A nutritionist has revealed eight simple strategies to help shoppers reduce their grocery bills amid rising food prices. Molly Cunningham, who has 438,000 Instagram followers, regularly shares advice on budget-friendly shopping and cooking. In a recent post, she outlined the methods she uses to keep costs down for herself and her partner Liam.
1. Take Advantage of Offers
Cunningham recommends stocking up on regular purchases when they are on promotion. She highlighted that at Tesco, Clubcard offer expiry dates can be found in the bottom left of shelf labels, while at Aldi, a circled letter 'D' indicates a product is being discontinued and often reduced.
2. The 'Super Six' Challenge
Aldi's 'super six' promotion offers six different fruits or vegetables at significantly lower prices, with the selection changing every fortnight. Cunningham said: 'I always do my super six challenge. It's seasonal, fresher, and a great way to try fruit and veg I might not usually buy.'
3. Buy Frozen Food
Frozen produce can be both convenient and cost-effective. Cunningham noted that Farmfoods offers a wide range of frozen fruit and vegetables, mostly under £1 and pre-chopped, making it easier to incorporate more vegetables into meals.
4. Look Up and Down
Supermarket shelves are arranged with pricier items at eye level. Cunningham advised checking top and bottom shelves for cheaper alternatives, as these often house the best value products.
5. Load Up on Legumes
Legumes such as lentils, chickpeas, and beans are inexpensive, filling, and rich in protein and fibre. Cunningham said: 'I bulk meals out with tinned legumes a lot. They're cheap and an easy boost of nutrition.'
6. Buy Spices from the World Food Aisle
Spices from the world food aisle are often cheaper and more flavorful than those in the regular section. Cunningham emphasized that they last a long time and can transform a meal.
7. Wonky Veg
Most supermarkets sell 'wonky' vegetables at a discount. These are perfectly edible but may have an unusual shape. Cunningham said: 'It's just as nutritious as regular veg but you get more for your money and it helps reduce food waste.'
8. Go Veggie
Even if not vegetarian, replacing meat with vegetables once a week can save money and offer health benefits. Cunningham said: 'Meat has become quite expensive, so I love to do a veggie meal weekly.'
Cunningham concluded that these tips help her and Liam keep their weekly food shop around £30, despite his large appetite. She hopes her advice can assist others in managing their grocery budgets.
