With the cost of living crisis continuing and mortgages and rents rising, many are looking for ways to stretch their budgets. Last summer, one reporter decided to test whether it was possible to live off food from Iceland for a week, given the supermarket's reputation for deals and frozen specialities.
The reporter used Iceland's online delivery service and planned meals for five days. Breakfast items included a six-pack of pain au chocolat for £1.25 and a 36-pack of Weetabix for £3. Lunch was kept simple with soup, noodles, and sandwich ingredients. For dinners, the reporter bought fresh chicken, salad, fajita kits, pasta, and sauces, along with frozen items like a Cathedral City Mac n Cheese dish (£3) and Slimming World Pizza Chicken (£4.50). The total shop came to £49.40 in May 2022.
However, the quality of fresh food was disappointing. The salad selection pack arrived limp and browning, and a pack of Warburtons soft pittas was out of date by several days and mouldy. The reporter noted that the food was ordered the night before, so the issues were not due to advanced ordering.
Despite these setbacks, the reporter managed to prepare meals such as a large pasta bake for four for under £7, fajitas for two for just over £3, and a curry for two. The frozen food options were praised for convenience, especially for those with long working hours.
