Molly Mileham-Chappell, consumer shopping expert at TopCashback, shares tips to save on your supermarket shop.
“As one of our biggest and most regular expenses, it can be easy to think you’ve tried it all when it comes to cutting the cost of your groceries,” says Molly.
“Whether you’re visiting the shops weekly, or doing one big online shop monthly with smaller ‘top ups’… The key to getting the most out of your supermarket run is shopping smarter with gradual shifts to your habits.
“If you’re stuck for where to begin, start small – there are lots of little tricks and tips to bring your food bill down – from utilising apps, to grabbing discounts at the right time of day. Even small changes can add up to big savings over the year.”
1. Plan ahead and stick to a list
Planning ahead of your shop is one of the most effective ways to save money before you’ve even set foot in the store – or opened the webpage or app if you do yours online. First, do an inventory check and see what you’ve already got in the cupboards, and if it’s indeed in date.
Then decide what meals you’ll make for the next few days in advance, and write a list of exactly what ingredients you’ll need. This helps avoid impulse or convenience buys which help the total basket cost creep up. If you need a steer, there are scores of free planning templates available online to help, as well as apps.
2. Don’t be afraid to get creative
A top tip is to make use of what you already have at home and challenge yourself to use up what you can before shopping some more. You might find you whip up a fresh take on your classic pasta dish!
If you look around your kitchen – you’ll probably find some ingredients you can easily plan meals around. Think about humble staples – tinned tomatoes, rice or frozen veg as they can be repurposed in many meals – think stir-fries, curries and soups.
The likes of SuperCook allow you to input what ingredients you have, then inspire you with recipes that fit the bill that you never would have thought of otherwise. TopCashback’s food savers Money Guide has lots of additional suggestions to get you started.
3. Switch to own brand products
Switching to supermarket own-brand products can mean immediate savings. These items cost much less than popular brands, but many who’ve tried them say that the quality is the same, if not better. Start by swapping basics one at a time over the course of a few purchases, like pasta, beans, bread, or cereals – you might even find some alternatives tastier! Online, you can find many comparisons of supermarket own-brand foods, helping you choose the tastiest and most value for money alternatives. You can also apply the same principle for cleaning products and trial them too.
4. Make the most of loyalty schemes
Loyalty schemes have evolved over the years beyond simply collecting points, getting creative with the deals on offer. Tesco Clubcard and Nectar for Sainsbury’s both give customers access to lower prices on hundreds of items, making shopping with one appealing if you regularly shop there and your staples are on offer. Elsewhere, the Lidl Plus app is a favourite among shoppers who already love its low prices, offering digital coupons and discounts.
Some supermarkets are trialling new ways to reward customers. Waitrose, for example, are expanding their loyalty scheme with ‘little treat’ vouchers – rewarding shoppers on their shopping habits. Meanwhile Clubcard is well known for its rewards scheme where you can double the value of your vouchers when you swap them for the likes of days out, entertainment and dining. Read TopCashback’s Money Guide on how to make the most out of these schemes.
5. Use online offers, including cashback sites
Lots of supermarkets tout introductory offers for first-time online grocery orders, so do a quick search before you spend. It’s a good way to try out new supermarkets for less. Check cashback sites too for further discounts. TopCashback, the UK’s leading cashback site, works with more than 6,000 retailers to provide offers, including at a range of supermarkets.
TopCashback currently has many supermarket deals available, including:
Additionally, if you prefer to shop for your groceries in store, check TopCashback’s TopGiftCard portal and preload your budget for your shopping onto a card of your choice with the benefit of added cashback, offering another way to save. The cashback will also be instantly payable in your account.
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6. Shop at the right time for reductions
Timing your shopping trips can help you score some more savings. Many supermarkets mark down fresh items later in the day to clear stock so it doesn’t get wasted, and mark them with ‘yellow stickers’.
It’s worth asking staff at your local shop when these markdowns typically start, as it often varies between 5 pm and 8 pm.
7. Keep your freezer stocked to bulk out your dishes
Finally, don’t overlook the freezer aisle. Frozen food is ideal for budget-conscious shoppers, as you can use it in a variety of meals for weeks and months to come.
They’re usually already prepped, such as diced onion, and often sold in larger quantities, so can be cheaper too – saving you money and thinking time. With those yellow sticker bargains, don’t forget to see what can be frozen immediately to extend its shelf life.
