Key Takeaways: Top 7 Tips to Save on Groceries in the UK
- Plan meals and write a shopping list to avoid waste and impulse buying.
- Use loyalty cards (e.g., Tesco Clubcard, Sainsbury’s Nectar) to unlock exclusive discounts.
- Shop at Aldi or Lidl for the consistently lowest prices.
- Hunt for yellow sticker deals after 6–7pm at major supermarkets.
- Buy own-brand products, which often match the quality of branded goods for less.
- Use cashback and food waste apps like Too Good To Go, Quidco, and GreenJinn.
- Compare unit prices, not just shelf labels — price per 100g/ml is key.
Introduction
The cost of living crisis is no longer just a headline — it’s hitting real UK households hard. From single professionals to large families and university students, the weekly supermarket shop can feel like a financial minefield.
But the good news? You don’t need to sacrifice quality or flavour to cut your bill.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know to slash your grocery costs across all major UK supermarkets. From loyalty card secrets to app-powered savings, these UK-specific strategies will help you shop smarter, spend less, and waste nothing.
What is the best way to save money on groceries in the UK?
Combine meal planning, loyalty points, yellow sticker deals, cashback apps, and own-brand shopping to cut costs without cutting quality.
Understand the UK Supermarket Landscape
The Big Players: Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons
Each supermarket brings something different to the table:
- Tesco: Known for Clubcard Prices and strong partner rewards (e.g., Railcards, Pizza Express).
- Sainsbury’s: Nectar points and tailored app offers, plus links with Argos and eBay.
- Asda: Competitive pricing and good value packs.
- Morrisons: Great fresh produce and My Morrisons loyalty app with surprise discounts.
The Discount Giants: Aldi & Lidl
For everyday value, Aldi and Lidl dominate.
Which supermarket is cheapest in the UK?
Aldi is usually the cheapest overall, followed closely by Lidl, according to Which? and other comparisons.
They offer consistent savings without needing loyalty schemes — ideal for budget-conscious shoppers.
Online Supermarkets & Delivery Services
- Ocado: High quality, often pricier but great for deals on Waitrose products.
- Tesco/Sainsbury’s/Asda online: Budget delivery passes can save frequent shoppers money.
Master Your Shopping Strategy Before You Go
1. Meal Planning & Lists
How can I plan meals to save money on groceries?
- Check your fridge/freezer first
- Build meals around what you already have
- Use weekly offers to choose cheaper ingredients
- Stick to a strict shopping list
2. Budgeting for Groceries
What is a realistic grocery budget for a UK family?
- Average family (4 people): £70–£100/week
- Individual: £25–£40/week
- Use budgeting apps like Money Dashboard or Emma to track your spending
3. Don’t Shop Hungry
You’re far more likely to make impulse buys if you’re hungry — grab a snack first!
Maximise Savings In-Store
1. Loyalty Card Hacks
How to get more out of Tesco Clubcard?
- Always scan your card for Clubcard Prices
- Redeem points with Rewards Partners (e.g., 3x value at restaurants or subscriptions)
- Use the Tesco Grocery & Clubcard app to monitor offers
Sainsbury’s Nectar Tips:
- Activate tailored offers in the app
- Use points at Argos, eBay, and for travel
- Link Nectar to Avios for air miles
2. Yellow Sticker Deals
When is the best time to find yellow sticker deals in UK supermarkets?
- Tesco/Sainsbury’s: after 7pm
- Asda: from 7pm
- Morrisons: 6:30–7:30pm
These reductions can slash prices by 50–75%.
3. Shop Own-Brand Products
Supermarket own-label items can save up to 70%, often with no noticeable drop in quality.
Tip: Try a “blind taste test” — you’ll be surprised.
4. Look Beyond Eye Level
Cheaper products are often stocked on the top and bottom shelves. Eye-level = higher prices.
5. Bulk Buying (Wisely)
- Stock up on non-perishables like pasta, rice, loo roll
- Skip perishables unless you can freeze or store them
- Check for warehouse clubs (e.g., Costco) if you have a big household
6. Compare Unit Prices
Always check the price per 100g/ml. Bigger isn’t always cheaper.
7. Use the Self-Checkout
Less temptation from sweets and tabloids at the tills = fewer impulse buys.
Leverage Technology & Online Resources
1. Price Comparison Tools
- Trolley.co.uk – live comparisons across big UK supermarkets
- LatestDeals.co.uk – crowdsourced discounts
2. Cashback Apps
- Quidco and TopCashback – online supermarket cashback
- CheckoutSmart and GreenJinn – cashback on specific items, scan your receipt
3. Voucher Sites
- VoucherCodes, HotUKDeals, MyVoucherCodes – find printable/store-specific coupons
4. Food Waste Apps
How to get cheap food from restaurants and supermarkets in the UK?
- Too Good To Go – buy unsold food at massive discounts
- Olio – neighbours and stores giving away surplus food for free
Smart Habits Beyond the Aisle
1. Reduce Food Waste at Home
- Learn proper storage (e.g., onions cool/dry, bananas separate)
- Use leftovers creatively — soups, stir-fries, pasta
- Understand: “Best before” = quality, “Use by” = safety
2. Cook from Scratch
- Home-cooked meals cost significantly less
- Batch cooking = less waste + quicker meals later
- Try cooking staples in bulk: chilli, soup, stew
3. Buy Seasonal Produce
Seasonal food is fresher, tastier, and cheaper.
Examples:
- Spring: asparagus, spinach, rhubarb
- Autumn: squash, apples, leeks
4. Grow Your Own (Even Indoors)
Try windowsill herbs like basil or mint — huge savings over time.
5. Use Frozen & Canned Foods
They’re affordable, have long shelf lives, and retain nutrients.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Shopping too often — more trips = more temptation
- Buying bulk perishables that go to waste
- Trusting “offers” without checking unit price
- Ignoring loyalty schemes
- Shopping only at corner shops or convenience stores
Conclusion
Cutting your grocery bill in the UK isn’t about sacrifice — it’s about strategy. By combining a handful of smart habits, digital tools, and supermarket know-how, you can reduce your weekly spending without giving up quality meals.
Start with one or two new tactics this week and build from there. You might be surprised at how much you can save by next month.
Have a favourite tip? Share it in the comments — your idea could help another family save £££.
