Easy Ways to Save Money at the Supermarket (UK Guide)

With the cost of living rising across the UK, grocery shopping has become a major expense for most households. According to the Office for National Statistics, UK food prices have seen consistent inflation since 2022, putting pressure on everyday budgets. Families and individuals alike are actively looking for ways to cut down their grocery bills without compromising on quality or nutrition.

Supermarket spending is one of the easiest areas to trim once you know how. From loyalty programs to savvy shopping habits, small adjustments can add up to significant savings. In this guide, we’ll explore practical, realistic, and UK-specific strategies to help you save money at the supermarket—every single week.

Whether you shop at Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Aldi, Asda, Lidl or Waitrose, these easy-to-follow tips will stretch your pounds further and keep your cupboards full.

1. Shop with a List and Stick to It

Impulse purchases are a supermarket’s best friend and your budget’s worst enemy. These unplanned buys might seem harmless at the moment, but over time they can quietly drain your finances and make it harder to stick to a shopping plan.

Hack: Plan your meals for the week, write down the ingredients, and only buy what’s on your list. Apps like “Out of Milk” or “Bring!” can help manage your list and reduce forgotten items.

By keeping a strict shopping list, you minimise waste, avoid duplicates, and resist those tempting offers that don’t offer real value.

2. Never Shop Hungry

This old saying has science behind it. Shopping on an empty stomach leads to more impulse purchases, especially of snacks and sugary items. Your hunger affects your decision-making and encourages you to buy more than you need.

Tip: Do your grocery run after a meal or at least have a snack beforehand. You’ll be less likely to pick up those overpriced, ready-to-eat items near the tills or bakery section.

3. Use Supermarket Loyalty Cards Wisely

Most major UK supermarkets offer loyalty schemes that reward you for regular shopping. Tesco Clubcard, Sainsbury’s Nectar, Morrisons More and Co-op Membership all allow you to earn points or instant discounts.

Hack: Use these cards every time you shop. Clubcard and Nectar especially offer member-only prices, so you can save even more just by scanning your card. Sign up for emails or download the respective apps for personalised vouchers based on your shopping habits.

4. Shop the Lower Shelves

Ever noticed how the most expensive items are placed at eye level? That’s no coincidence. Supermarkets deliberately position premium products where you’re most likely to look.

Hack: Scan the shelves from top to bottom. You’ll often find cheaper brands or own-label versions on the lower shelves. These are usually just as good in quality, but significantly cheaper.

5. Buy Own-Brand Products

UK supermarkets have heavily invested in own-label products over the last decade. From Tesco’s “Stockwell & Co” to Sainsbury’s “By Sainsbury’s,” these products are often made in the same factories as branded goods.

Tip: Start with basics like pasta, tinned tomatoes, cereals, and cleaning products. Compare ingredients and nutritional info—you’ll be surprised how similar they are.

6. Shop in the Evening for Yellow Sticker Discounts

Many UK supermarkets start marking down fresh produce, meat, and bakery items with yellow stickers after 6pm. These items are nearing their sell-by date but are still perfectly safe to consume or freeze.

Hack: Time your visits for late evenings or just before store closing. You can pick up items at 50-75% off and freeze them for future use. Stores like M&S, Tesco, and Co-op are particularly good for this.

7. Use Cashback Apps for Extra Savings

There are several UK-based cashback and coupon apps that can help you reclaim money on groceries. Apps like Shopmium, GreenJinn, CheckoutSmart, and TopCashback often offer cashback on everyday items, from biscuits to washing-up liquid.

Tip: Use these apps before and after you shop. Browse current offers, buy the product, then upload your receipt for cashback. It takes a few minutes but can save you hundreds over the year.

8. Bulk Buy Smartly — But Only When It Makes Sense

Buying in bulk can be a great money-saver—but only if you’re buying items you actually use regularly. Avoid bulk buying perishable goods unless you can freeze them or use them in time.

Hack: Look for multibuy offers on non-perishables like toilet roll, laundry detergent, or pasta. Shops like Costco (if you have a membership), or even Iceland for freezer goods, offer great deals.

9. Check Price Per Unit, Not Just Overall Price

The big number on a supermarket shelf label shows the full price, but the smaller unit price (£/kg or £/litre) is what tells you which product gives more value.

Example: A 750ml bottle of olive oil for £4.50 might look cheaper than a 1-litre bottle for £5, but it actually costs more per litre. Unit pricing helps you see past packaging tricks.

Tip: Get into the habit of checking the unit price, especially when comparing brands or sizes.

10. Take Advantage of Aldi and Lidl’s Weekly Specials

Budget supermarkets Aldi and Lidl have taken the UK by storm, offering high-quality groceries at low prices. Their weekly ‘Super 6’ fruit and veg deals and special buys offer great value.

Hack: Plan your meals around their deals. If avocados and courgettes are in the Super 6 this week, adjust your meals to incorporate them. These offers change weekly and are advertised online and in-store.

11. Sign Up for Price Alerts and Offers

Supermarkets frequently update their deals and flash sales online. Sign up for newsletters from your favourite supermarkets or deal websites like HotUKDeals, LatestDeals, or MoneySavingExpert.

Tip: Follow UK grocery deal forums and Facebook groups to stay ahead of short-term discounts. Some apps also allow you to track price drops for specific items.

12. Avoid Pre-Cut or Pre-Packaged Convenience Items

You’re paying for convenience when you buy grated cheese, cut fruit, or prepared salads. These can be up to 300% more expensive than buying the full item and preparing it yourself.

Example: A 200g bag of grated cheddar might cost £2.50, while a 400g block costs £3. Grate it at home and save significantly.

Hack: Buy whole items and prep them yourself. It takes a bit more time, but it adds up in savings and usually tastes better too.

13. Take Your Own Bags to Avoid Fees

As of 2021, all UK retailers must charge a minimum of 10p per plastic carrier bag. While that sounds minor, over a year, these charges can pile up.

Tip: Keep reusable bags in your car or by your front door so you never forget. Not only does this save money, but it’s more sustainable.

14. Freeze Leftovers and Fresh Produce Before It Goes Off

Throwing away food is like throwing away money. According to WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme), the average UK household wastes around £700 worth of food each year.

Hack: Get in the habit of freezing leftovers or fresh produce before it spoils. Bread, bananas, meat, soups, and even herbs freeze well. Label them clearly to avoid confusion.

15. Use a Prepaid Grocery Card or Set a Weekly Budget

Overspending at the supermarket often comes from a lack of tracking. One way to curb this is by using a prepaid card or setting a cash envelope system for groceries.

Hack: Set a realistic weekly grocery budget (e.g., £60-£80) and stick to it. Apps like Monzo and Starling allow you to create dedicated grocery pots and track spending in real time.

Final Thoughts on How to Save Money at the Supermarket: Building Smarter Grocery Habits for a Healthier Wallet

Saving money at the supermarket in the UK doesn’t require extreme couponing or complicated budgeting. By building a few simple habits, like shopping with a list, buying own-brands, using cashback apps, and timing your shopping wisely, you can keep your grocery bill under control.

These tips are designed for real UK households navigating real budgets. Whether you’re feeding a family, living alone, or budgeting as a student, smart shopping isn’t just about frugality—it’s about getting the best value for your money without compromising on quality.

Start small, pick a few strategies to implement this week, and watch how your savings grow over time. But remember that it doesn’t stop at the supermarket. With a few mindful adjustments to your overall spending strategy, you can stretch your budget even further and reach your goals faster. Ready to take the next step? Discover how smart budget planning can help you save money across all areas of your life.