Money-Saving Tips & Swaps
Share and discover supermarket swaps, budget-friendly alternatives, and practical tips from the community. Upvote the best ideas and find new ways to save on your weekly shop.
Swap beef mince for lentils
protein
easy
Save £3-5 per meal
I replace half the beef mince in bolognese, chili, or shepherd's pie with red lentils. You barely notice it but it saves money and adds fiber and protein.
Batch cook and freeze portions
Basics
medium
Save £25-40 per month
Cook big batches of soups, stews, or curries and freeze them in portions. Makes weeknight dinners quick and cuts down on food waste.
Use leftovers creatively
Basics
easy
Save £8-12 a week
Instead of throwing away leftovers, I usually turn them into stir-fries, soups, wraps. Great for stretching meals and saving money.
Buy frozen vegetables instead of fresh
Basics
easy
Save £8-12 per week
Frozen veg is can be fresher than what's in-store because it's flash-frozen at peak ripeness. It lasts longer and costs less—works perfectly for curries, stir-fries or sides.
Make treats from scratch
treats
medium
Save £10-15 per week
Baking your own cookies or muffins is way cheaper than buying ready-made. And you can make them healthier and tweak ingredients however you like.
Use diluted shampoo
toiletries
easy
Save £5-8 per month
I mix shampoo half-and-half with water in a separate bottle. It cleans just as well and stretches a bottle twice as long.
Make your own baby food
Other
medium
Save £40-60 per month
Steam and puree fruits and veggies instead of buying jars. Much cheaper and you know exactly what's inside. I freeze portions in ice cube trays for convenience.
Buy store-brand alcohol
Other
easy
Save £20-30 per month
Supermarket own-brand wines and spirits are usually made by the same companies as big brands but cost a lot less. Perfect for cooking or casual drinks.
Make your own cleaning spray
Household
easy
Save £15-20 per month
Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle, and add a few drops of dish soap for tough messes. Works just like the branded stuff but way cheaper.