I’m a money expert – here are 10 tips to help cut your shopping bills in half

A food expert has shared 10 tips that can cut your shopping bill in half – including always looking for items that are lowest on the shelf, avoiding larger carts and invest more in frozen food aisle.

Personal finance expert Lynn Beattie – also known as Mrs Mummypenny – is recognized for her helpful tips on how families can weather the cost of living crisis by shopping smart and sensible. .

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In times when coins are in need of a tight squeeze, she recommends checking prices on 100g or 100ml as promotions on smaller size products can make it cheaper than when you buy larger.

According to gourmets, switching to meat substitutes is also a great way to save because they are also substantial and can often make a meal more delicious for a fraction of the price.

The money-saving expert has partnered with The No Meat Company, the plant-based food brand behind Ultimate Burger, which has conducted research into the nation’s shopping and eating habits since the recession. finance begins.

It seems that 53% have changed the way they shop and cook due to rising costs – with 25% eating less meat, 27% setting tighter budgets and 26% buying bulk and frozen.

Neville Tam at The No Meat Company said: “Rising costs have led to a drastic change in our usual living habits and there is no denying that these are difficult times for many people. But your grocery store doesn’t have to be expensive.

“With the ever-increasing cost of living, it can be a challenge to do the right thing for your health and the planet by eating plants, which is certainly no feat.

“We are really grateful to Lynn for her top tips and we want to help people continue to make those simple swaps, such as switching to meat substitutes, still tastes great but is better for you, the planet – and easy on the wallet too.”

The study also found that more than half (52%) want to become better at food preparation on a budget, and only one in five say they are ‘very knowledgeable’ about this.

More than 4 in 10 (41%) often look for ways to save money in the kitchen and often look to cooking websites (32%) as well as family and friends (31%) for advice.

But 69% think they could save more than they do now if they found other ways to adjust their shopping and cooking habits.

When asked if they would consider plant-based meat alternatives compared to before the cost of living crisis, 47% said yes versus 53% said no.

According to OnePoll research, among those who don’t choose meat-free foods, 53% said they didn’t like the taste while 18% said the products were too expensive.

One in 10 people say they won’t give up meat because their family and friends won’t eat plant-based alternatives.

But when it comes to frozen food, 18% are now buying more of these items than before 2021, with the average shopper spending £63.51 in their monthly store buying these products.

Reasons for this include cheaper prices (63%), longer shelf life of fresh food (66%) and less food waste (54%).

The study also found other areas where Britons have to cut back include takeout (46%), clothing (40 per cent) and holidays (33 per cent).

Commenting on the findings, Lynn Beattie said: “The dramatic swings in food prices have really forced us to re-evaluate the way we shop, but it’s not always easy to know how to tie our belts. belly during this difficult time.

“This is why I love sharing my tips and tricks on how to save every penny while still enjoying delicious and healthy meals.”

Lynn’s Top 10 Grocery Store Tricks

• Always have a shopping list and stick to it – but before you do, make sure you rummage through the drawers and freezer to see what you can use up for the next week.
• Choose a half-sized stroller – there’s less room to fill up with impulse purchases and things you don’t need.
• Go to the supermarket in a specific order – start at the discount section, then visit the frozen food aisle, then the canned product, and finish at the fresh food section.
• Always consider the lowest grade foods – unbranded products are less likely to be out of sight.
• Always look at the price per 100g or 100ml – shown on the label at the side of the shelf, promotions for smaller size products can make it cheaper than larger items.
• The frozen food aisle is your friend – these products are frozen at the time of pickup which means nutrients are instantly retained and last longer as well as good value than fresh food.
• Try batch cooking – instead of cooking for the exact number of family members, double and freeze.
• Opt for more meat-free recipes – some meat alternatives can be cheaper than meat, and products like lentils or tofu are great alternatives while being substantial and worthwhile. more coins.
• Make the most of coupons – apps like Green Jinn and Shopmium offer heavily discounted items that you can use in-store.
• Sign up for supermarket and app loyalty programs to earn rewards and great discounts.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.

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