Supermarket tips

Supermarket shopping tips
30+ tools & tricks to slash food bills

Supermarkets excel at getting us to part with our hard-earned money, but with a few strategic approaches, you could save up to £1,000s a year. We’ve gathered a basket full of tips to maximize discounts, from quickly identifying the cheapest supermarket for your shopping to timing your visits to catch the best yellow-sticker deals and more.

1 – A supermarket’s job is to make us spend

Supermarkets have evolved into temples of consumerism, meticulously designed to maximize our spending habits. These environments benefit from extensive, costly research aimed at guiding and tempting us to spend beyond our intentions. As a result, it’s essential for us as consumers to adopt strategies that help resist these tactics.

One effective way to introduce financial concepts to an eight-year-old is through a trip to the supermarket. Encourage them to notice what they smell — often it’s fresh bread from the bakery. This enticing aroma is no accident; it’s meant to make us feel hungry, prompting more food purchases and boosting the supermarket’s revenue.

Here are other strategies supermarkets use to influence our spending:

• Treats and magazines positioned by the checkout. These items are often bought on impulse, so placing them by the checkout gives stores a final chance to attract our spending.
• Store layouts encourage us to walk through the entire space. Frequently purchased items are generally spread throughout the store, meaning we encounter plenty of other enticing products as we complete our shopping.
• Eye-level shelves hold the most profitable items. Highly profitable products are displayed at eye level (or at a child’s eye level for kid-targeted items), yet these tend not to offer the best deals. The saying “look high and low for something” really does ring true here.
• Sale-like signs for items not actually on sale. Seedless grapes and other appealing treats are often located near the entrance, sometimes even priced below cost, to draw us in. Similar signs are used around the store to promote products, even if they’re not actually discounted.

Vibrant colors and words like “discount” and “sale” give us a positive feeling, though the savings may be minimal, with cheaper alternatives tucked away elsewhere.

2 – Steer your own trolley

In other words, create a plan and commit to it. For those working within a tight budget, adopting the right approach is essential. Rather than asking, “What’s the cheapest way to get everything I desire?” try reframing it as, “Given my £XYZ budget, what can I realistically afford?”

Naturally, budgeting is just one part of a larger financial strategy, and how much you allocate to groceries will depend on your other spending priorities. You can use our free Budget Planner tool to assist with this.

3 – Bag big discounts via first-timer grocery codes

Online grocery stores frequently offer initial discount vouchers to attract new customers, such as £12 off a £60 spend at Sainsbury’s. Our comprehensive list of supermarket deals for first-time shoppers is regularly updated with the newest codes.

Additionally, you’ll find a collection of free codes and vouchers in our Supermarket Coupons guide.

4 – Can you slash £1,000+ off your grocery bill?

Take the Downshift Challenge. Don’t fall for brand illusions. Whether it’s bacon, biscuits, baked beans, or bolognese sauce, a higher price doesn’t always mean higher quality.

Retailers use strategic language to convince us that more expensive is better. While the packaging might appear more luxurious, a closer look at the product often reveals minimal differences.

Supermarkets divide their products into various categories, using suggestive language to let you decide how “premium” or “basic” you want to go.

As you choose higher-tier brands, prices rise, along with packaging quality and sometimes ingredients. In fact, manufacturer and store brands are often produced in the same facility by the same workers (although it’s challenging to confirm for specific items).

• Premium: Words such as “finest” or “extra special” suggest a sense of indulgence.
• Branded: These are familiar products like McVitie’s Jaffa Cakes or Kellogg’s cereal.
• Own Brand: These items are marketed similarly to well-known brands but carry the supermarket’s unique style and labeling.
• Value: With labels like “basic” or “savers,” the design is purposefully minimal, giving the impression of a no-frills option. (For instance, Tesco has replaced its “Everyday Value” line with exclusive brands like Eastman’s, Stockwell & Co, and Hearty Food Co that are sold only in its stores.)

To save more and cut costs, consider taking on the Downshift Challenge. The idea is straightforward:

Move down one brand level for each product you buy. Then check if you notice any difference. If there’s none, continue with the more affordable option.

The next time you’re shopping, try swapping one item from each category to a brand that’s just one level lower. For instance, if you normally get four cartons of Tropicana orange juice, this time, buy three of those and one of Tesco’s own brand. Or, if you typically use branded aloe vera shower cream, switch to Asda’s own version.

