realistic weekly food budget for 6

mumofcookers

We are a family of 6, myself, husband, 8yr, 5yr, 3yr and 10 week old baby.

It seems that our shopping bill has shot up but not just with nappies and milk!! Since having the baby I do go for the easier option in cooking/processed food and that seems to be costing us more.

Would really like to cut back. Not that great at cooking from scratch but am willing to give it a go!

What do you think would be a realistic shopping budget for us?

Thanks in advance

odds-n-sods

Its hard to say, you're the only one that can decide that. YOu caould try the Grocery challenge on teh top of the board - if you don't know what you spend in a month, guess and keep all your receipts, then the next month cut down by a set amount, like 10% or £50, whatever you think you will be comfortable doing.

Making soups, casseroles, lasagnes, pastas and freezing them are great for when you need a quick dinner or dont' have time to cook. Adding lentils to spag bol sauce to bulk it out and make more portions, add more veg to your sauces will all stretch your food bill.

dlb

We are a family of 6, me dh, kids aged 4,9,10,11.
My budget is for £50-£60 a week, i join in with the grocery challange which helps me keep track of what iv spent, meal plan for the 2 weeks ahead and do cook alot of things for scratch.
I used to spend over £150 a week!!!!!! But with meal planning and alot of help from this site iv cut my bill by over half.
Good luck

miserly_mum

Would agree with previous post, about £50-60 would be about right. Until recently I managed to feed 8 of us (2 adults, 2 teens, 3 boys 10,7 and 18 months) on £90.That included all toiletries and nappies. Now older 2 girls have moved into a place of their own i've got it down to £50. Try not to be too hard on yourself about the convenience food, your baby is still very young and you must have your hands full at the moment. Try a few small changes here and there for now and gradually you'll see the difference.