10 ways to cut the cost of your weekly food shop

The weekly shop is one of the biggest regular costs for most households, and also one of the easiest to bring down. None of these ideas means eating worse. Most just mean shopping with a little more of a plan.

1. Plan meals before you shop

Deciding the week's meals first, and writing a list from them, is the single best way to stop buying things you don't need. Check what's already in the fridge and cupboards before you go.

2. Try own-brand versions

Supermarkets' own-brand and value ranges are often much cheaper than big brands, and many people can't tell the difference. Try swapping one or two items a week and see what you notice.

3. Compare unit prices, not pack prices

Shelf labels show a price per kilo, litre or item. A bigger pack isn't always the cheaper choice, and multi-buy offers aren't always better value than buying one.

4. Use loyalty prices, but compare

Several supermarkets now give lower prices to loyalty card holders. Use them if you shop there anyway, but don't let a "member price" stop you comparing with other shops.

5. Don't shop hungry

It's an old tip because it works: you're more likely to pick up snacks and extras on an empty stomach.

6. Waste less

Throwing food away is throwing money away. Freeze bread, leftovers and meat before their date, store fruit and veg properly, and plan a "use it up" meal each week. WRAP's Love Food Hate Waste site has plenty of ideas.

7. Shop the reduced section, carefully

Yellow-sticker items near the end of the day can be a real bargain, as long as you'll eat or freeze them in time.

8. Buy loose fruit and veg

Loose produce lets you buy exactly the amount you need, and is sometimes cheaper than pre-packed.

9. Cook in batches

Cooking larger amounts and freezing portions cuts both cost and time, and makes a takeaway less tempting on a busy evening.

10. Check offers before you order online

For online grocery delivery, recipe boxes and meal kits, first-order discounts are common. Note the full price after the offer ends, and cancel or pause if it doesn't suit you. See our healthy eating and meal kit deals.

The bottom line

A meal plan, a list and less waste make the biggest difference. Swapping a few brands and checking unit prices does the rest. Check below for today's food and drink offers from brands we work with.