This approach isn’t about forcing you to downgrade everything; it’s about making sure you’re not overspending needlessly. If you don’t notice a difference in the quality of lower-level brands, then why pay extra?

It’s better to rely on actual taste rather than just branding, so consider doing a blind taste test with your family to keep it fair and objective. Of course, you don’t have to take this too far. If there’s a “2-for-1” deal on a higher brand (and you’ll use both items), which ends up being cheaper than downshifting, stick with the premium brand.

Downshifting can reduce grocery expenses by around 30%. Even if you only make partial swaps for about half of your items, you could still save 15%, which can amount to hundreds or even thousands of pounds.

It’s important to note that the largest savings from downshifting come not from moving from premium to standard brands, but rather for those who are already buying lower-tier brands.

5 – Downshift cleaning products & toiletries too

Interestingly, studies indicate that consumers are more inclined to remain loyal to branded laundry detergents, shower gels, and various cleaning supplies compared to food items. This is surprising, considering that these products don’t require taste tests, and the potential savings are significant. Therefore, consider opting for less expensive alternatives in these categories as well.

6 – Hunt for disguised own brands

Following the Downshift Challenge, numerous individuals may find themselves wondering, “Is there really any distinction between regular brands and private labels?” Frequently, these products are produced in identical factories.

While there’s no certainty that this holds true, it certainly makes for an interesting read.

We also leveraged social media and our weekly newsletter to encourage factory employees and others to share their insider knowledge about their jobs. The responses we received were fantastic, including one revealing, “One enormous block of cheese, yet five packaging stations for various brands… including Tesco Value.”

7 – Never shop when hungry

It might seem like a no-brainer, but it holds true: when you’re hungry, you’re more inclined to purchase items you don’t actually need.

Also, be cautious of convenience stores. If you swing by your neighborhood shop to grab a pint of milk during the week, avoid taking a basket. Once you have one, you’re likely to fill it up. Instead, just get the milk and head out.

8 – Grab coupons or cashback worth £100s a year

Utilizing coupons or earning cashback through specific apps can help you save hundreds of pounds on your shopping expenses. Be sure to explore our Supermarket Coupons guide, which is frequently updated to provide you with opportunities to significantly reduce your bills. Some of the best current offers include a ‘Free’ KitKat and complimentary vegan chicken.

9 – Speedily find the cheapest supermarket for your groceries

Trolley is a convenient, no-cost comparison tool that allows users to evaluate the prices of items across major supermarket chains. It enables you to set notifications for when your preferred products go on sale.

The tool covers well-known retailers like Tesco, Asda, Waitrose, Ocado, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Iceland, Co-op, Boots, and Wilko.

While the prices displayed are primarily from online listings, they typically mirror those found in physical stores. Therefore, even if you’re shopping in person, it’s beneficial to check Trolley for the best prices.

To use it, simply enter a product name to view its price across various stores. You can also create price alerts by registering for a free account, navigating to the product page, and selecting ‘Add to lists.’

Additionally, Trolley offers an app for both Android and Apple devices, allowing you to compare prices while you shop in-store. This service is operated by volunteers.

10 – Use loyalty schemes to unlock discounts of up to 50% off

If you frequently shop at a specific supermarket that offers a complimentary loyalty program, enrolling is an obvious choice.

Programs like Tesco’s Clubcard and Sainsbury’s Nectar allow you to earn points with each purchase, which can be redeemed for discounts on your shopping or rewards from chosen partners. Additionally, these schemes grant access to exclusive discounts on various products each week, potentially saving you hundreds of pounds on groceries throughout the year.

• Tesco’s “Clubcard Prices” promotion provides discounts of up to 50% on select items for members of its Clubcard loyalty program, featuring both well-known brands and Tesco’s own-label products.

Previously, customers have enjoyed deals like £1.50 for McCain fries (usually priced at £3) and £1 for Kellogg’s Rice Krispie Squares (originally £2). The items included in the Clubcard promotion can vary weekly, so you may not find the same offers as those currently available. However, all eligible products in the promotion are clearly identified both in-store and online. Discounts are automatically applied when purchasing qualifying items online for home delivery or click & collect, as well as from Tesco locations (excluding smaller Express stores).

To take advantage of this offer, you must register for a Clubcard, which you can do for free online at Tesco or through the Clubcard app. For additional tips, check out our guide on reclaiming and boosting Reclaim & boost Clubcard vouchers.

