How To Eat Well For Less

Step 1: Shop locally

You may think that going to supermarkets and chain stores are the cheapest way to shop, but try visiting your local market stall, as lower overheads should mean lower prices. Using local stores and markets will also support your local community.

Step 2: Make a list

If you do shop at a supermarket, make a list and stick to it. Plan a few meals and only buy what you need. It's easy to buy extra items as the layout is designed to encourage you to spend as much as possible. Always go for own brand goods for the best value.

Step 3: Avoid the '3 for 2' trick

If a store is encouraging you to buy 3 items for the price of 2, this is merely to get you to buy an extra item you wouldn't otherwise buy. Stop and think whether you actually need 2 of the same item, let alone 3. Buy-one-get-one-free deals are better value but only if you need at least one of the item anyway.

Step 4: Avoid ready meals

Don't buy convenience food. It's not only high in salt, sugar and fat, but it's also expensive. You can make tastier, more nutritious versions of the same meals for a fraction of the price by buying the ingredients from your local market and even borrowing cookery books from your local library. Make your own sandwiches rather than buying them pre-packed. If you spend just 2 pounds a day on sandwiches at work, it will cost you 500 pounds a year. And foregoing a daily frothy coffee will save you nearly £2,000 over five years

Step 5: Batch cook

To save money on ingredients as well as the energy needed to cook your food, don't cook individual portions. Cook large amounts and freeze the extra. To save energy and therefore money, put lids on saucepans when cooking and re-heat food with a microwave rather than a hob.