When it comes to saving on your food shopping bill, there are lots of ways you can get the most for your money

Plan ahead

• Create a shopping list and stick to it. Prepare meals that use the same ingredients to reduce the size of your list
• Avoid shopping on an empty stomach as you are more likely to buy more

Consider supermarket 'own brands'

• Supermarket ‘own-brands’ often taste the same as their branded counterpart, but are cheaper

Buy in bulk if you can

• Buying foods in bulk can help you save money
• Stock up on tinned and dried foods that have a long shelf-life when on special offer

Reduce convenience foods

• Buying foods in their ‘original’ state will save you money
• Buy a block of cheese and grate it yourself
• Peel and chop vegetables and fruit yourself

Reduce waste

• Plan out your meals so all your ingredients get used. Freeze any leftovers in freezer bags or plastic containers
• Use foods that go off quicker such as fresh fish and meat earlier in the week
• Gather all leftover vegetables at the end of the week and transform it into a tasty soup. Add the vegetables and some stock to a pan (cook until tender if using raw veg), then blend in a food processor until smooth
• Always check the use-by-date to get the product that will stay fresh the longest

Go veggie

• Have a meat-free day once or twice a week. Replace meat with beans, peas or lentils. These are cheap to buy and are very nutritious
• Add beans, peas or lentils in place of meat in dishes such as curries and casseroles

Cook from scratch

• When possible cook meals from scratch rather than buying ready-made meals, take-aways or convenience food
• Buy foods in their 'original' state rather than items like pre-packed chopped vegetables or fruit and grated cheese

Beware of offers

• Special discounts such as 'half price' or 'buy one get one free' can offer good value but always take a second look. It is only good value if you actually need the item

Shop later in the day

• Fresh foods are often reduced in price in the supermarket later in the day