10 Ways to Save Money on Your Food Shop

Here, we will explore ten easy but effective ways to save money on food shopping and make the most of your food shopping budget.

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We all love to save money where we can, and your food shop is a great place to start. Not only does managing your weekly food budget successfully mean that you can maintain your finances, but it can also be a great way to be more organised. Not to mention it can help you eat healthier.

If it is anything like ours, your weekly/monthly food shop will likely have increased considerably (thanks to the cost of living crisis!). But you can save money in more places than you think and start to reap the benefits.

1. Get cashback on your shop

Enjoy the simplicity of earning cashback every time you shop at popular supermarkets like Asda, Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, and more.

Simply top up your cashback card with your intended spend and use it as you would any debit card. Plus, the card isn’t limited to groceries; it’s accepted at big online and in-store brands. Don’t miss out on making your shopping budget go further—check out how to get your own ode cashback card today!

*Please note the retailer list is accurate at the time of publication and may have changed. For the most up-to-date information, please visit our ode cashback card hub.*

2. Making Meal Planning a Breeze

Ever found yourself frazzled about dinner after a long day? Let’s talk meal planning! Spend a chunk of your weekend plotting out the week’s meals with your loved ones. A simple notepad or a chalkboard on your fridge works wonders for visibility. Trust me, this little step can massively cut down your daily stress.

By having your meals lined up and your shopping list tailored to them, you sidestep unnecessary buys and food waste. Plus, it’s a sneaky way to eat healthier and dodge the last-minute takeout temptation. It’s not just about saving time; it’s about enhancing your lifestyle one meal at a time. Give it a go, and watch the magic unfold in your weekly routine!

3. Mastering Your Pantry: Save Money and Reduce Clutter with Smart Grocery Shopping

Have you ever found yourself unpacking bags of groceries, gleefully pulling out a new multi-pack of tinned tuna, only to be met by the sight of eight similar tins already camping out in your cupboard? We’ve all been there!

A pro tip before jotting down your shopping list: take a quick peek in your pantry. Not only does this little step save you from becoming the neighbourhood tuna hoarder, but it also keeps those extra bucks snug in your wallet. And here’s a cherry on top – why not whip up your meals using what you’ve already got? It’s a fantastic way to declutter your kitchen space and trim down your expenses.

4. Never Forget Your Shopping List Again

Let’s face it—we all think we’ll remember everything we need from the store, but that rarely happens. It’s frustrating to get home and realise you’ve forgotten something as essential as your favourite chocolate bar. To avoid this, make a habit of writing down your shopping list. It’s a lifesaver.

But here’s the catch: writing the list isn’t enough if you forget to bring it with you. Sound familiar? Here’s a pro tip: write your list on your phone. It’s something you’re unlikely to leave behind, ensuring you always have your list with you. Plus, you can easily check off items as you shop, ensuring you don’t miss anything and making your shopping trip smoother and more efficient.

Embrace the power of the digital list, and say goodbye to those annoying repeat trips for forgotten items.

5. Why Bulk-Buying is a Game-Changer

Investing a bit more upfront during your shopping trip could be a smart move, especially when it comes to staples like pasta, rice, and porridge. By purchasing these essentials in bulk, you’re not just saving pennies; you’re paving the way for more cost-effective meal planning in the weeks ahead. And why stop at the pantry?

Bulk-buying your meat not only offers fantastic savings but also provides an excellent opportunity to get creative in the kitchen. Imagine whipping up delicious, home-cooked meals and portioning them out to freeze. It’s the perfect strategy for those busy days when cooking from scratch is simply not on the agenda.

Plus, don’t miss out on the chance to earn cashback while you’re at it. With our special cashback card, selected stores will give you a little back on your bulk buys, making your smart shopping even more rewarding. Why not give it a go?

6. Streamlining Your Supermarket Visits

Taking the kids to the supermarket can quickly turn into an adventure, with a few unexpected ‘treasures’ like chocolate biscuits, toys, and sweets somehow landing in your cart. And, of course, saying no can sometimes lead to a bit of a scene right there in the aisles.

A tip that works wonders? Try grocery shopping alone. It’s not only a great way to skip the extra snacks and mini-dramas, but it also lets you zip through your list way faster. Enjoying some quiet time while shopping can really save your sanity and your budget.

A major reason for food waste is ignoring expiry dates, especially for perishable items like meat, which vary greatly in shelf life. Make it a habit to check these dates closely when shopping.

Vegetables and fruits can spoil quickly, so buy only what you need. Planning your meals ahead can help you avoid purchasing excess perishables.

Top Tip: If you find yourself with food nearing its expiry, don’t rush to toss it. Many items, including some you might not expect, fare well in the freezer. This can significantly extend their usability, reducing waste and saving money.

8. How Supermarkets Like Aldi and Lidl Are Changing Our Approach to Grocery Shopping

Gone are the days when only high-priced, well-known brands meant the best quality food. Lately, supermarkets like Aldi and Lidl have been changing minds and shaking up our shopping routines.

It’s true, personal preferences play a big role, and while not every product hits the mark, the quality gap is surprisingly narrow. So next time you’re navigating the aisles, compare those prices and ponder a bit. Is it really worth the extra coin?

Listen, it’s all about getting the most bang for your buck without compromising on quality.

9. Simple Steps to a Greener Lifestyle: Never Forget Your Reusable Bags Again

We’ve all been there – dashing off to the shops, and then the realisation hits: we’ve left our reusable bags at home again. It’s a small mistake but all too common. Yet, it’s one that’s easily fixed with a simple habit – once you’ve unpacked your shopping, make a point of popping those bags straight back into the boot of your car. This way, they’re ready and waiting for your next trip, ensuring you’re not caught off guard. Plus, in doing our bit to reduce plastic waste, we’re contributing to a greener, cleaner planet.

And let’s not forget, every little saving adds up. Adopting this habit can help with more than just the environment; it can also give a slight nudge to our savings. After all, as the saying goes, “Pennies make pounds.”

By making this small change to our routine, we’re not just being more environmentally conscious, but we’re also inching closer to a more sustainable lifestyle, one shopping trip at a time – a proud step forward for any savvy shopper.

10. Conquering the Checkout: How to Outsmart Snack Attacks and Supermarket Schemes

You’ve done the hard parts: the planning, the list, you’ve ordered your meat in bulk, the kids are at home, you’re ready to receive your cashback, you’ve checked all the expiry dates, you’ve chosen your brands wisely, and you have your own bags.

Now, whatever you do, as tempting as it might be, don’t go and grab a load of add-ons as you approach the till! This is how they get you; strategically positioned chocolate bars, nuts, sweets, batteries, Ibuprofen, or whatever else they try to twist your arm with. If you make it out unscathed, give yourself a pat on the back in the car. Your bank balance will thank you for it.