Saveat › Smarter food shopping and loyalty schemes
Smarter food shopping and loyalty schemes
A shopping trip is where most food money goes. A few habits at the shelf can cut the bill without changing what you eat.
Before you leave the house
- Check what you have. Look in the fridge, freezer and cupboards first. Duplicates are a common waste.
- Write a list from your meal plan. Love Food Hate Waste suggests using a portion planner to buy only what you need and checking stock first to avoid doubling up.
- Eat first. Shopping hungry leads to extra purchases.
- Set a budget. A rough weekly limit makes decisions easier at the till.
At the shelf
Compare unit prices
The ticket shows the price per kilo, litre or 100g in small print. Use it to compare sizes and brands. A bigger pack is not always cheaper per unit, but Love Food Hate Waste notes that larger packs are often cheaper per unit if you can use them, for example by batch cooking and freezing portions.
Try own-brand and value ranges
For basics such as pasta, tinned tomatoes, rice, flour, frozen vegetables and tinned beans, many people find own-brand products as good as named brands. Try a swap on a few items, then keep what you like. You do not need to change everything.
Buy loose when it suits you
Loose fruit and vegetables let you buy exactly the amount you need, which can help to reduce waste. Pre-packed bags can be better value for items you will use fully, so compare the unit price.
Reduced items
Many shops reduce items near their use-by date. They are a bargain only if you will use or freeze them that day. Freezing before the use-by date, including dairy, is a handy way to stretch these finds.
Look up and down
The most expensive items are often at eye level. Check the top and bottom shelves for cheaper alternatives.
Frozen, tinned and dried
- Frozen fruit and vegetables are convenient, last for months and let you use only what you need.
- Tinned pulses and tomatoes are cheap, filling and long-lasting.
- Dried pulses, rice and pasta cost little per portion, but need more cooking time.
- Frozen fish and meat can be good value when bought in larger packs and divided at home.
Loyalty schemes: how to judge them
Many shops offer loyalty cards or apps that give lower prices on selected items or points towards future spending. They can be useful, but they are designed to bring you back, so judge them on your own shopping rather than on the headline offer.
| Question to ask | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Would I buy this anyway? | A discount on something you do not need is not a saving. |
| Is the member price lower than the usual price elsewhere? | Compare unit prices across shops, not only against the same shop's non-member price. |
| What data am I sharing? | Cards record what you buy. Read the privacy notice and choose settings you are comfortable with. |
| Do points expire or need a minimum? | Points you never redeem are worth nothing. |
| Does it make me shop at a more expensive shop? | A good offer doesn't help if the rest of the basket costs more. |
Multibuys and "deals"
Check the unit price of a multibuy against the single item. Sometimes the single is just as cheap. Only buy extra if you will eat it, freeze it or the item keeps well.
Online or in-store?
Online shopping can help you stick to a list, avoid impulse buys and compare unit prices. Check delivery fees and minimum spends. In-store lets you spot reduced items and choose fresh produce. Choose whichever helps you spend less.
Keep a note
For a month, jot down your weekly food spend and the items you threw away. You will soon see which habits cost you. Pair this with a meal plan and learn how to reduce food waste to make the savings stick.
Frequently asked questions
What is a unit price?
The price per kilo, litre or 100g shown on the shelf label, which lets you compare different pack sizes and brands.
Are loyalty cards worth it?
They can be, if the discounts apply to things you would buy anyway. Compare prices across shops and consider what data you are sharing.
Is own-brand as good as named brands?
For basics many people find it just as good. Try a few swaps and keep the ones you like.