There are simple ways to help you reduce the cost of feeding yourself and your family. With just a few changes to your buying and cooking habits, you can save money and still keep the flavour and nutritional value of your food. Here are some ideas:
- Plan your meals: Create a meal plan for the week ahead, and make a shopping list based on the ingredients you’ll need. Don’t shop for food when you’re hungry. This will help you avoid those impulse buys that really add up, and reduce food waste.
- Shop smart: Look for sales, buy generic value ranges, use coupons and store loyalty cards and buy in bulk when you can.
- Cook at home: Eating out can be expensive, so try to cook most of your meals at home. This will also give you more control over the ingredients you use, which can help you eat healthier.
- Avoid processed and convenience foods: This type of food is often more expensive and less healthy than whole foods. Cooking from scratch is cheaper, healthier and the whole family can help out.
- Use leftovers: Don’t let leftovers go to waste. Use them to make new meals or take to work or school for lunch the next day.
- Freeze food: If you have food left over or you’ve bought more than you need, freeze it for later.
- Grow your own food. If you have a garden, balcony or window sill, you can grow things to eat. Get tips on growing your own food, find community allotments and more.
- Join a community pantry or larder – For a low membership price you can buy a wide range of fresh groceries and cupboard basics. Find a community pantry or larder in your area.
Read more about saving money on your food shop and ways to eat healthy on a budget:
- BBC – How to cut your food bill by a third
- BBC – Eat well for less recipes
- Money Saving Expert – Cheap supermarket shopping
- Compare supermarket prices to get the best deal with Trolley
- Lidl – Tips to make your food go further
- Watch our cost of living playlist on YouTube
- Read our Cost of Living blog for money saving tips and healthy recipes