Are you trying to trim the cost of your food shop each week? Food prices are high and it’s easy to feel like the cost of your ingredients goes up every time you shop. To save money, make sure you’re not falling for supermarket traps that push up the price of your haul. Shopping savvily and keeping an eye out for hidden bargains can quickly ensure you pay less for the same shop. Even small savings can quickly add up on items you buy every week. Here’s eight supermarket tricks to be aware of – and how to avoid them so that you can save money.
1. Missing out if you’re not a member
Don’t pay higher prices for everyday items just because you’re not a member of a supermarket loyalty scheme. All of the major supermarkets have loyalty schemes that claim to offer lower prices simply by joining (although these are sometimes contested!), from Sainsbury’s Nectar to Tesco Clubcard. Make the most of these and supermarket apps that can save money and give you rewards, too – from free fruit at Lidl to money added to a cashpot on the Asda app.
2. Hidden own-brand items
Make sure you have a good look around when you do your next supermarket shop. Supermarkets tend to stock mid-price and premium brands directly in front of you at eye level in order to catch your attention, with budget and own-brand items hidden further down at the bottom of the shelves. Small savings from ‘downshifting’ (moving from branded to budget ranges) can quickly add up, especially on items you buy regularly. For example, the cost of a 400g tin of tomatoes in Sainsbury’s can vary from 39p for Stamford Street Co. (Sainsbury’s budget range) to £1.50 for Mutti.
3. Bargains in unexpected aisles
If you’re always going to the same spots in the supermarket to buy your favourite ingredients, you could be missing out on bargains. Visit the world food aisles of larger supermarkets, where you’ll often find cheaper versions of key staples, such as rice, tinned tomatoes, coconut milk, noodles or spices. Explore thoroughly to find the best deals.
4. Keep an eye on packaging sizes
Size can sometimes be deceiving, especially compared to prices. Compare prices per 100ml or 100g – price labels usually have this information and this can show you what’s truly the best value. This can be particularly helpful when branded items are on sale, as you can establish whether you’re actually getting a good deal.
5. Multi-buy deals make you spend more
Some deals are worth it; others are not. Knowing the difference can save you money. Is ‘buy one get one half price’ truly a bargain if you can’t eat it all in time? Supermarkets use deals to get you through the door, but these can encourage you to buy more than you need and can lead to food waste. The best-value offers are on long-shelf life items or products that you know you’re going to need to buy again. For example, multi-buy deals on toothpaste are a good way to save money as it will last and is a guaranteed repeat purchase, whereas buying two large punnets of strawberries that may go off before you can eat them all means you’ll spend more and waste your money.
6. Convenience stores have higher prices than bigger stores
If you’ve got the time and flexibility, you can save money by shopping at larger stores rather than convenience small branches such as Locals or Express stores. In 2024, a study by Which? found that the cost of a food shop in a convenience store can be 20% more expensive than in larger supermarkets. The biggest price differences included a tin of Morrisons own-label chickpeas costing 104% more in a convenience store and Mr Kipling Bakewell slices costing 54% more in a Tesco convenience store, compared to larger branches. Try planning ahead so you can stick to one weekly shop in a larger supermarket rather than daily top-ups in small stores where price increases can quickly add up.
7. End-of-aisle temptations
Supermarkets use the end of aisles to promote ‘special offers’ (not necessarily deals). Often these are branded, more expensive items and positioned at the end of the aisle to encourage impulse buying. Make sure you shop with a list so you don’t get lured in by these treats, or racks of treats positioned next to the tills. Don’t shop when you’re hungry, either!
8. Clever layouts
Stores are cleverly designed to keep you inside longer and maximise your spend. Treats and impulse buys are stocked near the front of store, meaning it is easy to add extra items to your basket that you may not need. In contrast, essential items such as milk and bread are placed at the back of the store, keeping you in store longer and forcing you to pass tempting displays of other products on your way. Go shopping with a list so you have a clear plan of what you’re looking to buy.
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