How to save on your food shopping!

The cost of living crisis is hitting hard. When doing our accounts, we found food shopping was one of our biggest outgoings. So I made it my mission to cut it down. I cut my food shopping bill in half! So here are my top tops on saving money on your food shop!

Do I need to save on my food shopping?

Yes! If you through your accounts right now, I guarantee you will be blown away at the amount of money you have spent! We found we were spending a ridiculous amount on top up shops too! Poor planning, impulsiveness and not budgeting were our biggest downfalls! Food shopping can be really overwhelming, so let me tell you exactly how to save money when you are in the supermarket!

However, I just want to make it VERY clear that we cannot save ourselves out of this situation. We can scrimp our pennies and do everything we can for ourselves. But, the main issue is much wider than people cutting a few costs.

Supermarkets are designed to make you spend money!

Supermarkets need you to spend money! So they very strategically place the most expensive brands at eye level. In a rush? grab the nearest can of beans. Kids crying? grab the closest pasta sauce. Fed up? Just grab the first pack of biscuits you see. We have all been there! But if you want to save money on your food shopping then cast your eyes down. Usually, brand basics are placed on the bottom shelf, right in the corner.

Historically, the brands bought were important. We are all guilty of being a brand snob at times. But with the cost of living crisis hitting all of us, people are no longer worrying about brands and opting for own brands. But supermarkets are very sneaky and hide these right in the bottom corners! 

Even Asda, who refurbished their old smart price brand into 'Asda Essentials'  hide their range at the bottom. Although, luckily the bright yellow packaging makes it much easier to spot. 

Saving money means trying new things...

One of my biggest food shop money saving hack is to head to the world food section! I found this by complete accident! I was blown away when I found some massive melty sticks in sainburys for 80p... Turns out they are a really popular polish snack and you get so much more for a fraction of the price!

I also recently found some peanut butter puffs for 70p cheaper than the ones in the toddler section! I avoid the baby and toddler aisle as much as possible... look round the supermarket as you''ll find much cheaper alternatives. 

Look for those yellow labels!

The later you shop... the more bargains you will find! Most shops reduce their stock between 6-7pm. The things they reduce in the morning often only have pennies off the original price. In the evening, they get desperate to get rid of the stock and reduce it even further!

The best thing is, if you don't want to eat it all that night, you can stick them in your freezer for a later date! I often stock up on meat, fish and quorn when they are reduced and stick it in the freezer! 

Adam's best purchase to date was this princess birthday cake he got for 50p! Despite, it being no ones birthday he just couldn't resist and bought it home. He took slices in for lunch each day and it kept for far longer than we thought it was!

I have done all this, but I still cannot afford my food shopping.

Don't worry, it isn't your fault. As mentioned earlier, we cannot save ourselves out of this situation. So many people are being plunged into poverty, who may have never experienced it before. There are some great resources out there if you are struggling.

• Contact Citizens Advice - They can refer you to relevant organisations near you! They have an online chat too, I personally find it much easier to open up when I can't see or hear the person (well I am autistic lol). 
• Community supermarkets and fridges - Look out for local services that offer a 'pay as you can' membership. You simply go along and donate what you can. 
• Food banks - I feel like going to a food bank is seen as a big taboo. But there really is nothing to ashamed or embarrassed about! So many more people will be using the service. Just contact citizens advice and they can refer you. 
• Matin Lewis - He has some amazing articles with ways you can save money. Martin for PM?

How else can I save money?

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