Simple ways to save money and cut waste at the same time
With food prices rising and budgets feeling tighter, making the most of what we’ve already got in the fridge or cupboard is more important than ever.
At Northern Community Bank, we’re all about helping people take control of their money in ways that feel simple and manageable. These easy food-saving tips can help reduce waste, stretch your budget further, and make sure nothing goes to waste, especially not your hard-earned cash.
Why Does Food Waste Matter?
In the UK, we throw away millions of tonnes of food every year often because it’s gone off before we’ve had a chance to use it. That’s not just bad for the planet, it’s bad for our pockets too.
The average family could save hundreds of pounds a year just by cutting down on food waste.
Try These Food-Saving Tips
1. Plan Your Meals
A bit of planning goes a long way.
- Write down what you need before you shop
- Check what’s already in your fridge and cupboards
- Plan meals around what’s already there
- Only buy what you’re likely to use
Top tip: Try using a whiteboard or notepad on the fridge to plan out the week’s meals.
2. Love Your Leftovers
Turn yesterday’s dinner into tomorrow’s lunch!
- Roast chicken = sandwiches or a simple curry
- Cooked veg = soups, bubble and squeak, or stir-fries
- Leftover pasta = frittata or pasta salad
Get creative and don’t be afraid to freeze leftovers for another day.
3. Check the Dates
“Use by” and “best before” don’t mean the same thing.
- Use by = food safety. Don’t eat after this date unless it’s been frozen.
- Best before = quality. Food might not be at its best, but it’s usually still safe to eat.
If something’s close to the date, pop it in the freezer or plan a meal around it.
4. Store Food the Smart Way
Storing food properly can help it last longer:
- Keep your fridge below 5°C
- Keep potatoes in a cool, dark place
- Freeze bread in portions so it’s easy to use
- Use clips or containers to keep packets sealed
5. Try Batch Cooking
Make a big batch of your favourite meals and freeze portions for later. It’s a great way to save time and avoid relying on costly takeaways when you’re busy or tired.
Even just doubling your chilli, stew, or curry once a week can build up a handy freezer stash.
Waste Less, Save More
Being smart with food isn’t about cutting back, it’s about getting more from what you already have. With just a few simple changes, you can waste less, save more, and make your money go further.
At Northern Community Bank, we’re here to support you with practical ideas that make everyday life feel that bit more manageable.
You can always talk money with us.
