IF you’re looking for ways to cut food bills, try flipping some of your usual shopping habits on their head.
A change of thinking can unlock some surprising savings.
Try these quirky ideas to cut your grocery costs.
SHOP BACKWARDS: Instead of starting with fresh fruit and vegetables and all the delicious deli items, head to the frozen aisle at the far end of the supermarket first.
There you’ll find fish, vegetables and meat in the freezers for a fraction of the price of buying them fresh.
At the far side of the supermarket, you’ll also find bulky items like loo rolls and kitchen towels. As they fill up your trolley, you’ll be less likely to chuck in “extras” for the sake of it.
READ MORE MONEY SAVING TIPS
SHOPPING “DON’T BUY” LIST: It’s well known that writing a shopping list for the week’s meals and sticking to it can save you serious amounts of money.
But before you start, you should first make a “don’t buy” list.
Write down the foods you already have — starting with anything fresh that needs to be used up — and plan your meals around what you’ve already got.
Check your food cupboard for packets and tins and your freezer for items you’ve forgotten about.
SWERVE THE SUPERMARKET: If you tend to end up with unnecessary treats in your trolley, avoid the supermarket itself and shop online.
That way, you can stick to your list more easily and only buy what you need.
You can also compare the price of different items per 100g and look at the difference between your favourite brands and supermarket own-brand items.
Challenge yourself to “downgrade” and see if your family spots the difference.
To save even more, avoid delivery costs and opt for click-and-collect instead.
Delivery can easily add up to £5 while collecting it from the store starts from 50p.
- All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability
Deal of the day
LOOK out for the lightweight Graco Travelite Stroller, £39.99 at Aldi from tomorrow.
The same pushchair is on offer at Boots for £59.50.
SAVE: £19.51
Cheap treat
CO-OP members can tuck into two stonebaked pizzas and a tub of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream for £5, saving £8.65. Non-members pay £6.
What’s new?
ZIZZI has launched a sharing deal – £25 for two sides and two soft drinks, and a rustica, calzone or classico pizza.
It’s available all day Monday to Thursday, and Friday until 5pm.
Top swap
CLEAR your clutter into this black and natural belly basket, £12 from M&S.
Or fill up the Livarno patterned decorative basket, £5.99 from Lidl.
SAVE: £6.01
Little helper
SELCO Builders Warehouse Community Heroes scheme is there to help charities and local good-cause groups with building and renovation projects.
Each month, at each of 31 locans, one winner gets £2,000 to spend with Selco. You can apply at selcobw. com/info/selco-community-heroes.
Shop & save
THE catch of the day must be Young’s two Gastro Crispy Tempura Battered Fish Fillets, down from £5.50 to £2.75 at Iceland.
SAVE: £2.75
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