How to save money on tasty treats

When it comes to food and drink, we all have our own favourite treats.

Maybe you can’t get through a day without a takeaway coffee or a packet of crisps, or perhaps you reward yourself with a chippy tea on a Friday night.

But you might have noticed in recent months that these indulgences are becoming more and more expensive.

In fact, official figures show that the cost of food and non-alcoholic drinks went up by 4.9% in the year to July.

That’s the fourth month in a row that food and drink inflation has increased - and means prices are now at their highest since February 2024.

So it’s no wonder that many of us are looking for ways to keep enjoying treats without overspending.

Eating out less, snacking in more

People are increasingly turning to the supermarkets for their indulgences rather than eating out, according to Worldpanel by Numerator.

Figures showed that in the three months to mid-July, casual and fast-food restaurants saw a 6% drop in customers year-on-year.

But sales of branded snacks and drinks jumped by 6.1% in August, while own-brand versions grew by 4.1%. 

Interestingly, that’s the biggest gap in favour of brands since early 2024, suggesting that when people do treat themselves, they want something they really enjoy.

How can I cut the cost of treats?

We all deserve a little treat every now and then.

So if you want to keep them on your shopping list, there are a few steps you should take.

Budget for luxuries

Keep on top of how much money you’ve got coming in and going out, so you can prioritise your spending and know what you can afford.

Check out our guide on how to create a budget to get started.

Be brand-savvy 

Sales of branded snacks are up, but do you really need them?

Own-label alternatives often taste exactly the same and are a lot cheaper, so think about what matters to you most.

Make the most of loyalty schemes

Sign up for the loyalty scheme at your local supermarket, as you could get discounts on some items and points that add up to freebies and money off your bill in the future.

Shop late 

Many supermarkets reduce bakery items and snacks in the evening, so it’s worth going at this time to see what bargains are available.

Try to save on other items at the supermarket

If a particular branded treat is non-negotiable and something you can’t live without, then see if you can make savings elsewhere when you’re out shopping.

We’ve put together some handy tips on how to keep the cost of your weekly shop down to help your money go further. 

DIY your favourites 

You can still enjoy your favourite treats if you’re on a budget if you make it yourself.

Whether it’s a fakeaway curry or a homemade iced coffee, making your own treats can be much cheaper and just as delicious - and probably healthier too.