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Northern Ireland consumers have to find an extra £14 per week or £752 per year for food than this time last year[1]. Many households are under extreme pressure to make ends meet. We’ve been talking to consumers to see what they’re doing to make their money go further. Here’s their guide to savvy food shopping.
Don’t go shopping when you’re hungry!
Go prepared – Try to pre-plan your meals so that you’re only getting the things you really need. Once you’ve planned your meals, make a shopping list and stick to it.
Go Solo– leave the kids at home if you can. This avoids those surprise purchases appearing in the trolley and cuts out “pester power” that can add to your shopping bill.
Go together -If “three for two” and “buy one get one free” offers leave you with food you can’t use, why not split it with a friend and share the food at half the price.
Shop Around – If you can and you have the time, compare the prices on offer from various supermarkets and local stores. Remember, they’re competing to get your custom so vote with your feet.
Get a loyalty card – If you’re a regular shopper at a particular supermarket, see if they have a loyalty card where you can build up points and get money-off vouchers.
Get a rain check voucher- If an item on special offer is out of stock, many supermarkets will give you a voucher for the same deal later on when the item is back in stock.
Variety is the spice of life – If you always stick to a particular brand, why not try own-brand names or value brands instead?
Bargain hunt – check out clearance shelves but don’t be fooled by the special offer deals at the end of the aisles - it’s only special if you really need it in the first place
Every penny counts - buy food that has been reduced as it reaches its sell-by date and use it for making soup and stews for freezing.
Be a night owl - Shop later in the evening when some fresh food prices are reduced.
Waste not, want not - every year, we throw out £420 worth of food[2], so try to cut down waste where you can by trying out new recipes using leftovers. For inspiration, visit www.beyondbakedbeans.com/articles/20080709.
Shop online -Shopping online can help you avoid the temptation of buying things you don’t really need. You can also make use of special offers that only apply to online shopping and while you pay for delivery, you’ll save on petrol or public transport.
Small is beautiful – Instead of doing a big weekly shop, try shopping more often for small amounts, so your food won't go off before you've had a chance to eat it.
Source: www.fool.co.uk
Stash your coupons
Look out for discount coupons or vouchers in the press. Make sure you check their use by dates. Remember though, it’s only a bargain if you need that item in the first place. Source: Moneysavingexpert.com
Bring a packed lunch to work – this could save you around £991.20[3] per year and it’s a good way to use up leftovers.
Green fingers? – Why not try growing your own indoor or outdoor vegetables.
Ready steady cook - Ready meals are easy and fast but preparing your own food saves money and can be better for you. Visit your local library or try the Internet for recipe ideas and cooking advice.
Go to market –-Check out the prices of fruit and vegetables at your local market. You can buy exactly the amount you need, there will be less packaging and you’re supporting local business.
[1]Food prices are based on average NI spend on food from Family Spending Survey 2007 and research from mysupermarket.co.uk on percentage price increase on 16 September 2008 of a basket of 24 staple food items. Not updated since 16/9/08
[2]WRAP Waste and Resources Action Programme, www.wrap.org.uk May 2008
[3]Based on buying a filled sandwich £2.50, crisps £0.32, banana £0.40 and diet fizzy drink £0.91, 5 days a week, 48 weeks a year.
