9 Tips For Budget-friendly Food Shopping

Food prices have skyrocketed in the past year, making it more challenging to stick to a budget while grocery shopping. In this blog post, we will be sharing 9 tips for budget-friendly food shopping to help you save money on your groceries without sacrificing quality or nutrition. From planning ahead and getting creative with leftovers, to shopping in bulk and buying special offers, these tips will help you stretch your food budget and eat well on a budget. So if you’re looking to save money on your groceries in the new year, keep reading for some practical and easy-to-follow tips.

1. Check your fridge, freezer and cupboards

Savings begin at home. Before you head to the store, take an inventory of what you already have at home. Check your cupboards, fridge, and freezer for ingredients and see if you can get creative in the kitchen by making meals with what you have on hand. This not only helps you save money, but it also helps you avoid buying duplicates. Plus, you may discover some hidden gems in your cupboard that you forgot you had.

2. Shop our Great Offers and save money

Before hitting the stores, be sure to visit our website to see our current Great Offer promotions. You may be surprised by the amount of savings you can find, and we regularly update our deals. Don’t miss out on the chance to save!

3. Don’t forget your shopping list

To help you stay organised and save money while grocery shopping, try making a list of all the items you’ll need for the meals you’ll be cooking in the coming week. Having a plan in place will help you stick to your budget. Before you head out, find out where your local One Stop is located using the Store Finder.

4. Cook at home instead of Eating Out

Cooking at home is one of the most effective ways to save money on food expenses. When you eat out, you’re not only paying for the food, but also for the labour, rent, and other overhead costs associated with running a restaurant. These costs are often passed on to you as a customer in the form of higher prices. If you’re stuck for ideas and need some inspiration for meal ideas, check out our Recipes page.

5. Be strategic about bulk shopping

Bulk purchasing whole grain pasta and rice can be a cost-effective way to stock up on cupboard staples, especially if you have the storage space. Just be sure to consider how often you use these items and check expiration dates to ensure nothing goes to waste. Keep in mind that bulk purchasing can help you save money per unit, but only if you actually use the products you buy.

6. Try to use up food that’s going bad

If you have fruit that is about to go bad, try finding creative ways to use it up. You can puree overripe fruit and mix it into breakfast cereal or yogurt, or use it as an ingredient in baked goods like banana bread. This can help you reduce food waste and make the most of your produce.

7. Buy frozen fruits and vegetables rather than fresh

Consider buying frozen fruits and vegetables, as they are often cheaper than fresh and have a longer shelf life. Frozen fruits and vegetables are picked at their peak of ripeness and are then quickly frozen to preserve their nutritional value, taste, and texture. This means that you can enjoy the same quality produce all year round, regardless of whether it’s in season or not.

8. Practice “first in, first out”

To help you use up your food before it goes bad, try organizing your fridge, freezer, and cupboards by placing older items at the front and new items at the back as you unpack your groceries. This simple technique can help you save money and reduce waste by ensuring that you use up older items before they expire.

9. Don’t let leftovers go to waste

Use your creativity to transform them into new and delicious dishes. Consider making soups, casseroles, or other dishes with your leftovers. If you’re running low on ideas, try searching our website for recipes that use the ingredients you have on hand. There are endless possibilities for repurposing leftovers and avoiding food waste.

With a little bit of planning and preparation, you can enjoy delicious home-cooked meals without breaking the bank. From making a list and shopping sales, to bulk purchasing and using up leftovers, there are many strategies you can use to stretch your food budget further. By being mindful of your spending and finding creative ways to use up your food, you can save money and reduce waste in the process.

With over 900 stores around the UK, there’s sure to be a One Stop store near to you.

To find out where your nearest store is click here. Happy shopping!