Need some tips to cut down on food bill....

thatcherschild

We're a family of 4 and have been spending upwards of £100 a week, this needs to stop. We also need to change from Ocado to somewhere else.... but where?
We usually buy organic meat and dairy and some veg, my hubby cooks from scratch and don't buy alcohol but I'm aware that the organic has to stop.

Any tips on how to change from not watching the pennies and cooking quite expensive meals to still eating well whilst working on a budget of less than £70 inc. lunches for two adults.

Thanks

Maggie x x x

ClaireLR

Are there certain things that you really do prefer organic versions of? Maybe keep a few things in, I'd cut down to free range meat/eggs though unless you really prefer organic. Make a few meals meat free this helps to keep the cost down. Start looking at "value" basic items such as beans, oats, milk (?) pasta, rice, a lot of the stuff there's little or no difference. Make your own ready meals and freeze, I make stew, curries, lasagne, spag bol, shepherds pie, chilli, all bulked out with red lentils and plenty of veg. If you eat a lot of bread invest in a breadmaker. Finally always always make a list and stick to it, I've saved a fortune doing this! I'm sure someone else will have some more suggestions soon, these are just what I can think of off the top of my head! x

ClaireLR

Oh and as for supermarkets, I use Morrisons but I think each to their own, you should do a mini shop in those nearest to you and see which you prefer

thatcherschild

Thank you.
I'll do some trial shops in different supermarkets, and see how it works out. We've not got a Morrisons, only a Tesco, Sainsburys, Aldi and Asda.

Just read a post of someone going at reduction time, I'll try and pop in one night and see if I can stock up on the meat.

Lentils and extra veg to go on the list. Thank you.

ClaireLR

Oooh yes the famous whoopsies! I never buy full price meat anymore, my freezers choc a block with yellow stickered chicken, beef, pork, mince!

Have a look on the old style board as well, there was a thread a while ago by weezl (I think) where she lived on 50p a day for a while, not something I could do but will definitely inspire you to cut back! x

mrsthrifty_2

I see whoopsie shopping has already been mentioned ... not every bodies cup of tea but can become addictive if you get lucky a few times

the old style board has lots of ideas for all kinds of money saving

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/forumdisplay.html?f=33&order=desc

and the April Grocery challenge thread is already open

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=1591839

Aldi is very competitive for staple foods, Asda is slightly cheaper than Tesco's I find.

check your cupboards, fridge and freezer.

try and meal plan for the following week/month , however you shop
make a list and stick to it .... online shopping is good for sticking to a list and if you visit the discount codes and vouchers area you can often find a code to give you free delivery or points at Tesco or free delivery at Asda

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=1591839

nikki02_2

I split my weekly shop between Aldi and tesco. I used to spend around £60 a week ( 1 adult 2 kids). Todays shop came in just under £30.

Check out the mysupermarket website, and also the voucher thread on here.

My biggest tip would be to meal plan, make a list and STICK TO IT.

Check out the offers on the supermarket websites and plan a couple of meals around those.

Basics such as pasta, rice, tinned tomatoes, etc ,I find Tesco to be cheaper than Aldi

mrsthrifty_2

nikki02 wrote: »

Basics such as pasta, rice, tinned tomatoes, etc ,I find Tesco to be cheaper than Aldi

I was just reading on the Aldi/Netto/Lidl thread that prices are rising fast :eek:
maybe Mr T has had to sharpen his pencil

jimbugalee

I've just started online shopping at Tescos (because I buy my petrol there and get lots of points and vouchers).

Used to spend around £45-£50 a week just for me and my boyfriend. Now cut it down to around £35 and think I could do more.

I go straight to the half price section online and pick all the things I want from there for the week. Also good way of having new meals! Then I make it up with all the other bits I need and always click on the 'There is a cheaper alternative'

Also always get the Sainsbury's/Jamie Oliver recipie cards which usually have 'Feed your family for a fiver'.

Always have leftovers which my boyfriend takes for his lunch the next day. You may not have this with a family.

Sometimes you'll find that the Organic or 'Finest' range is cheaper than the normal if it's on offer. Mostly with fruit and veg.

Good luck!!

mark13

My tips are, Meal plan so you know what you need to buy and when Sainsbury do free delivery on orders over £100 midweek, so we buy extra of things that are on offer and that have a long shelf life ( toilet rools, washing up liquid etc ) to take our order up to £100.
Buy in bulk when you can.
Make extra and freeze , bigger quantities work out cheaper.

chewybacca

I know this sounds a bit daft but i was shopping without making a list, now i live with my other half i am forced to do this every week and i can see why i spent so much!!! :eek:

Being organised is the key!!

I saved quite a bit from using the local farm shop for veg and fresh bread....nicer as well!

Chewy