Everyone has noticed their food bills increase over the last few months. Budgeting and price-watching are the new norm during the weekly shopping trip as people navigate the cost of living crisis.
Driven partly by soaring food prices, UK inflation has reached more than 10% – the highest figure in 40 years. To help relieve some of that pressure MoneySavingExpert, founded by financial expert Martin Lewis, has put together some tips to keep costs down at the supermarket. Here are four ways you can shop more efficiently.
Read more: Thrifty mum saves hundreds on energy bills with her gym membership
New reward scheme at Asda
The store has just launched its first-ever loyalty scheme offering discounts on groceries. If you buy selected products or reach certain spend thresholds you will get rewards you can convert into vouchers to spend on your shopping. Just though don't use it as an excuse to overspend, MoneySavingExpert advises.
To get started download the Asda Rewards app, which is available for free from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Next either register as a newbie or sign in with your existing account if you've previously shopped online with the store.
You're then ready to earn cash rewards known as Asda Pounds when shopping in store and online. You just need to make sure to scan the app at the checkout in store. If you prefer to shop online you can just log in to your account and shop as normal once you have registered.
Compare prices
If you're confused about where to find the best deals and prices for your favourite items then why not compare? MoneySavingExpert's handy comparison tool Trolley lets you benchmark the cost of products at the major supermarkets. You can also get alerts when the prices of your favourites drop.
Switch banks to Virgin Money
If you switch to Virgin Money you can get 25% cashback for two months on supermarket and fuel spends according to MoneySavingExpert. Newbies switching to the Virgin Money M Plus account can get 25% cashback (up to a maximum of £160) on all purchases at every UK supermarket. You just need to spend using its debit card within your 60-day qualifying period.
Collect coupons and cashback to save
Clipping coupons is not so popular these days. Now people are trying to be clever with digital coupons and cashback apps to benefit from free or cheap food. You can browse Money Saving Expert's 40+ coupons guide for a round-up of the best ones and full info on how to raise your couponing game.
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