ITV consumer expert Grace Forell has highlighted six things 'everyone should buy in Poundland', including a food staple that is 44 per cent less. Forell, who regularly appears on ITV's This Morning, explained that shoppers should not do their weekly shop in the high street discount store but should take advantage of some bargains.
Best value categories
She said the best value categories tend to be big brand toiletries and cleaning products. If you're loyal to brands like Nivea, Head & Shoulders, Colgate, Flash, Astonish, and Elbow Grease, she added 'you'll often find Poundland is the best place to buy'.
However, she added: "It's less impressive when it comes to snacks and store cupboard items, as you'll often get a better deal at the supermarket on multi-buys."
Six Poundland staples
- Flash cleaning spray is £2 in Poundland - and between £2.44 - £3.35 elsewhere - a potential saving of 40%
- Astonish Sprays - white vinegar and mould and mildew stain remover are cheap there - average saving of around 30%
- Big brand toiletries are good value - Grace highlighted a Nivea day cream for £2 - with it being £5.50 to £6 elsewhere - saving 65%
- Colgate toothpaste is normally cheaper at Poundland. Grace highlighted Max White Sparkle Diamonds toothpaste currently £2 - elsewhere it's £2.33 - £3.75 - a saving of up to 47%
- Sure deodorant and Head and Shoulders shampoo usually a bargain
- Heinz Baked Beans - single tin £1 - normally £1.38 - £1.80 elsewhere - a potential saving of 44%
She added: "A single tin of Heinz beans for £1 is hard to come by and it's one of Poundland's standout bargains - but if you're buying multipack, supermarkets are often better value."
Golden rules
She explained: "Remember, Poundland is less a place to do a full weekly shop and more of a specialist bargain stop. It's particularly good for branded toiletries with high supermarket mark-ups, cult cleaning products and specialist stain removers, a handful of pantry staples, and emergency top-ups that would cost more in a convenience store."
Her golden rules: Always check the unit price. A lower shelf price doesn't mean better value if the pack is smaller (you sometimes see this at Poundland). Don't assume everything is cheaper. Chocolate, crisps and soft drinks are often better bought on supermarket loyalty offers. Be wary of multipacks. Poundland sometimes wins on individual items, but supermarkets usually come out ahead on family-sized packs. Stock up on genuine bargains. If you find a branded product you use regularly and it's substantially cheaper, buying a spare makes sense.
You can pick up single tins of Heinz baked beans for £1 though - which is consistently the best price (per unit) around. One thing is for sure: while it isn't the place to do a full weekly shop, it offers much better value than most convenience stores.
