Love it or hate it – it’s pretty hard to avoid the supermarket dash. Even if you get the bulk of your groceries online, there’s always something you need at the shops. Fresh food, pre-made meals and snacks plus everything from home to beauty or cleaning products. If your weekly refresh always leaves you with a headache or you splash too much cash, follow our top seven ways to save money, make healthier swaps and cut down on waste.
Going to supermarket without a plan means you’ll wander aimlessly. It’s even worse if you’re hungry as all the beautiful branding catches your eye making everything look tempting. Simply jot down throughout the week things you need and all your weekly staples. Organise your list with categories like fresh produce, meat, dairy and pantry items. Order it to follow the rough structure of the shop so you don’t have to go back and forth between the aisles. Don’t forget to check your fridge and cupboards beforehand to avoid duplicates, overspending and waste.
When it comes to supermarket shopping, timing does matter. The store is often crowded at peak times like weekends and early evenings (after most people finish work). That means the shelves might be emptier, queues will be bigger and your stress levels will probably rise too. Try early mornings and late weekday evenings for a calm and quiet experience.
When you walk into your local supermarket, you might spot that the fresh and healthier options are typically located around the edges of the shop. This usually includes fruit, veg, meat, dairy and deli counters. Start your shopping trip by exploring these outer aisles first, as they offer a variety of nutritious options. This will help you make healthier choices and avoid ultra-processed foods (which are getting a lot of bad press recently).
Do you have big name brands that you stick to religiously? Sometimes the well-known products might be best but there are lot of incredible alternatives and supermarket own-brands available. Often, they include the same ingredients or might even be made in the same factory. That’s why it’s worth comparing prices and looking for discounts – which you can sometimes get by using a loyalty card or an app. Don’t be afraid to test out a new, cheaper brand. If you don’t like it, you can go back to your trusted fave next time.
The people that design supermarket layouts are trying to tempt you. Last minute impulse buys are an easy way for them to upsell to their customers. They use enticing displays, strategic placements (like sweeties right by the till) and brightly coloured discounts. If you want to stick to a budget, try your best to avoid them. Don’t stray from your shopping list and resist the urge to grab random snacks or treats. If you think you need something that’s not on your list, add it to your next one. That way, you can wait a few days or a week to check it’s really necessary.
If you head to a big shop, there’s usually a host of other services at your feet. You can do everything from returning parcels, posting letters, grabbing holiday money to having a sit-down brekkie, getting your clothes dry cleaned and more. Most larger supermarkets also have a petrol station with low-cost fuel. When you’ve bought groceries, you might even get a coupon for 5p off per litre. If you run a business, you can even get a supermarket fuel card to use there. Just head online to research which fuel card is best first.
If you use the same items every week, buying in bulk might be one way to save time and money. It works especially well with non-perishables like rice, pasta or tins. Look for larger bags and boxes or offers like ‘Buy one, get one free’ to make it worth it. Check that you have the space to store them and examine the expiry dates so you can use them before they go off.
Shopping for seasonal fruit and veg is good for you and the planet. It’s because you’re consciously choosing to make the most of what’s grown locally, or at least in the UK, instead of imported varieties. It means there’s usually more produce available and at a cheaper price. Research online to find out which food is in season each month.