Went shopping yesterday...

Curry_Queen

Well done sureeks ... you're got your foot firmly planted on the first rung of the ladder now!

I've always been a bit of a "brand snob" when it comes to shopping too, although getting better, but there are still a few things I refuse to compromise on ... Heinz beans, tomato soup and ketchup (although we don't use much ketchup) Nescafe coffee and decent loo rolls!!! (try to get large bags on BOGOF's if poss). I find it false economy to buy cheapo loo roll as the rolls are so loosely rolled that there's less than half the amount than say on an Andrex or supermarket's luxury brand roll so you end up using far more rolls!

I did pick up on a tip about using value beans if putting them in a dish though, which makes sense as the taste is disguised, so will give that a go next time

Magentasue

MATH wrote:

I've never bought brand names of anything, ever:eek: I'm soooo glad my kidz don't know what heinz ketchup and baked beans taste like. In fact I'm not sure they know they exist:D

We didn't touch branded stuff for years, then the kids started going to friends' houses and the rot set in. It used to be a joke that when something branded came into the house, it must have been on BOGOF! Most of the time, they just accept what I buy but Heinz ketchup is an exception!

tiff

I dont buy much at all on Bogof because I find even when one of the items is free the total price is still more than an own label or value brand. Also, I've been buying value toilet rolls since Christmas, I compared the number of sheets to the Andrex I used to use and although there are less sheets on a roll even if you buy two value packets the total comes to less than one Andrex. They are very soft, not scratchy at all.

Its each to their own though, we used to be brand snobs only because that seems to be what is expected whether its clothes, food or whatever. Now I shop within our means which means I have to use cheaper makes and it actually makes me happier

jaybee

I read somewhere that Sainsbury's own Tomato Ketchup is actually better for you than Heinz!

mink35

Hmm. Have read all the above and think I'm not quite a brand snob! I only have to have Heinz beans if we having say beans on toast, the rest of the time I buy cheapo ones for cooking. Weetabix is another non-compromise item but other cereal is usually own brand stuff. As for coffee, I always buy Nescafe gold blend but as it's usually only me that drinks it and I only have 3-4 cups a week I figure I deserve it, lol!

needmoney

I used to be so brand loyal I could kick myself all the money I've wasted, I have now stopped buying Andrex as just recently I think the quality took a huge drop and I'm not the only one who's noticed. Still a sucker for some brands, although I'm now willing to try all the cheapies going but if I don't like them I'll revert.

The more I read all the themes on this site the money-wiser I get.

carl310166

With help from this forum,i have started to cut down in the last three weeks.

I have looked at my Clubcard Plus statement online,and there is almost £200 surplus this month!,which i have transfered into my savings account.

200x12= a lot of money,which is nearer £3000 that you have to earn each year before tax,just to pay for wasted groceries.

Squidgy

I use a few brands, but because I know I prefer them to value and they will get used.
Heinz ketchup and salad cream
Hartleys jam
Heinz big soup
Kelloggs cereals (but own brand wheatabix)
Nescafe original

r.mac_2

there are a couple of things which I use brands for, but I justify them the following way;

Douwe Eggberts Coffee (sp) - only a few cups a week so I can indulge
heinz tomato sauce - only use very occassionally so lasts a long time
Heinz baked beans - but only if eating alone/on toast. Value ones for anything else!

Cereals I use supermarket one brands all the time. I actually prefer them to the brands such as Kellogs.

Other branded things only creep in due to BOGOF's. And even on these I check out other prices first!

Lillibet_2

Hubby used to insist on Hellmans mayo, I used to battle him & buy the value stuff. After a blind taste test we compromised on tesco own brand reduced calorie which is still half the price of the Hellmans!
I have never really like Heinze brand stiff, I find it very salty. Tesco helathy living beans are fab in my opinion & I have their value beans for adding to casserols etc but have been known to use these on toast when I've run out of the other ones & hubby has never noticed.
About the only branded stuff I buy regularly is pet food, and then I'm not brand loyal but get which ever one has the best offer that week!