Diary of a Working Mum

Being a mum often means juggling a million tasks while keeping the family fed and happy. With shopping  prices creeping up, here are five practical tips to help you save money on your food shop without sacrificing quality or nutrition.

Plan Meals Around Sales

Check supermarket websites or apps for weekly deals before planning your meals. If chicken or fresh veggies are on sale, base your dinners around those ingredients. Most supermarkets have loyalty programmes and they can alert you to discounts, helping you stock up on staples at lower prices.

Buy in Bulk

Purchasing non-perishables like rice, pasta, or canned goods in bulk can cut costs significantly. Most wholesalers offer great deals, but make sure you only buy what you’ll use before it expires. It is always good to split bulk buys with friends or family to share savings without overstocking.

Embrace Store Brands

Supermarket own-label products are often just as good as name brands but cost much less. From cereal to frozen veggies, give them a try. I have switched a few household items from branded to own brand, and I am so glad I did. For example, I now opt for Tesco’s own brand of cleaning spray, rather than the leading brand. Most stores offer money-back guarantees if you’re not satisfied, so it’s a low-risk switch.

Use Leftovers Creatively

Turn last night’s roast into tacos or blend leftover veggies into a soup. Apps like BBC Good Food or SuperCook suggest recipes based on what’s already in your fridge, reducing waste and the need for extra ingredients.

Shop with a List (and Stick to It)

I struggle with this, and it takes some serious willpower to stick to the list. Impulse buys add up fast. I now write a list based on my  meal plan, and shop after eating to avoid temptation. If you’re shopping online, use the “favourites” feature to reorder staples quickly and skip browsing aisles of snacks.

Bonus Tip

Join loyalty programs or cashback apps like  JamDoughnut for extra savings or rebates on your regular buys. Every little bit helps! By planning smart, shopping strategically, and getting creative with what you already have, you can keep your shopping  budget in check while still serving up delicious meals for your family.