Tesco shares food tip it claims can cut £260 off shopping bills every year

Tesco has shared a handy tip to help shoppers save money on their weekly shop - and it says it can cut about £260 from bills a year.

New data has revealed that most shoppers waste money by not checking what items they have at home before going to the supe rmarket - whether that be staple items or specific ingredients they need for a meal.

In a consumer survey, which was commissioned by Tesco via YouGov, it has been revealed that 80% of Brits do not always make a list of what is in their cupboards or pantry before a food shop, report Wales Online.

This is despite 65% of people acknowledging that taking stock of the food in their house would help them limit their food waste.

Not only does this increase the amount of food put in the the bin, it also leads to unnecessary spending on the shopper's behalf due to making multiple purchases.

It has been revealed that on average, UK household wastes each year equates to approximately £800 (Bloomberg via Getty Images)

And as the cost of living crisis continues, increased spending is the last thing many households and families want want, especially amid increasing food prices.

Now, the supermarket giant is is encouraging the nation to use up foods they would normally overlook, after it was revealed that the amount of edible food an average UK household wastes each year equates to approximately £800.

Tesco is urging is shoppers to take part in Use Up Day - where once a week, people cook a meal using up food already in their kitchen, without needing to go out to buy more.

And by adopting this simple food hack, the average family could reduce the amount of food thrown away at home by a third, which equates to a possible financial saving of £260 per year.

This weekly kitchen clear out would also help shoppers be more aware of what is really in their cupboards, and to take stock of what food they already have, therefore making it easier to write a list of what is needed before going out to buy more food.

As part of Use Up Day, chefs at the supermarket giant have also come up with cheap meals families can make (Getty Images/Westend61)

Speaking about this effort to make people more conscious of their food waste, Tony McElroy, Tesco head of campaigns, said: “At Tesco, we want our customers to be able to get more out of their food shop whilst keeping delicious meals on the table. That’s why we’re encouraging shoppers to implement a weekly Use Up Day, take stock of what they have in their kitchens and make a shopping list before going out to shop.

"A little planning can help to spend less and reduce food waste, helping both our pockets and the planet.”