Groceries are one of the largest and most controllable household expenses in the UK. Unlike rent or energy bills, your food spend is largely within your control — small changes in how you shop can save hundreds of pounds a year without dramatically affecting what you eat.
1. Plan your meals before you shop
A meal plan takes ten minutes and eliminates the two biggest sources of food waste: buying ingredients you don’t use and ordering takeaways because there’s nothing in the fridge. Plan dinners for the week, write a shopping list based only on what you need, and stick to it.
2. Shop at discount supermarkets
Aldi and Lidl consistently offer significantly lower prices than the major supermarkets on comparable products. If you’re not already shopping there regularly, switching some or all of your weekly shop can save 20–30% on your grocery bill immediately.
3. Use supermarket loyalty schemes
Tesco Clubcard, Sainsbury’s Nectar, and Morrisons More all offer meaningful discounts on selected products for loyalty scheme members. Clubcard prices in particular can be significantly lower than standard shelf prices on many everyday items.
4. Buy own-brand products
Supermarket own-brand products are often manufactured by the same companies as branded equivalents and are frequently identical in quality. Switching to own-brand on staples — pasta, rice, flour, tinned goods, cleaning products — can reduce your weekly bill significantly.
5. Check the reduced section
Most supermarkets reduce food approaching its use-by date, typically in the evening. Reduced meat, fish, bread, and dairy can be bought and frozen immediately for a fraction of the original price.
6. Don’t shop hungry
Shopping when hungry reliably leads to buying more — particularly snacks, convenience food, and items not on your list. Eat before you shop, bring a list, and stick to it.
7. Buy in bulk for non-perishables
Tinned goods, pasta, rice, cleaning products, and toiletries are often cheaper per unit when bought in larger quantities. Check the price per 100g or per unit rather than the headline price to compare value accurately.
8. Reduce food waste
The average UK household throws away around £800 of food per year. Using leftovers, freezing food before it expires, and planning meals around what’s already in the fridge are the most effective ways to reduce this waste — and the money that goes with it.
9. Compare unit prices, not headline prices
A larger pack isn’t always better value. Supermarkets are required to display the price per 100g or per unit — use this to compare products accurately rather than assuming bigger is cheaper.
10. Cut back on convenience food
Pre-prepared meals, meal kits, and convenience items carry a significant price premium. Cooking from scratch, even just a few more meals per week, can make a noticeable difference to your monthly grocery spend.
11. Use cashback and voucher apps
Apps like Shopmium, Checkout Smart, and Boots Advantage offer cashback on specific products at major supermarkets. The savings on individual items are modest, but they add up over time — particularly on products you buy regularly.
12. Set a weekly grocery budget
Without a specific target, it’s easy to spend more than intended. Set a realistic weekly grocery budget as part of your overall monthly budget, use a separate payment method for grocery spending, and track against it each week.
Frequently asked questions
How much should I spend on groceries per week in the UK?
The ONS estimates average UK household food spending at around £65–£80 per week for a couple, though this varies significantly by location, dietary preferences, and shopping habits. A single person spending £40–£50 per week is broadly typical in 2026.
Which UK supermarket is cheapest?
Aldi and Lidl consistently come out cheapest in independent price comparisons. Among the major supermarkets, Asda is typically the lowest priced, followed by Morrisons and Tesco.