Make a meal plan
Start by planning your meals for the week. This helps you avoid impulsive buys and makes sure you use what you buy, reducing waste.
Stick to a shopping list
Once you have your meal plan, make a shopping list and stick to it. This will help you avoid unnecessary purchases. You could even do a 'click and collect' order to avoid those tempting aisles!
Go generic
Opt for store brands over name brands. They often have the same quality and nutritional value but at a fraction of the cost. You may have to look on the lower shelves as the 'named' brands are usually placed at eye level.
Buy in bulk
Bulk buying is great for non-perishable items like rice, pasta, and dried beans. It’s cheaper and ensures you have staples on hand. Just don't go supersized unless you are sure you'll use it all before the use-by or best-before date.
Seasonal and local
Buying fruit and vegetables that are in season is not only cheaper but also means you’re getting produce at its peak flavour.
Check the specials
Always be on the lookout for sales and discounts. If you find a good deal on something you use regularly, stock up (but only if you'll use it all)!
Cook at home
Preparing your meals at home is generally cheaper than eating out. Plus, it gives you full control over what goes into your food.
Love your leftovers
Get creative with leftovers. They can be used for lunches or transformed into entirely new meals, which saves money and time.
Batch cooking
Consider cooking large portions to freeze for later. It’s a great time-saver for busy days and helps you avoid the temptation of buying takeaways.
Waste less
Find ways to use the whole product; broccoli stems can be shredded into stir-fries or soups, and meat bones can make stock and soup. Storage tips to make groceries last
DIY snacks
Instead of buying pre-packaged, processed snacks, make your own. Homemade popcorn, trail mixes, or whole grain muffins are healthier and cheaper.
Prepared and packaged food
Sliced cheese, chopped onions, bagged salads and other varieties of packaged foods work out to be very expensive, so avoid them if you can.Start a herb garden
If you have space, growing your own herbs can be a rewarding way to save on the grocery bill. You can even grow them inside if you don't have a garden.
Meat-free Mondays
Dedicate one day a week to eating vegetarian meals. Beans, lentils, and chickpeas are affordable, nutritious, and can be used in a variety of dishes from stews to salads.
Smart storage
Proper storage can greatly extend the life of fresh produce. For example, keep potatoes in a cool, dark place and store leafy greens in airtight containers with a paper towel to absorb moisture.
The best way to store fruit and save
Energy-efficient appliances
Utilise appliances like pressure cookers and slow cookers which use less electricity and can tenderise cheaper cuts of meat.
Double-duty dinners
Make dinners that can easily transform into a different meal the next day. For example, roast chicken one night can become chicken salad or tacos the next.
Frozen fruit and veggies
Don't discount the supermarket freezer. Frozen fruit and vegetables are usually frozen shortly after picking and are often more nutritious than some of the offering in the fresh produce section of your supermarket.
And try some of our easy and delicious recipes!
Red Lentil and Sweet Potato Dahl
Broccoli, Walnut and Blue Cheese Pasta
No Stir Chicken and Spring Vegetable Risotto
Eggs with Spinach, Leek and Fetta