Food is often the largest weekly expense for households, but with strategic shopping, cooking, and waste reduction, you can significantly cut costs while minimizing your environmental impact. Here's how:
Bulk buying often reduces costs per unit. Stock up on non-perishables and detergents when on sale.
Order Groceries Online?
Avoid in-store temptations by sticking to an online shopping list and budget.
Switch Supermarkets
Cheaper stores like Aldi or Lidl can save you up to £10 on a standard basket compared to premium ones like Waitrose.
Cut Non-Essentials
Reduce snacks, soft drinks, and ready meals. Focus on cooking fresh meals for better health and savings.
Make a List & Stick to It
Plan meals in advance and avoid shopping when hungry to prevent impulse buys.
Swap Big Brands for Store Brands?
Store-brand goods often match or surpass big brands in quality at a fraction of the price.
Avoid Top-Up Shopping???
Frequent trips to convenience stores can inflate your spending. Stick to weekly bulk shopping.
Use Loyalty Schemes & Discounts?
Maximize rewards and cashback offers from supermarket loyalty programs.
Time It Right for Discounts
Shop in the evening for marked-down items close to their "use by" dates and freeze them for later use.
Buy Seasonal & Local Produce
Cook larger portions and freeze leftovers to save time and money on busy days.
Use Energy-Efficient Appliances
Slow cookers save electricity and allow for hands-off meal prep.
Meal Prep on Free Days?
Buy only what you’ll use to avoid food spoiling.
Check the Fridge Regularly?
Use perishable items before they expire. Freeze leftovers for future meals.
Repurpose Leftovers?
Transform yesterday’s dishes into new meals, e.g., rice salad into stir-fry or roast chicken into pasta sauce.
Compost Food Waste