Beat food inflation: savvy hacks to keep your wallet (and fridge) full

Food inflation is still on the rise, up for the fourth month in a row, with red meat pushing prices up.

With the cost of living still weighing on households, rising costs at the checkout is bad news for shoppers.

Fortunately, with a few smart steps, there are ways to cut your weekly grocery bill and stretch your budget further, without cutting corners on what you eat.

Here’s how to shop smarter and spend less, so your hard-earned cash stays with you.

Plan your meals

Impulse buying adds up fast. Instead, plan your meals for the week, check what you already have and build your shopping list from there. You’ll avoid waste and buying things twice.

Stick to a list

It’s easy to overspend when you shop without a plan. Make a list and stick to it. It’ll help keep your spending focused and your trolley under control.

Check for discounts before you go

A quick online check before you shop can help you spot supermarket deals, loyalty prices and time-limited discounts.

Compare prices

Use price comparison sites like Trolley to see which supermarket has the best deals on the items you need.

Shop around

Prices can vary widely between supermarkets. Shop around, but be practical and don’t drive to another town if the fuel costs more than you’ll save.

Don’t shop hungry

Shopping on an empty stomach can lead to impulse buys you don’t need. Eat first, then shop with a clear head (and a full stomach).

Shop alone, if you can!

Shopping solo makes it easier to focus, avoid distractions and skip the ‘can we get this?’ demands from ravenous kids.

Buy frozen

Frozen fruit and veg are usually cheaper than fresh, last longer and cut down on waste, especially if you’re not cooking every day.

Try own brands

Supermarket own-brand products are often made by the same manufacturers as the big-name versions but can cost a lot less.

Buy loose, not packaged

Packaging adds cost. If you’re buying fruit or veg, go for loose items where possible. You often pay less for the same product.

Bulk buy, when it makes sense   

If something you use regularly is on offer, buy in bulk. Just make sure it won’t go off before you use it or it’s not really a saving.

Store food properly

Simple storage tweaks can make your food last longer. Keep eggs in their box, put citrus fruit in the fridge and use airtight containers to reduce waste.

Love Food Hate Waste’s A-Z food guide includes information on how to store items properly to extend their shelf life.

Look for yellow sticker items

Supermarkets reduce prices on items close to their sell-by date, often by 50% or more.

 The best time varies by store:

• Tesco & Lidl – early evening
• Asda – around 7pm
• Morrisons – lunchtime
• Co-op – 8pm
• M&S – last 30–60 minutes before closing
• Sainsbury’s – from about 7pm
• Waitrose – just before closing
• Aldi – 8pm (look for red stickers)

Use loyalty cards but still compare prices

Tesco Clubcard, Nectar and My Morrisons prices can save you up to 25%. But don’t assume the loyalty price is always the lowest, it still pays to compare.

Look above and below eye level

Supermarkets place premium products at eye level. The better-value items are often higher or lower on the shelf. Scan the whole aisle before you decide.

Use coupons and cashback

Apps like TopCashBack offer cashback on grocery shopping, while supermarket apps often include digital vouchers or personalised offers.

Try online shopping

Shopping online helps you avoid impulse buys and makes it easier to stick to your budget. It’s also a good way to track your total as you go.

Grow your own

Even a small herb pot or tomato plant can save you money, especially on items you buy regularly. It’s simple, cost-effective and fun.

Go meat-free

Meat is one of the most expensive items in your basket. Adding a few vegetarian meals each week can make a noticeable difference to your bill.

Use surplus food apps

Apps like Too Good to Go let you buy surplus food from local restaurants, cafes and supermarkets, often at a steep discount.

Know what you already have

Before you head to the shops, take stock. Use up what’s already in your cupboards, fridge and freezer to cut down your list (and your spend).

Use what you buy

This sounds obvious, but it’s key. Make sure you actually use what you buy. Wasted food is wasted money.

Food inflation isn’t going away but with a bit of planning and a few smarter habits, you can stay ahead of it.