Who doesn’t love saving money – especially on food? The good news is you can slash your supermarket bill and help the planet at the same time. With a few easy swaps and smart habits, you’ll waste less, spend less, and feel good about making eco-friendly choices. Ready to shop smarter? Let’s dive in!
1. Plan Your Meals and Make a List
Ever gone to the supermarket for a few essentials and come out with a trolley full of things you didn’t need? We’ve all been there. Planning your meals for the week and making a shopping list helps you buy only what you need, reducing both waste and unnecessary spending. Plus, it means fewer last-minute takeaways. Saving you even more money!
Sustainable Tip: Stick to seasonal and locally sourced produce where possible. Not only is it cheaper, but it also reduces the carbon footprint of your food.
Another great tip is to take advantage of meal prepping. Cooking in batches not only saves time but also helps prevent food waste by ensuring you use all your ingredients efficiently. Plus, you’ll have ready-made meals waiting for busy days!
2. Use Up What You Have
Before heading to the shops, take stock of what’s already in your fridge and cupboards. Many of us throw away food simply because we forgot it was there. Get creative with leftovers – stir-fries, soups, and stews are great ways to use up vegetables before they go bad.
Sustainable Tip: Keep an eye on expiry dates and try the ‘first in, first out’ rule – using older ingredients before opening new ones to cut down on food waste.
Another way to make the most of what you have is by organising your fridge and cupboards. Store similar items together, and make sure older products are easily visible so they don’t get forgotten. If you have excess food, consider donating non-perishables to a local food bank.
3. Buy in Bulk (But Only What You Need)
Buying in bulk can be cheaper in the long run, especially for staples like rice, pasta, and dried beans. However, be mindful of perishables – only buy what you can realistically use before it goes off.
Sustainable Tip: Bring your own reusable containers and shop at zero-waste stores to cut down on unnecessary plastic packaging.
Another way to save money while shopping in bulk is to team up with friends or family. If you split bulk purchases, you’ll still get the cost savings without ending up with more than you can use. Look out for refill stations in supermarkets where you can purchase only the amount you need!
4. Store Your Food Properly
Food spoiling before you can eat it? Proper storage can make all the difference. Keep your fridge at the right temperature, store fresh herbs in water, and use airtight containers for dry goods.
Sustainable Tip: Freeze leftovers and excess fresh produce to make them last longer. Overripe bananas? Perfect for smoothies or banana bread!
Understanding the best way to store different types of food can extend their shelf life. For instance, potatoes and onions should be kept in a cool, dark place, while leafy greens last longer when stored in a damp paper towel inside a container. Investing in reusable silicone bags or beeswax wraps can also help reduce plastic waste while keeping your food fresh.
5. Love Ugly Veg and Reduced Items
Supermarkets often mark down items nearing their sell-by dates. These are perfectly good to eat and often much cheaper! Similarly, ‘wonky’ or ‘ugly’ fruit and veg taste just as good as their perfect-looking counterparts but are often sold at a discount.
Sustainable Tip: Support stores and services that sell ‘imperfect’ produce to help reduce food waste at the retail level.
Additionally, consider signing up for food waste reduction apps that connect users with local businesses offering surplus food at a lower price. This not only saves you money but also helps prevent food from going to waste.
The Bigger Picture
Saving money on your food shop doesn’t mean cutting corners on sustainability. By reducing waste, shopping smart, and making the most of what you buy, you’re not only keeping more money in your pocket but also doing your part for the planet. Small changes can have a big impact – on your budget and the environment.