• As a Sainsbury’s customer, you can enjoy discounts on hundreds of products by becoming a Nectar card member. Keep an eye out for Nectar Price labels while you shop to find deals on select items. When you scan your card or app at checkout, the discounts will be applied automatically. For online shopping, ensure your Nectar card is linked to your Sainsbury’s account.

Check for ‘Nectar Prices’ at Sainsbury’s to discover current offers. If you haven’t signed up yet, you can register for a Nectar membership at no cost. For additional tips, refer to our Boost Nectar points guide.

• Morrisons allows customers to exchange points for £5 vouchers. By signing up for Morrisons More, you can earn points on fuel and other selected items.

When you accumulate 5,000 More points, you’ll receive a £5 voucher that can be used both in-store and online at Morrisons. Additionally, you’ll gain access to personalized offers, discounts, and exclusive deals for More Card holders.

If you haven’t joined Morrisons More yet, you can register for free either online or through the app, available for download on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

• Lidl customers can enjoy discounts of up to 30% on certain items by using the free Lidl Plus app. Simply navigate to the ‘Coupons’ section, where you’ll discover four or more digital coupons for various products or categories. Recently, shoppers have benefited from a 30% discount on bakery goods from 7 PM until closing time, 20% off chocolate or crackers, and 15% off coffee or smoked salmon.

If you haven’t yet installed it, you can download the Lidl Plus app for free from the App Store or Google Play.

11 – Millions of people eligible for up to 7.75% off EVERY supermarket shop

Many employers offer programs that allow employees to purchase gift cards for supermarkets and various retailers at discounts ranging from 3% to 7.75%. For instance, if you buy £100 worth of Sainsbury’s gift cards with a 5% discount, you’ll only pay £95. This differs from employee discounts offered by supermarkets. You can use this opportunity to effectively reduce the cost of your grocery bills.

Generally, we’re not huge advocates of giving gift cards as gifts. They can easily be misplaced or forgotten, leading to unspent value, and there’s also the risk of losing your money if the retailer goes out of business.

Even better, since gift cards are treated like cash, you can often use them in conjunction with coupons or discount codes to achieve a double discount.

How do I know if I can get this? 

The fastest method is to visit your employer’s benefits website to find out if they offer a program, or you can inquire with your HR department. Many employers provide this option, although it’s less common in small businesses.

How big are the discounts?

The discounts can differ, but here are the latest offers from two major reward companies that manage these programs for numerous employers. Unfortunately, we didn’t find any discounts available at Aldi or Lidl.

Supermarket gift cards – typical employer discounts

(1) Via Perkbox and Reward Gateway. (2) In-store only.

How to do it

Employer policies may differ, but you typically have the option to select between e-cards or reloadable gift cards. Be aware that some physical cards may incur a delivery fee of around £2, so it’s wise to consider that when making your choice.

If a company goes under, your options for recovery are limited, so it’s best to purchase only what you plan to use immediately. E-gift cards are often delivered instantly or within a few hours, while physical reloadable cards may take several days to arrive. Some people have even been known to buy gift cards while waiting in line, but it’s important to review the specifics of your program.

Most cards have a minimum purchase amount of £1, though some may require a higher minimum. Additionally, check for maximum limits, as some stores may cap purchases at £500. Lastly, pay attention to the expiry date, which is usually set at two years.

Work in the NHS or emergency services? Get 10% back on selected food at Asda

NHS and emergency personnel can receive a 10% cashback on in-store purchases at Asda, now applicable only to ‘fresh food,’ or save £6 on a £45 purchase at Iceland. Check out our complete list of discounts available with the Blue Light Card.

Work in care, charity, education or healthcare?

If you’re a caregiver, charity employee, or work in education or healthcare, the Ode prepaid card offers cashback at more than 80 retailers, such as Asda, Sainsbury’s, and Waitrose. To apply, you’ll need a work email address.

To obtain the card, an initial top-up of £5 is required, after which you can add more funds (minimum £10) either online or through the app, with the credit available immediately. After the first year, an annual fee of £2.99 will apply, so make a note to cancel if you find that you’re not accumulating much cashback. For more information, see the full details.

12 – Check out JamDoughnut for cashback on supermarket giftcards, eg, 3.6% at Asda and 3% at Sainsbury’s

If your employer doesn’t provide discounted gift cards, you might consider using JamDoughnut as an alternative. This app offers cashback ranging from 1% to 10% when you purchase e-gift cards through its platform.

Similar to gift cards obtained through your workplace, these should not be given as presents but rather used for your own purchases. If you plan to shop at a specific supermarket or store soon, it’s worth checking if they offer a gift card through the app.

