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How Can I Save Money on My Weekly Food Shop? UK Guide

Writer: Smart With Money TeamSmart With Money Team
2 min read

Updated: Feb 21

Groceries are one of the biggest household expenses, but with smart planning, you can cut costs significantly. Here’s a detailed guide with actionable tips to save money on your weekly food shop in the UK.


UK shopper saving money on weekly groceries.

1. Plan Your Meals


Meal planning helps you avoid impulse buys and reduce food waste.


  • How to start: Plan meals for the week based on what you already have in your fridge and cupboards.

  • Tools to use: Apps like Mealime and Yummly help create shopping lists from your recipes.

  • Pro tip: Check supermarket flyers and promotions before planning meals to include discounted items.


2. Make a Shopping List


Sticking to a list helps you avoid unnecessary spending.


  • Benefits: Prevents impulse purchases and ensures you buy only what you need.

  • Best apps: Use Out of Milk or Bring! to create and share lists.

  • Tip: Organise your list by store sections to speed up your shopping.


3. Use Supermarket Loyalty Cards


Loyalty schemes offer points, discounts, and personalised offers.



4. Shop Online for Deals


Shopping online can help you find the best prices without the temptation of in-store browsing.



5. Buy Own-Brand Products


Supermarket own-brands often have the same quality as big brands but at a fraction of the cost.


  • Savings example: Own-brand pasta can cost 50% less than premium brands.

  • Tip: Check reviews on sites like Which? to find the best value own-brand items.


6. Avoid Shopping When Hungry


Shopping hungry leads to impulse purchases.


  • Plan ahead: Eat a snack before heading out.

  • Tip: Stick to your list and avoid snack aisles if unnecessary.


7. Use Discount Apps


Save on surplus food and find local deals.


  • Top apps:

    • Too Good To Go – Buy surplus food from restaurants and supermarkets at discounted prices.

    • Olio – Share and collect free surplus food locally.

  • Tip: Check these apps daily for new offers.


8. Buy in Bulk and Freeze


Buying in bulk can save money on essentials.


  • Where to shop: Costco, Amazon Pantry.

  • Tip: Freeze fresh produce, bread, and meat to prevent waste.



Final Thoughts


Smart shopping habits can significantly reduce your weekly grocery bill. Combine meal planning, loyalty cards, and discount apps for the best results.



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