Shopping lists

Before making a list, check your fridge and cupboards to see what food you already have and work out what needs eating soon. Then think about what meals you would like to make to use up the items you already have.

You can then write a shopping list of specific ingredients and ensure you stay within your weekly food shopping budget.

Sticking to your shopping list

It’s very easy to get carried away in a supermarket and get sucked into special offers! Sticking to a list is a great way to save money as well as food, as it helps you to only buy what you need.

If you see a special offer such as ‘buy one, get one free’ think before you buy: will you use both items? And if not, do you have space in your freezer or cupboard to store it for another day?

Buying items loose rather than pre-packaged also means you only buy what you'll actually use.

Top tips for making a shopping list

Check these tips for making a shopping list:

• keep a list on your phone or in the kitchen so when you use up an item, you can quickly add it to your shopping list before you forget
• write your list based on the shop layout to save time walking back and forth across the supermarket
• add frozen foods to the bottom of the list so they’re the last thing you buy and can stay colder for longer
• check your list before you head to the shop in case plans have changed and you no longer need all the items on your list