Looking for ways to save money at the supermarket? We're all feeling the pinch at the minute, and apart from your mortgage/rent and energy bills, groceries is one of the biggest outgoings for most families.

If you're trying to cut down the cost of your weekly shop, keep reading to discover our top tips to save money at the supermarket...

How to save money at the supermarket

1. Shop your cupboards first

Before you go shopping, check what you have at home first. It sounds like such an obvious thing to say, but it's a step we often miss (guilty!) which can lead to spending and wasting more.

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2. Make a list & plan your meals

Another top tip to save money on groceries before you leave the house is to make a list and try your best to stick to it. It helps to plan your meals out including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

That way, you'll be less tempted by impulse purchases and 'naughty' treats. Plus, a meal plan can help you stay on track if you're trying to eat healthier.

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3.  Get cashback on your groceries

Get exclusive cashback rates ranging from 2% up to a whopping £12 for new and existing customers when you shop online with retailers including Asda, Morrisons, Waitrose, Sainsbury's, Tesco, Iceland, and Ocado via Quidco.

You can also get cashback in-store on various items when you download the Quidco ClickSnap for free and upload a photo of your receipt when you get home.

4. Sign up for loyalty cards

Most supermarkets have loyalty card schemes, which are free to join like Nectar and Tesco Clubcard. Earn points for scanning your card or app at the till, which you can put towards your weekly shop.

The more you scan your card, the more tailored your offers become, so you actually save money on things you already buy!

5. Find coupons & discount codes

Coupons and welcome discount offers are another great way to save money on your supermarket shop! You can find these in your junk mail so make sure you double check offers before you throw them in your recycling.

You can also look online to find coupons, as well as picking up magazines in-store at supermarkets including Asda, Tesco and Sainsbury's.

6. Look for freebies

Did you know you can bag free food and drink offers at the supermarket? Look on product packaging for 'try me for free' campaigns, where you can pick up the product and claim 100% cashback online. How good is that??

7. Enter competitions

Look online and in-store for competitions and don't forget to enter those 'give us feedback to win' prize draws on your receipt. Sometimes you can win gift cards, or a free shop for a year! Remember the golden rule, though: You've got to be in it to win it!

Psst... Check out our Quidco Freebies page for monthly gift card and cash prize competitions.

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8. Shop yellow sticker reductions

Most supermarkets have a yellow sticker reductions section, where you can snap up meat, dairy, and bakery items for a significantly reduced price. Make sure you check the fridge aisles and bakery counter for all the best bargains.  

Supermarket staff discount products throughout the day but the recommended times to go to get the ultimate discounts are often early morning and right before closing.

9. Try the supermarket own label range

We're all feeling the pinch at the minute, so it absolutely makes sense to downshift to supermarket own brand ranges for items like bread, pasta, cereal, toiletries, ready meals, and much more.

You don't even have to compromise on quality either! Believe it or not, the ingredients in basic products are the same, if not healthier than some leading brands.

10. Choose wonky veg

Supermarkets like Morrisons and Asda sell wonky veg boxes and individual packs of fruit and vegetables too, including carrots, onions, peppers, and more. These can definitely help you get your five-a-day if you're on a tight budget!

Quite often there is no difference in the quality or shelf life, either so it makes perfect sense to rescue these off the shelf.

Quidco supermarket money-saving tips

11. Get a Blue Light discount

Do you work for the emergency services? Did you know you can purchase a Blue Light membership for just £4.99 a month and get a whopping 15,000 discounts from a range of retailers?

This includes various supermarkets like Morrisons, where you can get a generous 10% discount off your shop every time you visit the store.

12. Look for free delivery & click and collect

Supermarkets such as Tesco offer free click and collect services, with many offering free delivery when you spend over a certain threshold such as £40 with Iceland.

It's also worth weighing up if you can save money with a delivery pass, which can cost around £5 a month with most supermarkets.

This offers perks such as priority delivery slots, and many have a saving guarantee, where they reward you money back if you haven't saved on delivery costs.

13. Pick up a Too Good To Go Magic Bag

Have you heard of Too Good To Go? This fantastic app helps prevent food waste from shops and restaurants. You can buy 'Magic Bags' packed full of food including fruit, vegetables, sandwiches, bakery treats, and more, which would otherwise be thrown out.

Bags start from as little as £3 and are available from supermarkets like Morrisons and convenience stores including Londis. Download the app for free and have a browse at what's available in your area.

You may also like: 12 savvy ways to save money at Morrisons

14. Bring your own bags

A simple but effective tip is to bring your own bags to the supermarket. While 10-30p for a bag doesn't sound like a lot, it can add up if you need a few every time you shop. Just don't forget to get them from the boot before you go in!

15. Never shop hungry

Another easy tip is never shop hungry. There have been endless studies that prove that those who shop hungry tend to spend more and buy unhealthier products.

If you feel hungry before your next trip to the supermarket, try eating a snack or schedule your trip after your breakfast or dinner for example.

16. Avoid convenience and supermarket express stores

Sometimes convenience and supermarket express stores are a necessity if you forget items like milk (why do we always forget milk??) but they are known to be more expensive.

So unless you have multiple coupons and cashback offers to use in a specific shop local to you, it's best to travel to bigger stores if possible.

You may also like: 15 easy ways to save money on Asda groceries

17. Shop in the world food aisle

Have you ever been down the world food aisle? It's great for picking up items like sauces, rice, and pulses.

It often works out cheaper per portions too, which is a top secret tip the supermarkets don't want you to know!

Next time you're in the supermarket, take a trip down and see how much you could save.

You may also like: 7 ways to save money on food & drink at Iceland supermarket

18. Deal stack offers

Deal stacking is a well-known term used in the money-saving community when you can combine two offers to help you save even more money.

For example, if you find a coupon for £1-off a pack of yoghurts, and the yoghurts are on offer for £1, you'll get them for free. Amazing!

Even better, if you can find the yoghurts on offer on an app like Quidco ClickSnap or there is a cashback 'try me for free' campaign running at the same time, you'll even make money buying the product!

19. Join Facebook bargain groups

Have you looked at Facebook money-saving groups? If there is a supermarket glitch deal or flash reduction to be had, they will be the first to know about it!

Start by joining our Quidco Rocks money-saving group, to get top tips and tricks from fellow members.

20. Consider bulk buying

If you're buying items regularly, you might want to consider bulk buying or buying a bigger size. More often than not, things like toilet roll, pasta, and tea bags, are cheaper when you buy bigger packs.

It also pays to take advantage of offers on items that are on your shopping list when there are deals on such as buy one, get one free or discounted products.

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