Cheapest way to buy....

veggieface

Hi,

I'm a single person who is spending way too much on food.

I've just been looking at some menu plans by other people and am struck by how they actually eat more than I do yet do it on a much smaller budget. Looking at the breakdown of costs I can see why as they do pay a lot less for most things than I go eg a loaf of bread 25 p whereas mine cost about 80p.

Where do I shop to get these low prices? Where are the cheapest places to source fruit and veg?

What is the cheapest way to buy staples eg rice pasta AND bread in bulk??

I really need to get a handle on my grocery bill as it is way out of control so any help much appreciated!!!:beer:

~Beanie~

Ive found that if I go to one of the major supermarkets at about 7:30pm on Saturday night, they sell of their bread that is due to go out of date for about 10p. I stick it in my freezer and just take 2 slices out as and when I need them.

As for rice and pasta, go to Aldi or Lidl and buy a massive bag of their cheapest stuff, it all tastes pretty much the same. Just like Tesco Value or Asda Smart Price, dead cheap for a massive bag and not really any different from the full priced stuff.

Also I must admit that I've recently got a lodger (helping me become debt free) and whereas before I used to buy ready-grated cheese and pre-sliced cabbage etc, she makes me buy half a proper cabbage and a block of value cheese. I really do feel like I'm getting loads more food for my money (and eating healthier as well...).

Cruiksl

I started shopping at Lidl's on Friday and saved £20 off my shopping. I certainly don't feel that I've bought any less superior stuff by doing this. I might try the local market on Thursday for my fruit and veg and see if this saves any more.

Pink.

Hi veggieface,

A good place to start and get some tips on cutting back on grocery shopping is Martin's article:

Supermarket Shopping, Halve your weekly bill by beating the system.

Pink

queenb1981

I buy a huge bag of pasta from asda and it cost £1

veggieface

thanks so much for your replies so far guys!!my future is looking richer already!!!!!:j

Olliebeak

Welcome to the board veggieface. Shopping for one can be a bit of a bind (did it myself for a while after leaving my ex-OH years ago).

It makes good sense, if the budget allows you to, to buy the large bags of dried stuff (pasta, rice etc) and budget to replace them maybe every month or 6 weeks on a rotation system - you'll soon find out how long each of these lasts you.

Use a set of kitchen scales (don't have to be expensive ones - mine were £1.50 from Asda) and weigh out your portions - don't just guess at them or you'll end up throwing loads away and that just ain't moneysaving or OS!

If you don't mind the taste, get the long-life skimmed milk from the supermarkets - it usually works out the cheapest - and keep some dried milk in as well for when you run out - better than nipping to the nearest corner shop for an expensive pinta (and a mars bar if you're anything like me!).

Have a go at Martin's 'down-shift challenge' - it really can make a great difference.

Do you have a freezer? It would make sense to cook enough of each meal to do one for now and another for next week.

When you buy bread, split the loaf into sealable freezer bags - maybe 4 slices to a bag. Then just take out one bag at a time - remember frozen bread can go directly into the toaster.

And keep your eyes open for reduced price stickers in the supermarkets - but make sure that you can either use them that day OR that they are freezable - some things just don't freeze well, which is a darn shame!

doom

Just up the road from me there is a frozen food wholesalers trade place. Anyone can go there and I can fill my freezer for a fraction of the cost it would be in a big supermarket. It's all quality stuff as well. There are loads of these places about, but many people don't know about it...

angchris

doom wrote: »

Just up the road from me there is a frozen food wholesalers trade place. Anyone can go there and I can fill my freezer for a fraction of the cost it would be in a big supermarket. It's all quality stuff as well. There are loads of these places about, but many people don't know about it...

i have just googled and theres a wholesale place near me! :j i`ll be checking that out in the very near future...thank youuuuuu...angchris xx