I’m a mum-of-two who slashed my food bill by £200 per month by using the ‘restaurant rule’ with my kids – here’s how
THE average family-of-four spends a whopping £634.96 per month on their food bill.
But as the prices keep soaring, one savvy mum-of-two, Emma Stretton, from Manchester, revealed how she's managed to keep the costs down - and why it's all about introducing something called the 'restaurant rule'.
Below are Emma's top eight tips that could save you as much as a whopping £200 every month when feeding your family.
Order your food shop online
According to the mum, better known as on Instagram, she does most of her grocery shopping online.
Chatting to Fabulous, the parent said: ''I plan out what we will eat for the whole week, including weekends, then write a list.
''The bonus of online shopping is that I find it easier to stick to the list. I’m not tempted by treats or offers on things I don’t need.
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''I also have a Clubcard to make the most of Clubcard points; you’re pretty much throwing money away if you don’t.''
This, as well as sticking to non-branded products, can save you an extra £15, the mum claimed.
Introduce the restaurant rule
The so-called 'restaurant rule' has multiple benefits - not only does it keep the bill lower, but it's also a healthier option for the kids.
“This means they get one drink of their choice, usually a Diet Coke, and if they drink it all and want another one, they have water,'' Emma said.
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''They don’t love it, but they’re used to it now and it stops them necking their drink and then immediately wanting another one,'' the mum noted, adding this will save around £5.30.
Switch cereal for crumpets or fruit
Since prices have gone up, the money-saving whizz has found it ''a lot cheaper'' to purchase items such as crumpets or potato cakes for breakfast instead of sweet cereal.
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''When we do have cereal, there is a choice of porridge or Weetabix, then a ‘special’ cereal like own-brand Coco Pops for the weekend.
''You really don’t need 15 different varieties and six pints of milk for breakfast.
''A couple of crumpets and some inexpensive fruit, like a banana or an apple, is plenty.”
This healthy swap is set you save you around £12.
Provide snack boxes
During the term holidays, Emma will fill a box of goodies with the right amount of snacks for the day.
Her kids can choose when to eat the items inside but if they’re all gone by 11am, they won’t get any more.
''It also means that when the fruit is inevitably the last thing in the box, they have no choice but to eat it if they’re hungry,'' she noted, adding that this trick will save you approximately £10.
DIY sweet bowls
Just like any other child, Emma's children love sweet treats - but she also has a tip to save you around £8.
''To make things stretch further, I buy the store-brand packs of sweets that are 4 for £1 and then mix them all up in a big bowl with some own-brand chocolate buttons.
''It’s cheaper than buying the individual packets of expensive sweets and a lot more fun too.”
Plate up old-fashioned dinners
Of course, we all want to try out various cuisines from around the world - but sometimes, just like Emma said, there's nothing wrong with a tin of spaghetti hoops and sausages on toast.
''My kids love a tin of ravioli and frozen garlic bread.
''It might not be glamorous, but it fills them up and it always gets eaten a lot quicker than the wholesome, nutritious meals that cost more.''
Other inexpensive meals that could save you £28 a month include pasta and pesto with some ham thrown in or bagel pizzas.
''We also buy a whole chicken on a Sunday, roast it and leave it in the fridge to quickly add into meals or sandwiches during the week,'' said Emma.
''If you put half a lemon in, it helps keep it fresh and lasts a few days.”
Keep switching meal prep suppliers
For those who like Emma and her hubby are not particularly good at cooking new recipes, the mum-of-two advised to changing between various meal prep suppliers.
She explained: ''Then, when the discounts run out, we move to another one.
''They always send offers to entice you back, so we just keep using these. It’s a bit more of an effort but worth it for the savings.”
Total savings - £85.05, Emma added.
Purchase a Delivery Saver pass
The money-saving parent said: “With the online shopping, I have a Delivery Saver pass that I paid for with Clubcard points''
This gives Emma free delivery any day of the week after 3pm.
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''The Saver pass would normally have cost £30 for six months, but I traded in all my Clubcard points and got it for free.”
This tip saves the family around a whopping £46 every month.