Food for Thought

A new survey found that 83 percent of Britons think Brexit is going to result in a hike in the price of household goods and with the general election just round the corner, the cost of food is one of the things many people are concerned about. So here’s some food for thought…

As an age group, apparently we (young people) spend more on food than any other group. You may be in search of that great Insta food snap but by following our guide you’ll be able to make the most of your money while still enjoying some cloud eggs at brunch every now and then.

So let’s start at the beginning with your morning cereal. Why buy Kellogg’s when you can get supermarkets’ own brand? If you start the day like this then you might as well apply this rule to all meals and opt for non-branded goods.

Next, we’re going to cut out all the non-essentials so let’s imagine you’re at the supermarket¦ Rule number 1, make a list of stuff you actually need. Rule number 2, stick to it! Also think about what time of day you’re going around 4pm the discounted food starts to appear.

Now as you walk round, make sure you look below eye level that’s where things tend to be cheaper in the supermarket (the most expensive stuff is at eye level). And just as you’re leaving resist that urge to splash out on that bag of sweets on the way out remember they put things there to tempt you on the till. Focus on your wallet. Count to 100. Close your eyes. Do whatever it takes to stop yourself impulse buying.

Remember you can collect coupons on your smartphone, which many apps offering special bargains. Free smartphone apps that sift through supermarket offers and offer discounts to subscribers include Shopitize, TopCashBack and Savoo. The MySupermarket app compares the cost of items on your shopping list at the major chains. But use at your discretion – so many of us are tempted by BOGOFs, even though we know we don’t need two of them so stick with the BO and do away with the GOF unless you’re sure you want it.

Now we’re cooking – or we will be in a minute. Think of all those times you opted for a takeaway, or went to a restaurant just because you couldn’t be bothered to cook. Well those days are in the past. From now on you’re going to make yourself fantastic meals on the cheap. There are loads of websites that show you how to bargain cook from Jack Monroe to How To Eat Healthily for £1 A Day  and Mumsnet’s Eating On The Cheap.

Basic tips include cutting down on meat, buying the best tinned food (fruit, tuna and salmon), the best frozen food (corn and spinach are often actually nicer frozen), cooking in bulk (people often have a mass weekend cook at the weekend, freezing the rest of it for the rest of the week).

And remember to pack that lunch. Research conducted by vouchercloud.com suggested that we could save £1,300 a year by making our own and you could save over £600 a year by cutting out that morning coffee!