Give home-brand products a go
Supermarket own-brand products can be a great-value alternative to well-known brands. For everyday items such as pasta, tinned tomatoes, cereal, flour and cleaning products, it's worth checking out the home-brand option and seeing how it compares. You may find some products you're perfectly happy to switch, while others are worth paying a little more for.
Take a look at frozen fruit and vegetables
Frozen fruit and vegetables can be a handy and affordable alternative to fresh. They're generally frozen soon after harvesting, which helps retain their nutritional value, and they can be kept for much longer.
They're also convenient when you only need a small amount for a meal. Frozen peas, spinach, berries and mixed vegetables are particularly useful to have on hand and can help make your grocery shop go further.
Buy in bulk
Buying a larger pack can sometimes offer better value, particularly for things you use regularly. Rice, pasta, oats, toilet paper and other household staples can be good candidates.
It's worth checking the unit price rather than assuming the biggest pack is the cheapest option. And, of course, make sure you have enough storage space and are likely to use everything before it reaches its use-by or best-before date.
Look for cheaper cuts of meat
If meat is a regular part of your meals, there are plenty of ways to keep the cost down. Mince, chuck steak, gravy beef and other less expensive cuts can be used in everything from pasta sauces and tacos to casseroles and curries.
Cheaper cuts can be particularly good for slow cooking, where a little time can turn them into tender, flavoursome meals. You can also make meat go further by adding ingredients such as beans, lentils or vegetables to dishes.
Compare prepared and unprepared options
Some supermarket foods are available in several forms, and the price difference can be worth checking. For example, you might find whole vegetables, pre-cut vegetables and ready-to-cook options sitting side by side.
If you're happy to do some of the preparation yourself, choosing the less-prepared option may save a few dollars. But there's nothing wrong with paying a little extra for convenience when it saves you time and makes life easier. The best choice is simply the one that works for you and your budget.
Make the most of seasonal produce
Fruit and vegetables that are in season are often more plentiful and can be better value. Keep an eye on what's looking good and reasonably priced, then build a few meals around it.
It can also be a nice way to add variety to your usual shopping list without spending more.
Check the price per unit
Specials and larger packs can look like bargains, but the unit price is often the easiest way to compare products of different sizes. Checking the price per 100g, kilogram or litre can quickly show you which option offers the better value.
It only takes a moment and can make comparing similar products much easier.
Small swaps can add up
Saving on groceries doesn't have to involve dramatic changes. A cheaper brand here, frozen vegetables there or a different cut of meat can all make a difference over time. Try a few swaps and keep the ones that work well for your household – every little saving helps.