Keep in mind that this is a relatively new service, and there hasn’t been extensive feedback yet. There’s a risk of losing both your cashback and gift cards if the company or retailer were to fail.

Available gift cards include Asda (with a 3.6% cashback), John Lewis/Waitrose (3%), and Sainsbury’s (3%). Additionally, since gift cards are treated like cash, you can often use them alongside sales, discount codes, or cashback websites, effectively doubling your savings.

Which wins – JamDoughnut or discounted employer gift cards?

Upon reviewing, we found that JamDoughnut’s cashback payment is usually slightly lower than the discounts provided by employers. Additionally, since the bonus is received as cashback instead of a direct discount, if your employer provides discounted cards, those are likely the most advantageous option.

JamDoughnut – typical cashback on gift cards

How to use it

To begin, download the JamDoughnut app. After making a purchase, your e-gift cards should be available for immediate use in the wallet section. While most e-gift cards can be redeemed both online and in-store, it’s important to verify the terms. Always remember to purchase cards just before using them; if a company goes out of business, the gift card may become worthless. It’s also a good idea to take a screenshot of the voucher for your records.

Your cashback is accumulated as points, and you can transfer it to your bank account once you reach £10 (1,000 points).

13 – Consider smaller discounters over supermarkets

If you haven’t explored Lidl and Aldi for your in-store shopping, now might be a great time to do so. If you’re already a customer at these retailers, you might also want to check out Home Bargains and B&M Bargains. These options frequently offer lower prices than the larger supermarkets. Many shoppers find it beneficial to make a monthly trip to stock up on essentials from these stores and then visit the big four supermarkets for the remaining items on their lists.

14 – Go further and grab cashback – plus free Lindt chocolate

After discovering the most affordable groceries, you might also earn cashback. Several websites receive payments from online retailers for directing traffic to them and then share a portion of that revenue with you. For detailed information and important cautions, check out the guide on top cashback sites.

15 – Get 5kg fruit and veg for £1.50 with Lidl’s food waste boxes

When you visit a Lidl store, you can grab a 5kg ‘Too Good To Waste’ box filled with fruits and vegetables for just £1.50. These boxes include produce that is still edible but not in perfect condition.

16 – Know when to BOGOF

BOGOF! No, I’m not referring to you… BOGOF means ‘buy one, get one free.’ These promotions often play on our impulses, serving as both a blessing and a curse.

The best time to take advantage of BOGOF offers (or three-for-two deals and half-price discounts) is when they apply to items with a long shelf life that you would purchase regardless. Common examples include toothpaste, toilet paper, and batteries.

17 – Loyalty schemes don’t give something for nothing

Supermarkets employ clever strategies to encourage us to stay in their stores, preventing us from benefiting from competitive pricing in the market.

Loyalty programs, like Tesco Clubcard and Nectar, aren’t just freebies; they are woven into the overall pricing strategy. Therefore, the key takeaway is to select your shopping destination based on price rather than the allure of points, while still accumulating those points during your purchases.

For more information and tips on maximizing your rewards, check out our guides on boosting your Tesco Clubcard and Nectar points.

18 – Reclaim old Clubcard vouchers

Present your Clubcard at Tesco to earn one point for every pound you spend. These points can then be transformed into vouchers, with 500 points equating to a £5 store credit.

However, many people forget about or misplace their vouchers. Fortunately, there’s a simple method to recover unused vouchers from the past two years, with some users even reporting success retrieving older ones.

To check your voucher history, visit Tesco’s website and find the ‘Your Vouchers’ section, which lists all your vouchers, including those not yet redeemed. For more details, refer to the Reclaim Tesco Vouchers page.

Additionally, while a 500-point voucher is worth £5 at Tesco, you have the option to exchange it for up to double that amount (£10) through Tesco Clubcard Boost. This allows you to redeem rewards such as days out, restaurant vouchers, railcards, hotels, and more. For comprehensive information on voucher redemption, check out Tesco points boost.

19 – Eat for free: Krispy Kreme, Taco Bell and more

You truly can enjoy a complimentary meal! To make the most of it, complement your supermarket shopping strategies with all the available food giveaways.

Restaurants such as Krispy Kreme and Taco Bell often provide free items to attract customers, and you may find that no purchase is necessary to claim these offers.

Additionally, the food-sharing app Olio connects you with local individuals who have excess food to share, ensuring that it doesn’t go to waste—similar to how Freecycle operates for unwanted furniture and other goods.

