How to reduce food bill?

8pnoodles

We owe some money. We earn a bit. Blah, blah, blah.

I've been here before years ago. Last time we paid off double the debt with only half the income so I'm not too worried.

Looking at our SOA, the things I struggle mostly with is our food bill.

What are your tips for reducing it?

Bear in mind my kids are dairy intolerant and very very picky eaters (autism) so we can't really do anything about their diet. What I need to learn to do is find the time to prepare food for my husband and I cheaply.

I don't work, my husband does and takes a packed lunch to work.

Ideas on how to meal plan, is there a cheap recipe section on here? I'm not even sure how much should count as a cheap meal? What do you spend per meal?

Unfortunately due to me not having a car and being stuck at home,
We have food delivered from Tesco. This can't really change. One of the kids stays at home with me full time as he can't handle school. And neither can cope with supermarkets.

MERFE

Check on the old style board, there are lots of posts on there about meal plans etc and they do a monthly budget challenge that is really good to sign up to. It at least will make you realise how much over what you want to spend you are going.

I used to do it and need to get back to it because I have definitely let it spiral a bit. Sometimes getting it online is better, you may miss the odd reduced item but its easier to stick to your list.

northerner999

Getting food delivered is actually a good way to prevent over spending if you are organised, so don't worry about that.

Meal plan. Meal plan. Meal plan.

Plan to cook meals that can be frozen and reheated - bolognese is a classic one, one big batch could feed your family for a meal plus provide a dozen portions in the freezer. Ideal for when you don't have time to prepare something fresh.

Every so often I skip my "big shop" and just use what I have left in the cupboards. As a starting point I'd suggest working out what you have in and trying to use up anything that has lagged, or at least thinking what else you need to add to those items to make a meal. When I do that I sometimes have some strange-looking meals, but skipping a big shop for me is £40-50 saved out of my budget. If using what you have in can knock even £10-15 off your food order one week it is a contribution.

Stock up on non-perishable things when on offer. You will know what price certain items normally are and what constitutes a "deal". I refuse to buy Pringles unless they are a quid a packet (I know others will point o cheaper brands, but I like them...) which you can guarantee they will always be at some point in any couple of months. Snap them up then. Even better if cleaning products ec or something which can be frozen. I once had toilet rolls floor to ceiling for the entire length of a room - didn't need to buy any more for a good 18 months!

What counts as a cheap meal? Anything that costs less than what you are spending now! I never worry about how much a meal costs, unless I am eating out, just how much it all adds up to and ensuring that comes in under budget. By planning, trying cheaper brands (realise that may be difficult with a child who has autism), making things last that little bit longer, you may be able to make small reductions to your regular order which add up.

Sounds like you are well aware of how to get out of debt, and know what I am about to say, but it is just as important to address whatever underlying issue means you have rebuilt a debt to ensure that, this time, you don't go back into a cycle.

mummyroysof3

Totally understanding where you are at with this. I have 3 children, one has fragile X but they are all fussy as is my husband. I hate shopping so have a tesco delivery once a week and am determined to cut down spending but I'm struggling atm. What sort of meals do you make now?

sourcrates

8pnoodles wrote: »

Bear in mind my kids are dairy intolerant and very very picky eaters (autism) so we can't really do anything about their diet. What I need to learn to do is find the time to prepare food for my husband and I cheaply.

We have food delivered from Tesco. This can't really change. One of the kids stays at home with me full time as he can't handle school. And neither can cope with supermarkets.

My son is autistic, texture of food is everything to him.


He just wont eat anything that he doesn't like the feel of.


He also has a "meltdown" in public places, where there are a lot of people, so I can fully understand where you are coming from.

thegreenone

I always meal plan but have decided for January, I'm going to split my shopping. One transaction will be basic food for the plan and a second for what I consider treats, eg wine and see how much we spend on nice-but-could-do-without stuff. Then work out exactly what we can do without! Good luck.

datlex

You have not said what you currently eat other than the kids are dairy intolerant. Which makes it hard to make suggestions.

Have you tried the brand shift challenge? That could save you money. If you don't like the next cheapest brand try others until you find the cheapest one you like.

Can you get your little ones involved in choosing food. I realise this is difficult with them having autism? Do they mind what container food comes in/ out of? Are they concerned about the shape of things like pasta/ vegetables? (assuming they eat these)

You say hubby takes a packed lunch to work, what goes in it? Does he have access to a microwave at work? Have you tried food flask to take hot food or home made soup.

Tyrone_Black

Slow cooker. I do four portions for my week and just alternate with other stuff so I don't get too bored.

clippy_girl

Second one for the slow cooker! It is great as you can get cheaper cuts of meat as they are still lovely and tender. And you can just chuck everything in, stir it a few times and its ready! If you have a big freezer it's reasonably easy to eat cheap. I buy all my veg frozen as it's generally cheaper and means they don't go to waste. As it's only me I cook in batches in freeze portions. I eat meat nearly every day but rarely spend more than £1 per portion on meals. I mainly have curries, casserole and chilli. Have a different thing each day so freeze leftovers rather than eating the same thing for a few days

Candy0107

I tend to batch cook and bulk out meals with veggies and/or lentils.

Candy

another_casualty

I have some strange opinions when it comes to food. It probably won't make much sense in this thread. I'm single , always worked hard( less than 6 months unemployed since '79).
Unfortunately, I am probably the weirdest person anyone on here would ever know . I am allergic to all veg except potatoes and peas. Put a salad near me, and I will throw up. I am a nightmare.
My food bill is high as a result.

My opinion is : 'why am I working if I cannot have the food I like? '
Everything goes up, and gets reduced in size.

Has the o p got a chest freezer( or room for one)?This may help.
( buying in bulk etc).

I have started cutting back in other ways , through necessity.
( I've cut crisps/ lucozade right out,bread rolls & reduced portion size ).

Not sure if I've helped or not here, but while you may be able to cut down a bit on food , I wouldn't cut too much.
Best of luck to all