In today’s challenging economic climate, with the cost of living soaring, many households are looking for ways to stretch their budgets. A recent analysis revealed that even the cheapest supermarket items have seen a dramatic price increase, with budget lines jumping by a staggering 32.6% from 2021 to 2023. Fortunately, a simple hack, shared by the YouTube channel Save the Student, could help you significantly reduce your food bill without even switching supermarkets.
The trick lies in where you purchase your herbs and spices. The channel emphasizes that most shoppers are unknowingly overspending by buying seasonings from the dedicated spice aisle, often packaged in small glass jars. Instead, they encourage viewers to head to the World Food aisle, where you’ll find larger bags of the same seasonings for a much lower price.
For example, a small 85g jar of crushed chillies could cost £1.90, while a larger 250g bag from the World Food aisle might cost just £2.20. Although the initial price of the bag may seem higher, when you factor in the weight, it works out significantly cheaper. This translates to substantial savings, potentially up to 80%, according to Save the Student.
If you crave the convenience of smaller jars, you can easily pour the larger bags into them when you get home, enjoying the best of both worlds – convenience and savings!
The concept of bulk buying to reduce food costs isn’t new, and it applies to many other food items beyond spices. Consider purchasing a 10kg bag of rice instead of multiple 1kg bags – you’ll likely save a considerable amount in the long run.
When buying in bulk, always check the best-before date to ensure you’ll consume the entire product before it expires, avoiding unnecessary waste and further cost. While bulk buying requires more storage space and upfront investment, for many, the long-term savings can make it a worthwhile strategy.
