Pay Less Post-Christmas: How to Save Money on Groceries in the New Year

How’s that new year diet going? Gym busy this morning? It’s that time of year when we task ourselves with making positive changes to our daily lives, and some are much easier to stick to than others!

But post-Christmas, when our credit card bills are often at their highest and pay day doesn’t seem to come around fast enough, a more manageable resolution is to try and find ways to save money on food and other groceries. To help you get off to a comfortable start, we’ve put together a few pointers on how to save money monthly on those shopping list essentials. 

5 Tips for Saving Money on Groceries

Saving money on groceries is easier than you might think. Many of us get stuck in a routine when it comes to food shopping – we know what we like, and we know where to get it. But you don’t have to change your tastes, or even brands to save. It’s more about being prepared and methodical in your shop. Here’s how to save money on groceries the easy way.

Don’t Be Afraid to Shop Around

“I always shop there because I like the layout” or “My mum always shopped there so now I do too” are common reasons for sticking to your favourite supermarket. But how do you know it’s better if you always stick to the same place? And how do you know you are getting the best deal?

It’s always worth looking around and being more flexible. We know it feels convenient and familiar, but now is the ideal time to make a change, and it doesn’t have to be full time. Modern life is busy, but shopping around doesn’t mean you have to spend all day travelling between different discount grocery stores to get the best deal on your beans or ketchup! You can always review deals pages like ours before you set off.

Your local convenience store will regularly have special offers available, and knowing the pressure on your purse or wallet at this time of year, we’re offering a selection of half price groceries including big brand shopping list regulars including everything from Harpic bleach to Haribo sweets.

Make a Meal Plan and Stick to It

Knowing what you need to buy before you hit the aisles will help you stick to your budget and avoid making impulse or panic purchases. This is a good habit to get into this year and will save you a lot of money in the long term. Knowing what you need will also help with your online research before you choose where to buy. And on the subject of meal planning…

Avoid Serving Up Meals with a Special One-Off Ingredient

One of the best ways to save money on food is to make it go further. So, when creating your meal plan as above, consider meals with ingredients that cross over and avoid choosing recipes that require ingredients that you have never previously bought, and likely won’t need again. Try building a meal plan around a single versatile and cost-effective ingredient. For inspiration, read our 5 meals you can make with minced beef.

It’s Often Cheaper and Tastier to Make Your Own

There are many reasons to get in the kitchen – it can be relaxing after a stressful day, it can feel much more rewarding serving up something you’ve made from scratch, and you have complete control over the level of sugars or fats used. But most significantly, making your own meals or accompaniments can save you money.

Avoid buying branded pre-made items and instead, buy the ingredients and get making. Our blog is full of advice on saving through making, such as how to make your own pesto at home instead of picking up a pricey jar.

Don’t Shop When You’re Feeling Hungry

Supermarkets and discount grocery stores know how your minds work. Positioning the most desirable foods at eye line to encourage that impulse buy – after all, impulse accounts for the biggest spending. So, one of the simplest tips for saving money on groceries is to resist the urges when you’re wielding your trolley or basket. Eat beforehand and make sure you don’t feel hungry as you shop!

How to Save Money on Groceries? Visit your Local SPAR

These are just a few ways to save money on food and other groceries this year. Plan ahead, shop around and don’t forget to look out for half price groceries to start the new year with at your local convenience store.