Doing the weekly shopping may seem like a simple task, but it can be easy to overspend. Here are 10 our tips to help you navigate those fluorescent aisles without breaking the bank.
 
1. Have a plan
Don’t head for the supermarket hoping for inspiration. This is a recipe for over-spending and potential food waste. Write out a plan of meals you’re going to make for the week. Try to plan for at least one of the meals to be eaten over two evenings. 
 
2. Make a list
Keep a note book handy and as the week rolls on, add essentials that you could potentially forget on shopping day. Check your fridge, freezer and cupboards to prevent doubling up on foodstuffs you already have. Add these item to your weekly meal plan and you will have a well thought out list. Don’t pick up anything that’s not on the list.
 
3. Make one big trip
Do you make several small trips to the supermarket per week, and a few late night runs to your local convenience shop? Shopping in this manner can lead you to purchase more groceries than you planned and also more likely to pick up bits and pieces on impulse. Aim to shop once a week to avoid temptation.
 
4. Don’t bring the kids
Pester power is a skill children are born with and we are all guilty of giving in every so often. Trying to navigate the supermarket while supervising them can be very distracting. Shop while they are at school, organise a pal or family member to babysit or leave them in supermarket creche if availabvle.
 
5. Use store loyalty cards and coupons
Most supermarkets have loyalty cards where you are awarded one point for every euro spent, which equates to €1 back for every €100 spent which is sent to you quarterly as money off vouchers, along with discount coupons for many other items. Many supermarkets offer double points days, so try to plan to do your shopping on these days. Cut out coupons from magazines, newspapers and grocery packets. Check the back of your receipt for further savings. Keep your coupons and vouchers in a separate wallet and scan through it while your waiting in the queue.
 
6. Eat Before You Shop
A great way to fill your shopping trolley with extra, unwanted stuff is to shop while you are hungry. Hunger can cause you to impulsively throw convenience and junk food into the trolley. Solve this problem by eating before you go shopping and not only will you save money, but you will avoid weight gain.
 
7. Go generic
Don’t dismiss generic or value brands. The quality can often be as good as the same as the branded goods, with some items coming from the same producers or factories and are simply packed into different containers. The trick is to occasionally swap a branded item for a generic to see if there is any difference. You will be pleasantly surprised.
 
8. Go vegetarian (at least once a week)
Meat and fish are the most expensive foodstuffs, so why not make at least one vegetarian meal per week using beans or lentils, at a fraction of the cost. Not only will you save money, but cutting down on red meat will have positive health benefits.
 
9. Use leftovers
According to the Environmental Protection Agency the average Irish household throws out around €700 worth of food annually. Inspect your fridge and cupboards daily for food on the turn. Wilting, tired vegetables can be made into delicious soups; stale bread can be blitzed in to bread crumbs and frozen; meat approaching its use by date can be popped into the freezer; hard cheese can be grated and added to pizza, soups and sauces. Click here for a great Frittata recipe using leftovers
 
10. Peruse the discount baskets
Most supermarkets have a discount area for food approaching its use-by or best-before date. These foods tend to be massively reduced in price and are perfectly safe to eat. Either use them on the same day of purchase or freeze them.
 

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