How to spend £20 or less on food every week

Most students can relate, I think nearly all of us at some point tried making £10 last us for the rest of the month. This was typically a result of poor spending habits made a few weeks prior. Nonetheless students are the best at finding ways to maximize what they can get from the little money that they have. I discovered that I only have to spend £20 a week on food while not having to sacrifice my health.

How is this possible you say?

One word: Aldi

(source:organicandhealthy.org)

If you have never heard of Aldi let me introduce you. Aldi is a global discount supermarket, which essentially means you can get food for really cheap.

These prices are able to be low because the food items being sold are typically off-brand products, have damaged packaging (food is not contaminated), products close to being out of date, and because products are not presented nicely on the shelves.


This is what Aldi looks like on the inside:

(source:mealsandmiles.com)

The most popular supermarkets for students in the UK are Tesco and Sainsbury's but in my eyes they are no match for Aldi. I do all of my shopping at Aldi and can attest that ALL of the food is tasty (including meats and fresh vegetables). Meaning you are not sacrificing good tasting meals to spend less money.

Despite all of this there are sacrifices that must be made in order to save money and for me it was connivence. If you want to cut your food budget nearly in half you have to be willing to go out of your way for it, but in the end it is totally worth it. By spending less on food you will be able to spend the remaining money elsewhere.

WARNING! Even in Aldi you can easily spend more than you were planning to because all of the small things start to add up.

Tip: Your phone calculator is your new best friend. Keeping track of the exact price of items will ensure you do not spend over your £20 limit.

It is important to buy effectively so you are able to get the most out of your purchases . I accomplish this by creating categories which particular foods go under and shop accordingly. You could also make a food list before hand or meal ideas.

E.g)

• Breakfast
• eggs
• porridge
• bannas
• Lunch 
• bread
• cheese
• Snacks
• crips
• Dinner
• vegetables 
• chicken

While shopping it important to keep your list or categories in mind ensuring that you will buy an array of items.

As you can see from my Aldi receipt I was able to get 25 items for £18.94.

WHAT A STEAL!

It is important to note that certain items may not be repurchased every time you do your grocery shopping because they last longer then just one week e.g.) frozen fruits, frozen vegetables, spices, and canned items. Grocery lists are very customizable, you decide on whatever you want to eat. What is important is that you can eat whatever your diet may be under £20.


If there is not an Aldi near by you can look for other discounted supermarkets like Lidl, Nifties, easyFoodstore, EatBig, and Approved Food.


Happy Grocery Shopping!



LINKS:

https://www.instagram.com/kaylawyatt4/