How much do you spend on your weekly shopping?
This is a tricky question as it normally varies from week to week and it involves more than one visit to the supermarket. According to this survey, students spend an average of £100 on groceries. However, if you follow these tips, you might find that you can save quite a lot of money in your grocery shopping.
Plan your meals and don’t waste food
Planning meals for the week and batch cooking is a great time, energy and money saver idea. Why would you cook several stews when you can make a really big batch of it and freeze it for the upcoming weeks? It is also super convenient for those days that you don’t have time to cook. And believe me, it tastes pretty much the same after you unfreeze it.
If you follow this tip, you will realise how many things you buy and don’t actually need. It also reduces the amount of wasted food, as you plan your meals for the week.
Look out for student discounts
Keep an eye on the places that offer student discounts. Check out the options before going to the supermarket as you could end saving quite a lot of money.
Have a look at this student discount directory to find out which shops are offering these options for students.
Don’t forget to check the reduced section
If you are looking to grab some food for the same day, try finding those supermarkets that sell food that’s just about to hit its sell-by date at a cheaper price. This trick will not only save you money, but it also reduces waste.
It is also important to shop at the right time of the day, as different supermarkets tend to reduce items at certain points of the day, normally later in the day.
When doing a big shop, use Scan&Go devices
Some supermarkets are offering Scan&Go devices so you can scan your items as you add them to the basket. These will help you control how much you are spending as you buy, so you will be more reluctant to add something that is not so necessary.
Try the supermarket’s own brand
Downshift to value brands. There might be some items that we refuse to skimp on. A lot of your basic foods can be bought from the household names, and you won’t be able to tell the difference. You will save a few pounds when filling up your basket!
Use price-comparison tools
There are some tools that will help you buy always at the best price. Websites like this compare prices between the different supermarkets and get the best deals out of your shopping list.
You don’t have to stop buying what you need in order to save money!
Avoid the supermarket… Unless you need it!
It is a proven fact that you always end up with more things than the ones you were there for. If you just need to buy a couple of things, grab them and go!
How many times you didn’t pick up a basket and ended up with your hands full of items?
Shopping hungry? You will spend more
Being hungry amplifies your desire to acquire things, so avoid shopping when you are hungry. Also, it might lead you to choose unhealthier foods.
Write a shopping list and try to stick to it! And, of course, try to eat before you go.
