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Top tips for shopping on a budget

Top tips for shopping on a budget

22 August 2022

With everyone watching the pennies and pounds right now, we have come up with some tips to help you shop smart.

Here’s some ways to help you shop in a way that’s good for the planet, for you, and for your wallet too!

Module - Switch and swap
Switch and swap

It’s an easy habit to simply grab and go on the well-known brands. But choosing the household favourites can add up on the shopping bill.

One of the quickest and easiest things you can start doing is to switch to own-brand items. For example, our Co-op own brand products are often a considerable amount cheaper than the recognised brand of goods.

You don’t have to swap every item on your shopping list, but if you do a few swaps over time, you might just be surprised on the product and your budget.

Check out our honest value range HERE.

Module - Try going meat-free
Try going meat-free

Whether you’re a meat-eater or 100% veggie, choosing to change up your menu (even for a day or two per week) can be a gamechanger.

If you’re not quite sure where to begin, let us help inspire you with our range of plant-based recipes. Or, why not try our exclusive vegan GRO range?

From food to go, quick snacks and meals or sweet treats, there’s something to suit every taste.

Check out our GRO range HERE

Vegan and vegetarian recipes HERE

Module - Support local
Support local

We’re huge fans of local goods and produce. It’s why we’re one of the largest retailers locally offering a selection of homegrown and homemade products.

We champion our local suppliers and growers not just because it tastes the best, but because it supports our islands’ economy, our environment, and the next generation of local producers.

Plus, buying local can often mean that you are saving money – and food airmiles.

Discover some of the local producers we work with.

Module - Be creative with leftovers
Be creative with leftovers

There’s no real waste unless we waste it. So why not get creative with your food excess?

For instance, any extra veg or meat from a roast dinner could make tomorrow’s soup or Bubble & Squeak dinner?

  • Got milk that’s about to go off? Whip up a batch of this comforting crusted fish pie.

  • Put the cheese scraps lingering at the back of your fridge to good use in this cracker crust quiche.

  • These flourless banana bars are perfect for using up bananas that are on the verge of going brown.

  • Broccoli stalks are delicious but all too often end up in the compost. Instead, make up a batch of this nourishing broccoli stalk soup

  • Nip the sprouting parts and any green bits off your old potatoes and save them from the bin with this bean and fish finger pie.

If you’re prone to cooking too much, why not batch cook and keep some meals prepared and ready in your freezer? Simply, take it out, defrost and cook thoroughly. Sustainable and miles better than any microwave meal.

Be part of a sustainable Society with us

Your Coop are passionate about protecting the planet and people. From our commitment to Fairtrade, to high standard for livestock, our climate change commitments or consistently making improvements to our own-branded packaging.

All of our own branded cosmetics and household products, including cosmetics, toiletries and household cleaning products, are Leaping Bunny approved, and we ensure the wood and paper in our products are sourced ethically – 95% of it is either FSC-approved or recycled.

It’s because we believe that we all can play a part – big or small in making our island a cleaner and greener place for all.