Thrifty finance expert shares tips on how to save money on food shopping

A food guru has shared 10 tips that could cut your shopping bills in half – including always looking at the lowest-placed items on a shelf, avoiding the bigger trolleys, and investing more in the frozen food aisle. Personal finance expert Lynn Beattie – also known as “Mrs Mummypenny” – is recognised for her helpful advice on how families can survive the cost-of-living crisis by shopping savvy and sensibly.

During a time when the pennies need pinching, she suggests checking the cost per 100g or 100ml, as promotions on smaller-sized products can make the price cheaper than if you were to buy bigger.

Switching to meat-alternative products is also a great way to make savings, as they are just as substantial and can often make a meal go further for a fraction of the price, according to the foodie.

The money-saving expert has partnered with The No Meat Company, the plant-based food brand behind the Ultimate Burger, which commissioned research into the nation’s shopping and eating habits, since the financial downturn first began.

It emerged 53 percent have changed the way they shop and cook due to the rising costs – with 25 percent eating less meat, 27 percent setting stricter budgets, and 26 percent bulk-buying and freezing.

Neville Tam, at The No Meat Company, said: “Soaring costs have led to a drastic change in our usual lifestyle habits, and there’s no denying it’s a tough time for many – but your food shop doesn’t have to cost the earth.

“With the rising cost of living, it can be a challenge to do the right thing for your health and the planet by eating plant-based, it’s certainly no mean feat.

“We’re really grateful to Lynn for her top tips, and we want to help people to keep making those simple swaps, such as switching to meat-alternative products that still taste great but are better for you, the planet – and easy on the wallet too.”

The study, of 2,000 adults, also found that more than half (52 percent) would like to become better at doing food on a budget, as only a fifth claim they are “very savvy” at this.

More than four in ten (41 percent) often look for ways to spend less in the kitchen, and will typically turn to cooking websites (32 percent), or family and friends (31 percent), for advice.

But 69 percent think they could make even more savings than they do now, if they found other ways to adapt their shopping and cooking habits.

When asked whether they would consider plant-based alternatives to meat now, compared to pre-cost-of-living crisis, 47 percent said likely, compared to 53 percent who said unlikely.

Among those who wouldn’t opt for meat-free, 53 percent said they aren’t keen on the taste, while 18 percent believe these products are too expensive, according to the OnePoll study.

One in ten said they wouldn’t ditch meat because their family and friends wouldn’t eat plant-based alternatives.

But when it comes to frozen food, 18 percent now buy more of these goods compared to pre-2021 – with the average shopper dedicating £63.51 of their monthly shop to these products.

Reasons for this include the cheaper price (63 percent), lasting longer than fresh food (66 percent), and less food waste (54 percent).

The research also found other areas Brits have had to cut back on, including takeaways (46 percent), clothes (40 percent), and holidays (33 percent).

Commenting on the findings, Lynn Beattie said: “The drastic change in food prices has really made us re-evaluate the way we shop, but it’s not always easy to know how to tighten our belts during these tough times.

“This is why I have enjoyed sharing my tips and tricks on how to save the pennies while still enjoying delicious and healthy meals.”

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