5 money-saving hacks for foodies

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the average household spends £60.60 a week on food and non-alcoholic drinks. If this weekly shopping bill seems high, there are simple ways to shop, cook and save you cash…

1 OWN BRANDS With lots of store-cupboard staples, the difference between supermarket own-brand and more premium products is minimal – in everything but the price. Try stocking up on items like own-label pasta, grains and pulses, then experiment and see when the family notice a difference and when they don’t. Chances are, it won’t be as often as you think – and you’ve saved yourself some pounds.

2 MAKE YOUR OWN If you’re a fan of a Friday or Saturday night takeaway but are trying to save money, why not try making your own rather than buying in an expensive dinner? There are loads of good, authentic recipes online and you won’t have to pay for delivery – or stump up for the likely mark-up on takeaway meals.

3 SHOP AROUND Going to a variety of supermarkets can save you money. Try doing your food shop online at mysupermarket.com. This compares all the products in your basket to find which supermarket offers the cheapest price. It also shows promotions and gives you options to swap products for similar, cheaper alternatives. This can save you a whopping 30 per cent on your food shop! Sign up to loyalty cards for vouchers and pick up coupons from store mags or website moneysavingexpert.com.

4 ICE, ICE, BABY! Making the most of your freezer is essential for saving money. You can freeze leftover herbs, butter, hard cheeses, fruit and veg rather than wasting them. Stock up on ice cube trays for this. Herbs freeze well in individual portions and hard cheeses can be grated and frozen, ready to top pasta bakes. If you’re making a batch of stew, sauce or stock, most can be doubled and frozen in portions ready for a speedy, hearty dinner.

5 BUY IN SEASON Seasonal produce is much cheaper, so take advantage of the available haul! Now that summer is here, look out for berries, cucumber, summer squash and new potatoes. Don’t forget that many items can be preserved and used at a later date. Bulk buy berries when they’re at their best and most economical, and freeze them for delicious winter crumbles, breakfast toppings and smoothies. See what’s in season at vegsoc.org