Skip to content Skip to navigation

How to Save Money on Groceries for Your Family

Discover our top money saving tips to help you stay within your budget on your family food shop.

As the price of the Fredo has continued to rise at a pace our salaries could never imagine, it’s no wonder that people are complaining about the hole groceries are burning in our pockets. With the added factor of trying to eat a balanced, nutritious diet, many of us are struggling with how to save money on groceries.

The key to cutting costs - without spending your life prepping or compromising on healthy meals – is to shop smart. Whether you’re shopping for one or have lots of tiny mouths to feed, here’s a guide to help you stretch your budget further and make your meals more cost-effective.

 

Why Grocery Budgeting is Essential for Families

Learning how to food shop on a budget is essential, especially for families with kids.

It’s very easy to fall into the easy and comforting trap of thinking ‘what do I want for dinner tonight?’ and then popping to the shop for exactly that. However, shopping regularly and impulsively is one of the biggest mistakes you can make and can cost you more in the long-run.

With the average cost of living on the rise, many households have found themselves spending more than expected on food each month. Budgeting is all about keeping to the expected - it’s your safety net saving you from the stress of overspending. But menu planning isn’t just about cutting costs either; it’s also about maximising resources to ensure yourself and your family are getting nutritious, satisfying meals without loads of food waste or last-minute splurges.

 

What is the Average Grocery Bill for a Family of 4?

According to an analysis of Office of the National Statistics’ latest report, the average grocery bill for a family of four in the UK is around £117.

How does this shape up against your average bill? Do you know?

If you don’t, keeping track is the best place to start. Not only does it make you more aware of your spending and expectations but you can start to dive into those receipts. Looking at where your biggest expenditures lie can give you some valuable insight on how to save money on food.

 

The Best Ways to Save Money on Food Shopping

Lots of small changes can lead to big savings over time. Here are some practical ideas to get you started:

Plan Your Meals with a Budget Menu

Learning how to food shop on a budget is one of the simplest ways to save money on grocery shopping.

Dedicate a little time each week to plan meals based on what’s already in your cupboards and what’s on offer. Look for versatile ingredients that can be used in multiple dishes to reduce food waste.

Buy in Bulk (But Smartly)

If there are certain staple foods you eat regularly (think rice, paste, canned goods),  buying them in bulk can easily save you money. However, only do this if you’re confident you will use the items and they won’t get thrown away.

For fruit, veg and any other perishable items, have a think if there’s anything you could split with friends or family. On apps like Olio, neighbours can post about anything they have that they’re not going to use, which is a great way to save money and reduce waste.

Rethink Your Staples

If someone in your family (or maybe even you!) is a firm believer buying branded items, put it to the test. Buy the less expensive unbranded version and see if they notice the difference or do a blind tasting!

Something being more expensive doesn’t always make it more tasty – you need to make that decision yourself. Beware of marketing labels like ‘premium’ or ‘finest’ too, sometimes the cheaper option is just as good.

Shop Seasonal and Local

Ever wandered a supermarket thinking ‘how can I eat healthy on a budget when the price of veg has sky-rocketed’? If you have a local market, check to see if it’s cheaper there, as buying imported produce at supermarkets is often more expensive.

Local produce can not only work out cheaper but often tastes better and is fresher, which means a longer shelf life at home. It’s a win-win. 

Put on Your Blinkers

Grocery stores are designed to lead us into temptation. Whether it’s the grab-and-go items at the till or the various ‘can’t miss’ special offers dotted around the shop. So, you need to put on your blinkers, avoid distractions and shop with purpose (and a list!).

A lot of the time, being tempted by offers that haven’t already been factored into your budget don’t actually work out as a ‘smart spend’. If you can, avoid shopping in stores altogether. Buying your groceries online and getting them delivered to your doorstep on a weekly (or bi-weekly) basis using a strict list can help you avoid getting distracted by shiny items that weren’t in your plan. 

Make Your Shop Last Longer

Another great way to save money on your food shop is to make the most of the food you’ve got.

You can do this by prepping, freezing and storing your food properly. From popping a sheet of kitchen towel in your bag of salad to keeping your bread in the freezer, there are tons of tricks for prolonging the life of your food.

You’ve probably heard it before, but food prepping is an amazing way to save money (and time!) on meals, and you don’t need to spend your Sunday cooking five different dishes to do it.

When you’re making a meal that’s freezable (most things are), try doubling or tripling the recipe. Then, divide the portions into Tupperware and store them in the freezer. If you struggle with a family that seems to have different appetites, this is a fantastic way to cater to different cravings. Ask what they want in the morning, then let that meal defrost throughout the day.

Saving money on meals for your family doesn’t have to mean sacrificing quality or nutrition. By making small, intentional changes like planning meals, buying in bulk, and embracing delivery services like Watsons Pantry, you can stretch your budget and reduce waste.

Win-win! Ready to simplify your grocery shopping? Explore our locations here to see how a doorstep delivery service could help you and your family today!