February 2026 Grocery Challenge

Working_Mum

Hello everyone,

Thanks for setting up the February thread Jings, it is appreciated.

I have gone back through my freezer and stores and I have decided to stick with a lower budget ging inot February. I have enough frozen chicken to make a few substantial meals but am lacking any frozen fruit or veg (after using it all up in January!!).

February 2026 budget £200 and £60 for household items including pet food.

I definitely learned a bit more about myself and my relationship with food during January - so will be happily taking these learnings into February!

I don't post often but read along most days and I'm really grateful for everyone sharing their stories and totals etc - it certainly helps to keep me focussed.

Good luck everyone!

((WM))

TravelCrystal

Just done both an Ocado and Grape Tree order. Ocado coming tomorrow and grape will be next week.

Will need to split down when they both arrive as some things not on G.C budget. So will cost properly when they arrive.

I try to eat as much food as possible that is not UPF, that set of programs really makes you think.

T.C

LotsOfTea

I'm going for £300 for the month again please.

I'm hoping to do a bit better than last month and keep within budget by using up stores. I've got so much stuff stashed away in the cupboards and freezer that could be saving me money! I'm particularly keen to keep on top of it as DH has been told he's being made redundant and although he's started looking for something else straight away there could end up with a gap between jobs and potentially less salary in a new job too. We have got savings but it'd be nice not to have to use them up.

On the subject of UPFs I also read Ultra Processed People and for weeks afterwards went a bit mad looking at labels on everything. I've come to the conclusion that reducing UPFs is better for me than completely cutting them out. I want the convenience of bouillon powder rather than making my own stock and I like an ice lolly on a hot day for example. I am quite happy to make my own bread but I can't be bothered to make crumpets so I'm buying those. I'll pick non-UPF versions of things where possible and where they're not either stupidly more expensive or don't take to long to make myself. A happy medium.

goldfinches

@carboot_karaoke you mentioned Tesco having run out of a couple of things so I thought I'd tell you about having the Tesco app on your phone. You can set it for a particular branch and then check whether items are in stock there which I find helpful.

RedLipstick

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81860446#Comment_81860446

Thank you for sharing your experience, I really appreciate! Now I'm even more curious about the book! I can't imagine making my own stuff, I love bagels, how do I even make them 😆 Definitely enjoy the convenience as well. All the best xx

PipneyJane

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81851262#Comment_81851262

@JingsMyBucket, we had £9 left from January.

Please amend my February budget to £189.

Many thanks,

Pip

JingsMyBucket

Budgets updated to here.

I've just put in a Tesco order for about £74 including £4 delivery fee. It'll arrive on Saturday morning but I'm going to count it towards February. Most of it is for the freezer / restocking meat and easy food supplies.

Suffolk_lass

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81860851#Comment_81860851

I caught the most recent Jamie O food for a fiver this week and he showed making bagels - it looked really straightforward - worth a catch-up if you would like to try with a simple dough (basically in a pan of boiling water for a minute, flip, another minute, remove, dip in any toppings like poppy seeds and bake).

I have tried the app you suggested @RedLipstick and thought I would try a few larder labels. I was surprised that custard and the pre-mixed curry pack of spices that includes a little ready made pack came out as good. Like @LotsOfTea, I haven't eradicated all UPF - eg a dash of UP Worcester' sauce stays! Along with an occasional spoon of pickle or dollop of mayonnaise.

carboot_karaoke

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81860597#Comment_81860597

Thank you @goldfinches that is very helpful 😊

Nelliegrace

Which supermarket will be the first to bring out an UPF Free range? Preferably at a reasonable price.