We’ve created a comprehensive guide that outlines smart methods, coupons, and apps to help you obtain food and beverages at little or no cost. For all the details, check out our guide on how to score free (or inexpensive) meals.

20 – Bag huge yellow-sticker discounts

Timing Your Hunt for Big Yellow-Sticker Discounts. “Yellow sticker” discounts refer to items that have been marked down for quick sale, and the name gives it away. If you spot an item with a yellow sticker, grab it quickly—you’re getting a deal on perfectly good food!

To help you pinpoint the best times to snag these bargains, we consulted Savers working in supermarkets about their discounting practices, as well as insights from shoppers and supermarket staff.

Generally, you can expect the first yellow stickers to show up around mid-morning, with significant price drops happening in the early evening. This is when stores often slash prices by 75% or more. However, keep in mind that this process is more of an art than an exact science, as reduction times can differ not only between supermarkets but also among individual stores, particularly depending on their opening hours.

In recent years, we’ve gathered insights from Savers about the optimal times to score these deals, and we’ve compiled that information for you below. For the most up-to-date tips (or if you have your own insights), check out the ‘Yellow sticker’ discount.

It’s important to note that several staff members have the discretion to lower prices, so stay vigilant for items that may be damaged or approaching their sell-by dates. Those who contributed to our list generally agree: “We are happy to offer discounts to courteous customers, but if you approach us rudely and demand a price cut, you’re unlikely to receive one.”

Additionally, keep in mind that many of the discounted items are often near their use-by dates, meaning that fresh products should be consumed fairly soon.

21 – Try shopping in a different aisle (and crouching down…)

Did you know you can often buy the same item in the same supermarket for less?

22 – Consider eating less meat – it’s good for the planet and your wallet

In recent years, plant-based and vegan diets have gained significant traction. This choice is ultimately personal; for some, transitioning away from meat can be challenging. However, many individuals are making this switch due to environmental considerations, and you might find that you save money in the process.

High-quality meat can be expensive, while many staples of a meatless diet are often more affordable—though this can vary based on personal dietary choices. For instance, plant-based proteins like beans and lentils usually cost less than their animal protein counterparts. Additionally, a variety of meat-free alternatives to popular family meals, such as sausages, minced meat, nuggets, and burgers, are now widely available.

For instance, Tesco offers British lamb mince (500g) for £5.70, which translates to £11.40 per kilogram. In comparison, their own-brand Plant Chef vegetarian mince (454g) is priced at just £2.25, or £4.96 per kilogram, and contains slightly more protein—17.1g per 100g compared to 16.8g in the lamb mince.

If you’re uncertain about eliminating meat from your diet entirely, consider reducing your intake instead. The Meat Free Monday initiative recommends taking a weekly pause from consuming meat.

Should you decide to make the switch, it’s crucial to maintain a balanced diet. Be sure to consult the NHS guidelines regarding vegetarian and vegan nutrition.

23 – Don’t be a waster – know the difference between a ‘best-before’ and ‘use-by’ date

If you’re unsure about the distinctions, chances are you’re wasting a significant amount of food. Here are some helpful guidelines for understanding each date:

• Expired? Throw it away! A use-by date indicates the last day the food should be consumed. Eating items after this date can pose health risks, even if they seem visually appealing and don’t have any unpleasant odors. Be especially cautious with foods such as dairy products, milk, fish, and eggs.
• Is your food past its best-before date? It can still be safe to eat, though its flavor and texture might diminish over time. Best-before dates typically reflect the manufacturer’s assessment of when a product will be at its highest quality rather than its safety. This usually applies to items with a longer shelf life, including frozen meals, canned goods, sugar, pasta, and cereals.

You can consume these products even after the best-before date. Just use your senses—smell, taste, and visual inspection—to determine if they’re still good. If they check out, the main downside is that you might notice a decrease in flavor and texture.

• Display-until and sell-by dates are primarily guidelines for store employees regarding when to remove products from inventory. Instead, focus on the use-by and best-before dates to determine product freshness.

24 – Buy beyond best-befores at big discounts

It is generally safe to consume food products past their best-before dates, and selling them is also legal.

There are local experts as well as an online retailer called Approved Food that focuses on selling expired stock. Past examples include four bottles of Asahi beer for £4, 1kg of Haribo mini mallows for £2, Bull’s Eye BBQ sauce for £1, Danny’s Easter eggs for £1, and a ‘lucky dip’ of crisps for just 5p.

