How a simple shopping list could save you £470 a year

Food waste doesn’t just hit the environment – it hits your bank balance too. In fact, the average UK household wastes around £470 a year on thrown-away food.

That’s like chucking a tenner in the bin every week. But there’s good news - with just a few small changes to how you shop and plan meals, you can keep more of that money in your pocket.

Here’s how a simple shopping list (and a few other habits) can help you waste less and ease the pressure on your wallet.

Why do we waste so much food?

According to WasteManaged, the UK throws away 9.5 million tonnes of food each year, and around 70% of that comes from households. Often, it’s down to overbuying, poor planning and not using up what we already have.

So it’s not just leftovers we’re binning - it’s the money we spent on the food, too.

The power of a shopping list

Making a list might sound like a small step, but it helps you:

• stick to what you need, not what you fancy in the moment
• avoid doubling up on things you’ve already got
• plan meals based on what you’ll actually eat
• spend less, because you’re not impulse buying

And it’s not just about the list itself - it’s about the mindset. Planning ahead turns you into an intentional buyer, and that makes your money go further.

5 simple tips to cut food waste and save money

1. Check what you already have

Before you shop, look in your fridge, freezer and cupboards. Build your meals around ingredients you already have, especially ones that are near their use-by dates.

2. Plan your meals

Even just planning three or four dinners a week can reduce waste. Choose recipes with overlapping ingredients so nothing gets forgotten at the back of the fridge.

3. Use your freezer

Cook in bulk, and freeze leftovers or food that's about to go off. Most things can be frozen, including milk, grated cheese and sliced bread.

4. Understand the labels

‘Use by’ dates relate to safety - don’t ignore those. But ‘best before’ dates are about quality. Many foods are still fine after this point, especially dry or tinned goods.

5. Store food properly

Keep fruit and veg in the right compartments, use airtight containers and check food storage tips online (some foods spoil faster if kept together).

Small changes, big savings

You don’t need to overhaul your whole routine to see results. A quick check of your fridge, a five-minute meal plan and making a shopping list can all help reduce waste – and make your money go further.

And let’s face it - with food prices the way they are, every little helps.