Food is one of the biggest regular costs for most UK households, so small changes to how you shop can add up to real savings over a year. Here are practical ways to cut the cost of your supermarket shop without eating less well.

Use supermarket loyalty schemes

Most big UK supermarkets now show cheaper member prices on many products, and you only get them if you scan your loyalty card or app at the till or log in online.

• Tesco – Clubcard and Clubcard Prices
• Sainsbury’s – Nectar and Nectar Prices
• Asda – Asda Rewards
• Lidl – Lidl Plus app
• Morrisons – More Card
• Waitrose – myWaitrose
• Co-op – Co-op Membership

They are free to join, so it is worth signing up for every supermarket you use, even occasionally.

Compare by price per unit

Shelf labels show a unit price, such as the price per kilo, per litre or per 100g. Comparing unit prices is the quickest way to see whether a bigger pack, a multibuy or a different brand is really cheaper.

Try own-brand and value ranges

Swapping a few branded products for supermarket own-brand or value versions is one of the easiest savings. Start with basics like tinned tomatoes, pasta, rice, cereals and cleaning products, and keep the branded items you really prefer.

Plan meals and write a list

• Check what you already have before you shop.
• Plan meals for the week and buy only what you need.
• Cook once and eat twice: batch cooking and freezing portions cuts waste.
• Avoid shopping when you are hungry, which tends to lead to more impulse buys.

Look for reductions and reduce waste

• Reduced-price items: supermarkets mark down food that is close to its date, often later in the day. Freeze it if you will not use it straight away.
• Frozen fruit and veg are usually cheaper than fresh, last much longer and are just as useful for cooking.
• Use-by vs best-before: “use by” is about safety, so do not eat food after this date. “Best before” is about quality, and food is often fine to eat after it.

Online grocery shopping

Ordering online makes it easier to stick to a list and avoid impulse buys. Compare delivery charges and minimum spends, and look for first-order discount codes from supermarkets and grocery services.

Food and drink deals

For current offers from UK food and drink retailers, see our Food & Drink deals section, or check the latest codes for Iceland.