Get your teeth into these tips to save on food shopping bills...
THE cost of living continues to bite for consumers nationwide.
Grocery inflation was at 15.4 percent last month – the highest level yet.
Even though petrol prices are down, we’re paying more for our essentials.
A CSO report last week showed the prices of basics like milk, sugar, eggs, butter and bread have surged compared to December 2021.
The National Average Prices found two litres of full-fat milk had increased by 57c, a pound of butter by 71c, and an 800g loaf of white or brown bread by 26c.
But despite getting fewer bangers for our buck, we can still make savings, says Kel Galavan, money mindset coach, author and speaker.
“When it comes to grocery shopping, it’s not about denying yourself, it’s about not wasting and buying smart,” she says.
“On average Irish people waste €700 of food per year.”
So with rising prices set to go on into 2023, stop waste to save on your shopping bills. Below are tips for a healthier, cheaper food bill. 1
Think before you shop. “Consider the journey of food. A head of broccoli is grown, harvested, then dispatched, sometimes packed in plastic before it ends up on a supermarket shelf. “You buy it with your hand earned cash,bring it home, leave it in the fridge too long and bin it. Then you pay for the bin collectors to get it. Now imagine that’s a chicken or fish. It’s senseless,” says Galavan.
2
Go meat-free for a few days. “Meat-free days don’t just save money for the entire family, but waste too.” According to the Food and Agricultural Organisation, of the 263 million tonnes of meat produced globally, 20 percent is wasted. “You don’t need bolognese, when a good tomato sauce will do,” Galavan suggests.
3
Take time for the weekly shop. If possible, avoid going shopping with children. They cause distractions and cost money. Also shopping hungry won’t help your budget. A big weekly shop and smaller shops are most effective. “Keeping out of the supermarket altogether for some days makes a huge difference,” Galavan adds.
4
Avoid the middle aisle. “The joke of going out for milk and bread and coming back with a chainsaw is real,” Galavan says. “Picking up a brochure at a discount store will allow you to see upcoming offers and avoid any surprises.”
5
Make a list. And also have a whiteboard of things you’re running out of, Galavan suggests. “Before you shop, check the fridge and see what can be used. Also check the freezer. Some stuff stays in there too long you forget about it. There’s no point in having a packed freezer at all times, when you can’t see the food.”
6
Make frugality hot right now. “Irish people love spending money,” Galavan reckons. “Frugality hasn’t been trendy here, with our lingering Celtic Tiger mindset, but it is catching on — slowly.” Next time you’re shopping, ask yourself, do you really need the salmon or the macaroons on a Monday? Is the €15 coffee necessary? “Often nuts and seeds are cheaper in the cooking aisle than the whole food aisle,” she adds. “Get a smaller basket or trolley and buy less.”
7
Batch cook. When making a stew or soup, make enough for a few days and have a selection. “You’ll be happy on Thursday or Friday when you’re tired of cooking or tempted to get a takeout,” she adds.
8
Don’t buy into the cheaper fast food myth. “One of the biggest myths is that fast food and bad food is cheaper than healthy food. This is wrong,” Galavan says. If you buy porridge, it’s cheaper than cereal. Vegetables are cheaper than ready meals.
9
Sign up to supermarket clubcards: “Get all the loyalty apps on your phone and then go to the store that’s closest or cheapest,” she says. Alternate with shops. Only shop certain items in expensive stores.
10
Ditch the packaging. If supermarkets are still putting packaging on bananas, leave it there. Alternatively buy the stuff that’s loose. Buy less food, create less and pay less.