Healthy eating on a budget

Keep costs low

Your fruit and veg can be fresh, dried, canned, or frozen, but these last two options are the most budget friendly. Be sure to choose tinned fruit and vegetables in natural juice or water, with no added sugar or salt.

Try to buy your fresh produce in season for the best price and look out for deals on selected products like Aldi’s Super 6 campaign or Morrisons’ Fruit Bundle.

Convenience costs

There’s a reason why ready-prepared food is so popular: it’s quick and convenient. But while it saves you time and effort at the end of a long day, the cost of some ready-made foods is disproportionate to the ease of making it yourself.

As an example, Tesco potato wedges cost £1.40 per kilo, while a bag of potatoes from the same shop works out at only 36p per kilo. Both products are own brand, but you’re paying over the odds for someone else to do the prep.

Slicing up the potatoes and mixing them with some oil before popping in the oven takes barely any time, but you’ll make a decent cost saving. It’s also healthier as you know exactly what you’re eating - no hidden additives. 

Have a veggie day

Meat can be expensive, so save money by having a couple of days a week where you eat vegetarian. These hearty veggie recipes will fill you up at a fraction of the price. Choose slow-release carbohydrates like beans, whole grains, and pulses to keep you fuller for longer.

Soup glorious soup

In the colder months, soup comes into its own as a warming lunch or dinner option that packs in plenty of veg. Making your own soup is simple and super-cheap – try these recipes to get started.

Beanz meanz business

80g of beans or pulses counts as one of your 5 a day portions. They are easy to add to soups and stews, giving you a great source of fibre and a cheap way to make your dish go further.

Make the most of discount schemes

Through your employer, you may be able to access discounts at many retailers including supermarkets. Check before you head to the shops if there are codes or coupons you need to bring.

Even if a supermarket’s discount sounds small – e.g. 5% - making this saving week in week out will soon add up to a significant sum. Many supermarket discounts are available as e-vouchers on your mobile phone, making it quick and convenient to save while you shop.

Batch cook

If you’re short on time, plan to cook double portions a couple of nights a week. That way you can have the other portions as tomorrow’s dinner or pop them in the freezer for another day.

Writing a meal plan and accompanying shopping list will help you stay organised and means you won’t waste time going back and forth to shops all week. 

Making these small changes will add up over time to a significant saving, as well as helping you and your family eat better. For more thrifty tips, check out our article Save money on your supermarket shop