March 2025 Grocery Challenge

JingsMyBucket

Morning folks. Since I last posted 9 days ago, we’ve spent an additional £66.30. Some mistakes were made along the way but feh, that’s done now. 

£269.26 / £350 spent. £80.74 total remaining. 

With only £80 left in the budget I’ll try to keep our purchases to a minimum for just basics the next couple days. We’re planning to have a friend over for Sunday lunch on March 30th so I want to leave a bit of room for that meal/something potentially special. 

QUESTION: We have about a 500g lump of smoked gammon left in the fridge. In order to freeze it, should I slice it up or freeze it whole? Or maybe 50/50? Slice half of it and leave the rest whole? 

JingsMyBucket

@elsiepac just a heads up that the end of the month is approaching and some folks may want the April thread pretty soon.

carboot_karaoke

JingsMyBucket said:

QUESTION: We have about a 500g lump of smoked gammon left in the fridge. In order to freeze it, should I slice it up or freeze it whole? Or maybe 50/50? Slice half of it and leave the rest whole? 

@JingsMyBucket The answer will be dependant upon the "end use" of the meat.

Assuming that its already cooked l would personally slice and wrap individual portions to use for sandwiches etc so you can defrost the correct amount as needed. But if your intention is a cooked dinner for instance, then keep it whole to retain the moisture.

Soontobeoap

So went to Sainsburys today . I was shocked when total came up at  £104.00. I had bought a couple of nectar reduced gammon joints and lactose free cheese as well as some other bargains so had expected a lot less. Anyway DH had put in a pair of trousers so when the price of those was removed along with a years worth of nectar points the total was £30.50. still not as low as I would like but much better. DH had to find his own lunch today and I came home to him moaning about lack of food in the fridge so thought that I had better do something about it! 🤣

LotsOfTea

Another £9.25 to add to the total as I went to buy some biscuits for the workmen who are coming tomorrow and while I was there picked up oil, cereal, olives & sun-dried tomatoes. Still doing ok though and will have enough to top up the fresh bits next week if needed 

£143.52/£200

t14cy_t

did an olio collection last night. no takers so have 9 packs of leeks, a swede, a protein loaf, olives and a yogurt to get creative with!!

WickedLady4

t14cy_t said:

did an olio collection last night. no takers so have 9 packs of leeks, a swede, a protein loaf, olives and a yogurt to get creative with!!

I slice and freeze my leeks then put them in a bag in the freezer. So easy to grab a handful for a casserole when needed.

Soontobeoap

Found out the weakness in my grocery planning. Just stopped DH heading off to Aldi for sandwich fillings by offering to boil eggs! Another win
🤣

remmie

Haven't reckoned up after another shop but I'm guessing I've got about £13 left in my budget. Will sort out the receipt and report back.

carboot_karaoke

Afternoon Everyone, 

I went shopping last night,  a bit tired and weary so it's little wonder l overspent total was £74.46 between Tesco and Aldi. Of that amount, £19.88 was spent on fruit and veg,  £22.04 on meat, eggs and dairy and another £8.30 on snacks. 

The main reason for the overspend is that we're going away for a night so I've brought snacks, drinks and a continental breakfast to go with us @ £8.71. We're also having friends over for dinner ingredients came to about £15 for that. 

New totals £405.56 /£500 it's going to be tight this month.