Save money on your food shopping with these top tips

With the cost of living crisis still ongoing, slashing the price of your food shop and learning how to be thrifty can help you save where you're currently splurging.

Never shop when you’re hungry

The unwritten rule for your weekly shop.


Food shopping when you’re hungry is a one way street to overspending on your food shop. You can budget, write a detailed list, and have all the self control in the world but the treats will seem all the more tempting when you’re peckish.

Try eating before your next food shop, you’ll most likely stick to your shopping list!

Your life insurance policy could help

When you take out cover with the UK’s leading insurers, you’ll more than likely have access to some pretty exciting benefits.*

If your policy is with AIG, you’ll have access to Smart Health which is their free service available to all policyholders 
 One of these services is free nutritional plans. Whether it’s a four or eight week plan, you can get an expert to assess your food goals, eating habits and everything in between.

With a plan to stick to, you’ll be less likely to stray from it when you do your weekly food shop, potentially saving you some pennies in the process.



Be careful of top up shops

We’ve all done it, said we’re going to get some milk and come back with a bag for life full of goodies.  The trick is; don’t pick up a basket! If you’re heading in for one thing, forget the basket or trolley, it means you’re more likely to fill it. Just grab what you need and go.

Don’t snub loyalty schemes

• Lidl - Lidl champions, you're in for some sweet deals. The Lidl Plus app is like your personal discount genie, offering up to 30% off select goodies. With recent deals like 30% off evening bakery treats - you can’t go wrong. If this sounds up your alley, download the Lidl Plus app from your device's app store and sign up for free!


  
  
• Tesco -  Did you know with a Tesco Clubcard, you could potentially slash your bill in half? Their 'Clubcard Prices' promotion treats members to up to 50% off on selected items. The deals change weekly, so there's always a surprise waiting. Just look out for marked items in-store or online. And if you're still not a Clubcard member, sign up for free online or via their app.
  
  
• Sainsburys - For the Sainsbury's enthusiasts out there, the Nectar card is your ticket to up to 30% off your regular buys. Using the Sainsbury's SmartShop app, you're granted special discounts, which could include anything from your favourite cereal to in-house brands. Keep an eye on 'My Nectar Prices' in the app for your personalised deals.


  
  
• Morrisons - With Morrisons More, as you fill up on fuel and shop, you collect points. Rack up 5,000 points and bam – a £5 voucher for your next shopping spree! Plus, enjoy custom offers and exclusive coupons. If you're not already a part of this fantastic club, sign up for free online or grab their app from your device's store.

Olio

Olio is a sharing app for local communities, making it easy to give away the things you don't need to someone else who would value them. This service links you with others nearby who have surplus grub to give away, so it's not wasted.

The app is free to download through the app store or Google play. Plus, although the app began as a way to combat food waste, you can now find all sorts on there; clothes, books or toys - the list goes on.

Make a shopping list


Probably one of the most simple things you can do to save a bit on your shop but it’s key.


Add items on throughout the week and stick to it when you go shopping. Always aim to plan ahead and shop with set meals in mind, it can really help discourage buying items you don’t need.

Chat GPT

Everyone knows what Chat GPT is. But did you know you can utilise this AI to help you save on your shopping?

It can nudge you towards cost-effective alternatives, and is also in the loop about what’s seasonal. Plus, ChatGPT can provide tips on getting the most out of your food shop, helping you save on waste. It can tailor a shopping list that not only meets your budget but also fits your nutritional needs and dietary requirements.

The more information you give Chat GPT, the better. Try inputting your budget, list some of the foods you like/tend to eat, and how many days you’ll need this food to last. You can go back and forth, and the more details you provide, the more in depth your shopping list and meal plan can be. Why not try it out - it’s free! 



Don’t be scared to freeze

So many people avoid freezing certain foods for fear of becoming ill with food poisoning, or simply not knowing they can freeze them.

But freezing your food can be a great way to stay thrifty, and waste less food. Items like bread freeze really well, and most toasters have an option to defrost your bread when you toast it.

Look out for yellow labels on bread and whack them in the freezer when you get home to save yourself some pennies on a staple item!

Looking high and low

Is this where the saying “searching high and low” came from? Maybe.

But in case you hadn’t noticed, supermarkets are pretty sneaky in how they stack their shelves. Putting the most profitable items at eye level so you’re more likely to choose them. The same goes for kids products too, they’re often stacked low down on the shelves.

Next time you’re doing the food shop, try looking high and low - you might find the best deals.

*Free benefits are not contractual and may be removed at any time