Eat well and save on your food shop

Even as food prices soar and our shopping trolley seems to cost more week by week, there are some simple ways that you can choose to eat well and save at the till.

Here are some of my favourite ways to save on your weekly shop:

Buy frozen

Steer your trolley down the frozen food aisle, taking care to skip past the frozen pizzas and junk food, and you will find plenty of ways to save on your shop, add variety to your diet and improve your nutrition whether you are cooking for one or feeding a family.

Start with the frozen vegetable section. There you will find plenty to save money and effort in your cooking. From steamed and roasted vegetables to choices that help to add variety to your diet. Look out for the bags of frozen sweet potato and butternut squash, they make a great base for soup.

While you are there, pop some frozen berries into your trolley. Really nutritious and much better value than fresh at this time of year. If you like making smoothies, then frozen avocado will work too. Use what you need without any food waste. Much more economical.

Bulk out with pulses

I am a big fan of beans and lentils in cooking. They are a great way to add extra fibre and plant protein to meals. Keep your store cupboard stocked with a few essentials like chickpeas to add to curries and lentils for soups. Adding pulses to your stews, curries, or favourite chilli makes your meat go further so you can eek an extra portion or two out of your usual recipe. Try cooking up some puy lentils and adding to your regular Bolognese recipe.

Make a list

You know what they say about shopping when you are hungry? The same goes for shopping without a list, you’ll come home with lots of unnecessary buys. Use the notes page in your phone and add to it as you run out of stuff that you use regularly.

Get into the habit of planning meals and working out what you’ve got and what you need. I suggest planning just 3 or 4 days ahead, rather than for a whole week, so that you have a bit of leeway with it, but do whatever works best for your household. 

Tinned fish

Tinned fish like sardines and mackerel are a great source of protein and essential omega 3 fats. Handy for lunches, especially if you are hybrid working on wholegrain toast with a side of salad. Perfect for adding into pasta dishes or making fishcakes for an easy dinner. Quick, easy, tasty and economical.

Get with the seasons

Look for seasonal alternatives to your usual purchases. Make salads with kale, apple and red onion rather than unseasonal lettuce and tomatoes. Look out for fresh or cooked beetroot, raw carrots, celeriac (lovely grated in a salad with some carrot, sliced orange, hazelnuts and olive oil).

Choosing seasonal food tends to be cheaper and better for you too.

Cook in bulk

Cook once, eat twice - with an extra portion for the freezer if there’s any spare. Bulking out your favourite one -pot wonders with extra vegetables and pulses saves time, energy and money.

Use cheaper cuts of meat

Use cheaper cuts of meat like braising steak, brisket, chicken thighs or legs. Great for slow cooked dishes.

Meat tends to be the most expensive items in our basket, so alternate your protein choices with eggs or veg options.

Better breakfasts

Porridge or eggs are not only super healthy, but they are really cheap breakfast options too. As we move into spring, change it up to overnight oats, or make your own granola to have with yoghurt and fruit.