We’re all feeling the impacts of the cost-of-living crisis. Amongst the bills that are going up are our food bills. As a result, many of us will be wondering how we can make savings or whether we need to be changing where we shop. To help you decide where you should do your food shopping, here’s how to find the best value groceries.
Why is Food Getting More Expensive?
Several factors are coming together to drive up food prices in the UK, which are, naturally, making that food bill higher every week. Energy costs, the war in Ukraine, and fallout from Covid-19 lockdowns are just some of the causes. Currently, the UK is experiencing a steep increase in inflation, leading to higher prices all around.
International trade has also been impacted, with shortages in other countries and trade barriers from Brexit being highlighted as further cause for increasing food prices. Amongst the food types most affected are wheat-based products, such as bread and pasta, and meat and dairy products. The latter are also reliant on wheat-based animal feed.
Cutting Back
We all want to save on our groceries where we can. Even at the best of times, it pays to grab a bargain when possible. During the current cost-of-living crisis, it’s important to make the most of these bargains.
We are sure you have already taken some steps to cut back. Amongst the most obvious steps is to choose the value items at your local supermarket instead of buying from the named brands. However, we recognise that many households are already living on value brands, and that these prices are also increasing.
Another step you can take to cut back is to plan your meals. Many households go to the supermarket and buy what looks good. However, planning before your shopping trip can help you avoid unnecessary or needlessly expensive purchases. Moreover, you can avoid waste as you won’t be buying anything that isn’t needed.
You can also opt to buy larger packs of certain products. This may be a slightly larger initial investment, but it can save you buying more of a product during your next shop. However, be sure to check you are, indeed, getting better value. Most shops will now show you the price per, for example, 100g. If the bigger packs are the same price per 100g as something smaller, they may not be worth buying.
Of course, if you are struggling with your weekly food bills at your current supermarket of choice, your best option for cutting back may be to shop elsewhere.
Most Expensive Supermarket
Before looking at the best options for your weekly shop, it’s worth highlighting the most expensive of the UK’s supermarkets. Using figures provided by Which? we can see that Waitrose consistently ranks as the most expensive supermarket. In their comparison tests, Which? purchased 49 products from the UK’s leading providers. When buying the same products at every shop, Waitrose came in with a bill of £102.20. It was the only shop to exceed £100, though Ocado was a close second.
Therefore, if you are shopping with Waitrose or Ocado and need to reduce your food bill, you will likely find better value groceries elsewhere.
Best Value Groceries: Where’s Cheapest?
Well-known as the nation’s main discount supermarket, Aldi and Lidl consistently rank as the most affordable supermarkets. Whilst it important to note that some products are less expensive elsewhere, the overall savings are amongst the best you will find.
Some shoppers are unwilling to shop at the discount stores like Aldi and Lidl. The next best value after these is ASDA, though the average bill is almost £10 higher.
However, it is worth mentioning that these comparisons only look at certain products. Whilst good for guidance, depending on what you need to buy and what offers are on at your local supermarkets, results may vary. For example, although ASDA rank as the third cheapest option, they are only within £3 cheaper than Sainsbury’s and Tesco. Depending on the goods you buy, these differences could switch around.
Grocery Delivery
If the cheaper options are a little outside your range of travel, or if busy supermarkets just aren’t for you, you could get your groceries delivered instead. Most of the larger providers have a delivery service, though delivery fees do apply. Depending on the cost of this service, it may negate any savings made by shopping elsewhere. However, it could save you money on fuel.
When choosing to get groceries delivered, you should also consider minimum spends. Most supermarkets require a minimum spend of £40, though some will charge an additional delivery fee for orders under this amount. Sainsbury’s are an exception with a minimum order of £25, though they still charge a £7 delivery charge for orders under £40.
Read More: How to Order Groceries Online
Where to Shop?
Deciding where to shop is likely to depend on prices and convenience. You probably shouldn’t drive to an Aldi on the other side of your town or city if there is a Tesco just down the road. Savings on food may be cancelled out by the cost of transport.
It is also important to consider exactly what you will be looking to buy. Certain products will be cheaper at certain shops even if their average grocery bill according to Which? is lower. Depending on what you need, you may save more by choosing the third cheapest supermarket, for example.
To find the best value groceries, use comparison websites such as Trolley and MySupermarketCompare. When used in conjunction with a meal plan, you could make considerable savings.
Staying Safe with Careline365
Saving money and ensuring you are eating well aren’t the only ways to look after yourself. For peace of mind around the home and beyond it, consider a personal alarm from Careline365. With a personal alarm, a simple button press gets you or your loved ones the help that is needed.
When the Careline alarm is activated, it sends an alert to our 24/7 Care Team. They assess the situation and inform emergency contacts that help is required. When necessary, they will also alert the emergency services.
Careline365 offer a range of alarms to suit the needs of you or your loved ones. To find out more, read our in-depth guide or view the pricing page. If you have any questions about the Careline365 alarm service, please do not hesitate to get in touch on 0800 101 3333 and our team will be happy to help.
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