Despite food inflation easing, shop prices are still rising. Supermarket senior executives are being quizzed by MPs over eye-watering food inflation - with chains under increasing pressure to hand down savings they are seeing on wholesale items to consumers.
Bosses at four of the UK’s biggest supermarket chains – Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda and Morrisons – are appearing in front of the Business and Trade Committee on Tuesday to discuss food price inflation and why prices are still rising when commodity and wholesale costs are dropping.
Data from the BRC-NielsenIQ Shop Price Index suggests retailers are beginning to pass on lower wholesale costs, according to the PA news agency. But with prices still high, how can you slash the costs of your weekly food shop?
Rebecca Bebbington, online consumer expert at NetVoucherCodes.co.uk said: “A weekly food shop can become very expensive very quickly but there are some things you can do to help keep the costs low. The cost of living hasn’t necessarily improved and many of us are still watching the pennies but that doesn’t mean you should have to compromise on the things you and your family love."
The consumer experts at NetVoucherCodes.co.uk have shared nine simple methods to keep the supermarket shop within budget.
Late night supermarket trips
If you’re wanting to cook up a last-minute meal, go to the supermarket in the evening or late in the afternoon on a Sunday to get the best reduction deals to help save a few quid off making family meals.
Bulk buy cupboard foods
Instead of buying a single item every week, buy dry foods in bulk when they’re on offer. You don’t have to worry about food wastage and you can make the most of the offer while it’s available.
Sign up for an online shop
Some supermarkets have different deals online and they also offer a discount when you sign up for your first online shop. Switch it up and sign up for a different online shop each week to make the most of these deals.
Make a list
It may sound simple but making a list is the best way to stay on track and buy what you need. Without one, it’s very easy to throw other bits and bobs into the trolley without thinking of the added cost.
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Sign up for reward schemes
Find out if your local supermarket is offering a reward scheme where you can earn points and money from buying their products. Don’t just stick to one shop, sign up for multiple schemes to get the most out of your spending.
Replace takeaways with fakeaways
It’s great to treat your family with a takeaway but they can be really expensive. Buy a few extra ingredients in your weekly shop and try to create your favourite takeaway at home. It will increase the cost of your shop but it won’t be anywhere near the cost of your takeaway.
Don’t be afraid of freezing
If you find that certain foods like meats or vegetables are on offer, don’t be afraid to buy them and freeze them until needed. Generally, meat can be frozen for up to three months and vegetables around eight months. Just make sure you defrost everything accordingly before use.
Batch cooking
Spend an evening creating a ‘meal of the week’ to use throughout the week, whether it's a classic spaghetti bolognese or a chilli dish. The meals can be frozen and used the next day as a tasty lunch or dinner.
Shop around
Don’t just stick to the same supermarket with the prices rising - have a look online for retailers offering better deals and seasonal offers. The same products could be 10% cheaper from a different retailer, so make sure to compare the prices before going to the shop.
