Money tips
Moneycare's food and shopping hacks
Published on
21 May 2026
Food costs are high right now.
We know you're already being thoughtful and intentional with the way you shop.
To support you even further, we asked some of the team here at The Salvation Army to share their best money-saving tips. You'll find some of our favourites below - hopefully there's a new idea or two that makes things a little easier.
Grow your own herbs. Small pots with herbs like thyme, parsley and rosemary can be placed on a sunny windowsill or a balcony if you don’t have a backyard. It means you can just pick what you need and minimises waste.
Ann
We used to go to the movies on cheap Tuesday and make popcorn just before we left home. Or we would go to the supermarket beforehand, give the children a budget and they could choose a snack they wanted.
Carolyn
Always keep an eye on specials at the supermarket.
Hassan
Replace takeaway night with your leftover meals in the freezer.
Jane
Bulk buy shopping with family or friends - utilise fruit and veg markets.
Sarah
Make soup with all the tired veggies in your fridge rather than throwing them
Jacqueline
Don’t go shopping on an empty stomach.
Gul
Review your fridge contents before you hit the shops.
Mandy
Best thing with using a slow cooker is the meals freeze well too.
Jessie
Buy bulk packs of chicken, marinate for a day, and then freeze them. Avoid buying expensive takeaways.
Sumit
Shopping hacks
Groceries are so expensive and supermarkets are expertly designed to tempt you into spending more than you planned. Here are our top shopping hacks:
- Look above and below eye level on the shelves for better prices
- Check the price per unit, not just the shelf price to compare
- Stick to buying fruit and vegetables that are in season
- Always shop with a list
What are your cheap, easy, no-fuss dinners on rotation?
Here are some of our favourites:
- Toasties
- Snack plates
- Homemade pizzas
- Eggs on toast
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