How to Save Money on Groceries in the UK

Why It Pays to Get Smart About Grocery Spending

Food shopping is one of the biggest variable expenses in most UK households. Whether you shop weekly, fortnightly, or do smaller top-ups, small changes can make a big difference over time. By managing your grocery budget more effectively, you could free up hundreds of pounds each year for other financial goals — paying down debt, building an emergency fund, or contributing to savings.

If you don’t already have a clear picture of where your grocery money is going, it’s worth tracking it properly. Our budget template can help you see exactly how much of your income is spent on food and household items, so you can set realistic savings goals.

Step 1: Start with a Grocery Budget

Before heading to the supermarket, decide how much you can realistically spend each week. The average UK household spends around £70–£90 weekly on groceries, but this depends on household size and eating habits.

To set your own grocery budget:

1. Look at your past bank statements to see what you actually spend on food.

2. Identify how much of that spend was necessary and how much was convenience or impulse.

3. Set a weekly or monthly limit and stick to it by withdrawing that amount in cash or tracking via a budgeting app.

If budgeting feels daunting, don’t worry – we’ve broken down everything you need in our main Budgeting Guide.

Step 2: Plan Meals for the Week

Meal planning is one of the most effective ways to reduce food waste and control costs. By planning meals, you buy only what you need and are less tempted to grab takeaways or additional items.

Practical tips:

• Plan meals around ingredients you already have in your cupboards.

• Choose recipes that share ingredients (e.g. a roast chicken that becomes soup or sandwiches).

• Include one or two low-cost meals each week, such as pasta dishes, lentil curries, or jacket potatoes.

Try using free resources like BBC Good Food’s “budget-friendly recipes” section for inspiration.

Step 3: Shop Smart and Compare Prices

Supermarkets price the same product ranges differently, and even within brands there are big differences. Tools like Trolley.co.uk help you compare prices across major retailers before you shop.

When you’re in-store:

• Stick to your list. If it’s not on the plan, don’t buy it.

• Look at lower shelves. Cheaper, own-brand alternatives are often placed away from eye level.

• Avoid impulse buys at checkouts. These small extras quickly add up.

Shopping online can also help avoid impulse purchases. Plus, many supermarkets offer delivery passes or discounts for first-time online customers, which can save both time and fuel.

Step 4: Make the Most of Discounts and Loyalty Schemes

Supermarket loyalty schemes can be an easy win for regular shoppers. For example:

• Tesco Clubcard: Exclusive Clubcard prices can offer significant savings on everyday items.

• Sainsbury’s Nectar: Earn points that can be redeemed for money off future shops or partner brands.

• Lidl Plus and Morrisons More apps often offer tailored coupons and digital rewards.

However, don’t let points tempt you into buying items you wouldn’t otherwise purchase. Treat these schemes as bonuses, not incentives to overspend.

Timing your shop can also make a big difference. Markdown sections (‘yellow sticker’ shelves) in supermarkets often appear late afternoon or evening, with perfectly good items discounted by 50% or more.

Step 5: Buy in Bulk (Strategically)

Wholesale or bulk buying works best for non-perishable items with long shelf lives – pasta, rice, tinned goods, and toilet rolls, for example. For perishables, only buy in bulk if you can freeze or store them safely.

A simple tip: If an item is on offer (e.g. “3 for £5”) but you won’t use it all before it expires, skip it. Offers only save money if you actually need and use what you buy.

Step 6: Cook in Batches and Store Smartly

Cooking in batches can save both time and money. For example, cooking a large pot of chilli or curry and freezing portions prevents waste and reduces the temptation of expensive takeaways after a long day.

Label freezer meals with dates and contents, and rotate them regularly to avoid forgotten leftovers. Investing in reusable containers or freezer bags can make a big difference over time.

Step 7: Waste Less, Save More

The average UK household throws away around £60 worth of food every month, according to WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme). Reducing food waste is one of the quickest ways to cut costs.

Easy ways to waste less:

• Store fruits and veg properly – some last longer in the fridge, others at room temperature.

• Freeze items before they expire (especially bread, meat, and leftovers).

• Use the “First In, First Out” rule: use older items before opening new ones.

Apps like Too Good To Go and Olio also help you get reduced-price or free surplus food locally – saving money while cutting waste.

Step 8: Be Flexible and Creative

Sticking rigidly to a shopping plan is great, but flexibility also saves money. If you find a great offer on something you use often, adapt your week’s meals to include it.

For example, if minced beef is discounted, you could make chilli, cottage pie, or spaghetti Bolognese and freeze portions. This adaptability keeps your budget balanced and your meals interesting.

Step 9: Track, Reflect, and Improve

After a few weeks, review your spending. Are you still keeping within your budget? Are there particular items or shops that consistently cost more? Tracking your grocery spending helps you spot patterns and find further savings.

Our budget template makes this simple — you can log your expenses, compare month-on-month variations, and see exactly where your money is going.

Conclusion: Small Steps, Big Savings

Learning how to save money on groceries in the UK isn’t about penny-pinching – it’s about being intentional with how you spend. By planning meals, shopping smartly, making use of discounts, and reducing waste, you can make a noticeable difference to your household budget.

It starts with awareness – understanding where your food money currently goes. Once you’ve mapped that out and adopted these strategies, the savings will follow naturally. Over time, those small weekly wins can turn into hundreds (if not thousands) of pounds back in your pocket each year – all while still enjoying great food.

For more practical guidance on managing your everyday spending, explore our main guide on Budgeting at Next Steps Finance.