

Firstly, look in the fridge, freezer and cupboards to see what you already have that you can make a meal with - you may realise you don’t need as much as you thought. Then think about what your plans are for the week. Are you going out for the night so you won't need to buy food, or going away for a trip? Consider what meals you need so you don’t overbuy, as this can lead to food wastage down the line. 

If you’re cooking for one, you’ll often end up with leftovers. Try planning meals that can double as lunch the next day. Once you’ve finished cooking, portion any extra food into Tupperware containers and freeze it. That way, you’ll build up a supply of ready-made meals for days when you don’t feel like cooking. Chilis and stews are great meals to make in bulk. Alternatively, take it in turns with friends and family to cook, as it can be more economical to cook and share the cost.  

Once you’ve created a meal plan, make a shopping list of everything you’ll need. It’ll make your trip to the store much easier, as you’ll know exactly what to buy and be less likely to be tempted by special offers or impulse purchases. How many times have you gone to the supermarket only to come home with a bag full of random items and nothing that actually makes a meal? Having a clear, focused shopping list helps ensure you buy exactly what you need and avoid unnecessary purchases. And if you're trying to stick to your budget, it might be wise to steer clear of Aldi’s infamous middle aisle!

Shop around

Shopping around is a savvy way to get different offers on various products. Do you have a fruit and veg shop or market you can buy your produce from? The Grocefully app allows you to compare prices from different supermarkets near you, so you can see the most cost-effective options around.

It’s also worth going down one level on the branded products, as this can really cut down the costs. If you normally go for a premium brand, try middle level items and then down to own brand items. Perhaps give a few items a go at first and see if you and your family notice the difference.

Buying in bulk 

There are some items that are worth buying in bulk if you know you’ll use them regularly, as it can save you money over time. Staples such as rice, pasta, porridge oats, and tinned tomatoes form the basis of many meals and are well worth keeping stocked in your cupboard. Most supermarkets offer larger, better-value pack sizes, so you can take advantage of bulk buying without needing a membership card or shopping at a specialist wholesale store.

Transport 

Consider how you will get to the store and back too. Will you be driving, walking, or perhaps using an Uber or public transport? All these elements can make a big difference to the price of your weekly shop. 

Sometimes it works out cheaper to get food delivered, and different time slots can be more cost effective than others – so it’s important to do your research if you’re watching the pennies. Don’t forget to bring your reusable shopping bags with you or return any delivery bags to the driver when your shopping arrives. It’s a simple way to save a little money, reduce waste, and do your bit for the environment.

Shopping list essentials

A great budget friendly alternative to fresh food are frozen, dried and tinned goods. These will also last longer and are great to have to hand in the house. When planning your meals, it’s also worth considering some meat-free alternatives. The cost of meat - particularly beef - has risen significantly in recent years, so swapping in ingredients such as lentils, beans, chickpeas, tofu, or meat alternatives can help keep costs down while still providing a filling and nutritious meal. Even replacing meat in a few meals each week can make a noticeable difference to your grocery bill.

Consider buying seasonal produce whenever possible, as it’s often fresher, tastier, and more affordable. When fruits and vegetables are in season, they are harvested in greater quantities, which increases supply and often leads to lower prices. For example, during the summer months, fruits such as strawberries and cherries are usually much cheaper than at other times of the year. In contrast, fruits that are available year-round, such as bananas and apples, tend to remain relatively stable in price. Choosing seasonal produce is a simple way to save money while enjoying fresh, high-quality ingredients.

Get creative with food

Takeaways can quickly become expensive, so why not keep them as an occasional treat and save money by creating your own “fake-away” at home? There are plenty of simple and affordable recipes that recreate takeaway favourites, from homemade pizzas using wraps as a base to crispy chicken tenders and flavourful curries. Making meals at home can also be a fun activity for the whole family, with children often enjoying the chance to help prepare pizzas, cakes, and other treats. If you’re looking for inspiration, there are lots of recipe ideas available online, as well as meal-planning resources to help you make the most of your food budget.

When it gets warmer, a fortune can be spent on ice lollies and ice creams. But you can do some home versions at a snip of the price. Buy some ice lolly moulds and make ice lollies at home simply with juice or squash or try a frozen yogurt version with fruit. They’re reusable and can be used time again. 

At the end of each week, before you go and do another food shop, check if there’s food that needs to be eaten first. It may be that there’s a few bits and pieces in the fridge that you can make a meal out of. Sites like Supercook, which provide recipes based on your ingredient list, can also be a great resource when you’re stuck for meals to make. 

Pantry organisation tips

A well-organised pantry can make a big difference when it comes to reducing food waste and keeping your grocery budget on track. Try keeping everyday essentials at eye level so they’re easy to find, storing heavier items on lower shelves, and placing spare or bulk items higher up. Clear containers, baskets, or simple labels can also help you keep everything organised and make it easier to see what you already have before buying more.

It’s also a good idea to keep an eye on use-by and best-before dates. When you’ve finished your food shop, take a quick look through your fresh items and plan your meals around anything that needs using up sooner. This can help prevent food from going to waste and may save you money in the long run.

If you’re shopping in-store, get into the habit of checking dates before adding items to your basket and, where possible, choose products with the longest shelf life. A few extra seconds in the supermarket can help your food last longer and give you more flexibility when planning meals throughout the week. 

Supermarket hacks

A little bit of timing can go a long way when it comes to saving money on your food shop. Many supermarkets reduce the price of products later in the day, particularly fresh items that are approaching their use-by date. It’s always worth checking the reduced section in the fridges to see if there are any bargains available. If you spot something you won’t use straight away, check whether it can be frozen and saved for another meal.

Some stores also discount items such as rotisserie chickens and other ready-to-eat foods at certain times of the day, so it can be worth popping in when reductions are likely to be available. If you shop online, don’t forget to browse the supermarket’s website for exclusive online offers, as some deals aren’t available in-store.

It’s also worth signing up for supermarket loyalty schemes if you haven’t already. Whether it’s a Tesco Clubcard, Sainsbury’s Nectar card, or Morrisons More card, these programmes can unlock discounts, personalised offers, and exclusive promotions that help reduce the cost of your weekly shop. Most can be added directly to your phone, making them easy to use whenever you shop. Over time, those savings can really add up.

The Too Good To Go app is also worth checking out as you can get a range of discounts on food that would otherwise go in the bin. Supermarkets will bag up items that are going out of date and will sell off bags at the end of the day for a fraction of the full price.