The delivery fee is £3 per box (weighing up to 25kg), making it most cost-effective for bulk purchases. Since there are no specific guidelines about how long after a best-before date food can still be safely consumed, it’s up to you to assess the situation. In general, items with a longer initial shelf life before the best-before date tend to remain safe for a longer period after that date.

25 – Grab big discounts for abandoning your virtual shopping basket

You can score significant savings from online grocery stores simply by abandoning your virtual cart. When you don’t finalize a purchase, these retailers often send you a discount via email to lure you back.

To test this out, add an item to your cart without completing the transaction. You might receive a discount code or offer in your inbox a few days later. Just make sure you’re logged into your account; otherwise, they won’t recognize you.

Although there’s no solid evidence, users on forums claim to have secured discounts of £5 at Tesco, £20 at Ocado, and £22 at Waitrose using this method. For more insider tips on shopping, check out our Shopping Secrets guide.

26 – Use a ‘2D linear tracking device’ (otherwise known as a list)

Supermarkets excel at tapping into our impulse buying, making a well-crafted shopping list an essential tool. By referring to it as a ‘2D linear tracking device,’ it might feel more significant, helping ensure you remember it.

The rationale is clear: preparing a list of what you need beforehand simplifies the process of avoiding overspending. By purchasing only the items you’ve outlined, you can maintain your budget, while still allowing for some leeway to take advantage of special deals.

27 – Cashback every time you buy groceries (or owt else)

The Chase debit card, which operates through an app, offers 1% cashback on most purchases, capping at £15 per month. You can obtain this card without switching your bank, and the application process only involves an ID check instead of a credit check, making it accessible.

However, you should be comfortable with the idea of opening a new bank account and managing it via an app. To determine if this card suits your needs, check out our review of the Chase account.

28 – Don’t get ‘ad by special offers

In August 2019, Which? conducted a study on the prices of 450 products across seven supermarkets: Asda, Iceland, Morrisons, Ocado, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, and Waitrose.

The investigation uncovered 65 cases where supermarkets employed deceptive discount practices that did not reflect the deals they advertised. These tactics involved increasing the price per item during multi-buy promotions and inflating original prices to create the illusion of better deals on special offers.

29 – Over 60? Get 10% off at Iceland

If you’re 60 years old or older, you’re eligible for a 10% discount on purchases at any Iceland or The Food Warehouse locations across the country. To take advantage of this offer, simply present a valid ID along with your Iceland Bonus card every Tuesday.

30 – Money off nutritious food through the Healthy Start scheme

Pregnant or have a child under four? Check if you can get help with food costs.

31 – Write a meal plan

To maximize the effectiveness of your shopping list, consider creating a meal plan for the week or month. This approach allows you to outline your daily meals while utilizing the ingredients you already have on hand.

32 – Check you aren’t paying MORE for LESS biscuit

For a little amusement, we examined the cost difference between regular biscuits and their ‘Thins’ counterparts. Former EXE member Nick compared the prices and discovered that opting for ‘Thins’ might result in nearly double the price for only half the amount of biscuit.

33 – Nifty tools to use up larder leftovers

To reduce food waste by utilizing ingredients you have on hand, consider using specialized websites that offer recipe suggestions based on leftover items in your fridge or pantry.

You can enter the ingredients you have into tools like SuperCook or BigOven, which will provide you with recipe ideas from a vast collection. Another option is to visit the Old Style Recipe Index on these sites and browse through the ingredients to find suitable recipes.

34 – Instant £12 boost to your Christmas budget

Christmas saving programs offered by supermarkets encourage you to save throughout the year in order to use those funds in their stores during the holiday season. Typically, they will provide a small bonus in addition to your savings.

We prefer savings accounts instead, as they offer greater flexibility and enhanced protection. However, there’s a loophole in supermarket savings that allows you to earn a year’s bonus in just one day.

Many supermarkets calculate the bonus based on the amount you’ve saved by a certain date or within a specific month. For instance, if you added £200 to your Tesco savings card in October last year, you would have received £212 the following November.

The complete list of supermarket Christmas bonuses is refreshed annually with the best options, and we’ll update the details for 2024 as soon as they become available.

35 – Don’t forget to check out local market stalls too

While supermarkets offer convenience, local market stalls often provide better prices for fruits and vegetables. Since prices can differ depending on your location, it’s a good idea to compare them yourself. Save your supermarket receipts and note how much you spend at the local market for equivalent quantities.