How to cut back on our Supermarket spend

In the constantly inflated climate we find ourselves in at the moment, we all seem to be looking for ways to cut down on the costs of running our households to compensate for spiralling prices on mortgages, fuel, etc., and most of us are looking in the direction of our weekly food shopping bill hoping to make a few savings. But are the major supermarkets really doing all they can to help our money go further? With a branded loaf now tipping the scales at over £1.20 and recent significant increases on basic staples such as eggs, meat and cheese, to name but a few, it would seem that 'every little is not helping' contrary to what television advertising would have us believe!

• Use local resources - I've been buying free-range organic eggs (with lots of double yolkers!) from our local farm shop paying £1 per ½ dozen compared to £2.15 at our local supermarket. The price is almost scandalous in comparison and there is the added benefit of the reduction in my carbon footprint. There are lots of local farm shops selling a range of fresh produce at a fraction of supermarket prices, so well worth giving them a try.


• Use your local butcher - he's a master of his art and in great need of your support and with his meat often at lower prices than the major multiples, there is a definite saving to be had. There's the vast reduction in unnecessary packaging to consider with this option, which again, brings its own benefits. There's also the added bonus of his experience and knowledge, which, for a well below par cook such as me, is always worth its weight in gold!


• Try discount supermarkets such as Aldi and Lidl. Most people have shied away from these shops up until now but, although many of the brands are not what we are accustomed to, we should remember that although these discount supermarkets are relatively new to the UK, they are huge major multiples on the continent so have a massive buying power. The quality of their deli meats, cheeses, fresh fruit and vegetables is really good from my experience and the cost savings on basics such as milk, sugar and bread are significant. They also have a 'quick payment policy' in place for their suppliers, which again, gives the benefit of price reductions on branded goods. Give them a try and once you have got used to the 'pack your own bags' theme; you'll see the benefit in your purse maybe.


• Grow your own - I'm not suggesting for a minute that in our hectic lives we should attempt a return to 'the good life' but there's a definite saving to be had on items such as herbs, which retail around 50p in your local garden centre and once unceremoniously shoved in a pot, will give a year after year supply and taste much fresher than the plastic bag variety. Fruits such as rhubarb, raspberries and blackberries, take little if any care once planted and tomatoes are easy even to the most un-green of fingers. And, of course, there's nothing quite like picking your own produce for dinner.