Can you live of basic/value/smartprice food for a month?

Burlesque_Babe

The Value grated cheese is fine, absolutely nothing wrong with it at all. It's quite a mild one but I've used it as well as the Value mozzarella.

The only thing that sets value mine apart from the next grade up is the fat content. I think (I'm sure someone will correct me) that value is 20% fat. I seem to remember the other grades being 16%, 12% and 6%.

Aah yes, the 6p Asda Smartprice Curry Sauce. It's ok. It's back up to full price now (29p I think) but I checked the label before buying and it is just a mixture of spices, water, garlic, tomatoes etc. No nasties in it. I tarted it up with some extra fresh chilli and a bit of coconut milk but it would have been fine on its own. It kind of tastes a bit like chinese curry sauce, quite mild. I'd buy it again.

corsagirl_2

If any of you are biscuit lovers Tesco value custard creams are the best out there, nobody else, value, normal or brand comes close!

I have no problem with own brand/value, or buying the reduced stuff as at its sell buy date - anything that can be frozen goes on the trolley. When we had a Safeway near buy sometimes my mum would have nothing but reduced items, I used to get embarrassed, then, but not now I do my own shopping!

santashelper_2

lindsaygalaxy wrote: »

Hi All

Im thinking of October being a basic month, in time to save some extra money for Christmas.

I already have the odd value items, but what inspired me is in Sainsburys, they have some booklets for students, on filling your cupboard with basic food, and eating for basic food. So im thinking of giving it a go for a month see how much I can save.

What do other people think?:beer:

or you could go to somewhere like morrisons who seem to do a lot of buy 1 get 1 free and save the second item for xmas or take a friend with you and buy a lot of buy 1 get 1 free on alternate weeks you could both get your free items for nothing this is if you want to save some of your money on food shopping at xmas time

jo1972

corsagirl wrote: »

If any of you are biscuit lovers Tesco value custard creams are the best out there, nobody else, value, normal or brand comes close!

That is definately second'ed by me! They are the best biscuits ever. Plus Tesco chocolate digestives are lovely too, not too sweet.

Jacks_xxx

rog2 wrote: »

Hi Jacks - There REALLY isn't much wrong with 'Value Mince' or most other value meats, come to that. It's TRUE that there will probably be a higher fat content (one could argue that SOME fat is needed when cooking any meat, in order to give it succulence) but most of this excess fat can be drained away, once you have browned the mince and before you add your sauces.

Jacks - enjoy your 'Chilli' - we had 'value mince chilli' on Saturday, and there's a bowlfull in the freezer - might just have it tonight - you've made me feel hungry.

:T Thanks Rog, having worked in the hospitality industry for most of my working life I am only too aware that many people sail close to the wind on food hygiene matters - but as for the bleached chicken and anti-freeze in wine... surely there's a special circle of hell for those people. :mad: (Ooh I've got a nasty chemical-ly taste in my mouth now just thinking about it. Bleaugh!)

I love my Value mince chilli! It always goes down a storm with my lot even though it's always subtly different (I'm not at all precise with the Chilli powder and Paprika, and what's in it depends on what veg needs using up apart from the basics, and which kinds of beans I have. )
I serve it with brown rice for extra fibre :eek: and I used to try and freeze some, but Hubby always takes some to work for lunch the next day, (and the day after if there's any left!) I've just had some on a jacket spud for my lunch and my kids will cheerfully have it for tea two nights in a row - although sometimes I serve it with fajitas on the second night just to make a change.

Value Mince Chilli Rules! :rotfl:

Love Jacks xxx

Jacks_xxx

corsagirl wrote: »

If any of you are biscuit lovers Tesco value custard creams are the best out there, nobody else, value, normal or brand comes close!

I have no problem with own brand/value, or buying the reduced stuff as at its sell buy date - anything that can be frozen goes on the trolley. When we had a Safeway near buy sometimes my mum would have nothing but reduced items, I used to get embarrassed, then, but not now I do my own shopping!

Hubby swears by Tesco value custard creams too - and they only cost pennies so he always has at least one little treat in the trolley.

Love Jacks xxx

rog2

Jacks_xxx wrote: »

Value Mince Chilli Rules!

Absolutely, Jacks. :T :T Makes a mean 'Spag Bol' as well. :rotfl: :rotfl:

Jacks_xxx

jo1972 wrote: »

Thanks for this info Rog, my lot refuse to eat value mince, so this evening I am going shopping alone and will buy a big pack of value mince and do a chilli (thanks for making me 'need' chilli now Jacks ) with value tomatoes and kidney beans and I'm going to see if they notice, I shall report back tomorrow

Anyone have any idea what the value grated cheese is like (I realise it's cheaper to buy ready grated but I don't have a grater and will wait till I can get one in the pound shop )

Do it Jo - and see if they can tell the difference!

On the subject of cheese graters, I just bought one in Wilcos for £2.99 that is definitely earning its keep already.

No more chunky door stops of cheese in sarnies for us! :eek:

Love Jacks xxx

Jacks_xxx

rog2 wrote: »

Absolutely, Jacks. :T :T Makes a mean 'Spag Bol' as well. :rotfl: :rotfl:

That's what we're having tomorrow night! :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

I'm not cooking tonight, as it's just me and my daughter cos the boys are at footie training.

DD and I have got a fast food mystery shop to do, and the boys will polish off the chilli in pitta bread when they get home starving after running round for a couple of hours.

Cheers Rog, :T

Love Jacks xxx

painted_lady

Pleased I could help Jo, hope you get some freebie nappies (if not the nappy pads are around £7.50 new on ebay for 6,type in cotton bottoms nappy pads/ covers).
It was me who mentionned the 6p curry sauce, shame its back at full price, will mix a bit of veg with some tonight and report back (I'm veggie but partner isnt, he can have it with chicken), will let you know how we get on.