How to set a weekly food budget (UK, 2026)

Food is the biggest flexible cost in most budgets, and the easiest one to lose track of, because it's spread across big shops, top-ups, meal deals and takeaways. Here's how to set a budget you'll actually stick to.

Step 1: find out what you really spend

Go through the last four weeks of bank and card statements and add up everything food-related: supermarket shops, top-up shops, lunches and meal deals, coffees, takeaways and delivery apps. Divide by four. Most people are surprised: top-ups and takeaways are often a third of the total.

Step 2: set a target that's a little lower

Aim for 10–15% below your real figure for the first month, rather than an ambitious cut you'll abandon by week two. If you spend £120 a week now, try £105. Once that feels normal, trim again.

A useful check is your cost per person per day: weekly budget ÷ people ÷ 7. For example, £90 a week for three people is about £4.29 per person per day.

Step 3: plan meals before you write the list

1. Check the fridge, freezer and cupboards first, and plan the first meals around what needs using up.
2. Plan dinners for the week, including one "leftovers" night and one store-cupboard night.
3. Cook once, eat twice: a big chilli, curry or bolognese covers two dinners or a dinner plus lunches.
4. Write the shopping list by aisle and estimate the price of each item, so you know you're on budget before you shop.

Step 4: one big shop, fewer top-ups

Every extra trip to the shop is a chance to buy things that aren't on the list. Try one main shop a week (online shopping helps, because you see the running total), plus one planned top-up for fresh milk, bread and fruit.

Step 5: price-check your top 10 staples

Pick the 10 things you buy every week (milk, bread, eggs, pasta, rice, chicken, mince, cheese, fruit, potatoes). Note the price at two or three supermarkets once a month. Discounters (Aldi and Lidl) are usually cheapest overall, but price-matched lines and loyalty-card prices at the big four can beat them on particular items.

Cheap meal ideas that don't feel cheap

• Bolognese or shepherd's pie made half with red lentils
• Jacket potatoes with beans and cheese
• Egg fried rice with frozen veg
• Chickpea and spinach curry
• A roast chicken on Sunday, with the leftovers for Monday's wraps and the carcass for stock
• Homemade pizza on tortilla wraps

Other ways to cut the bill

• Frozen veg and fruit are as nutritious as fresh, and there's no waste.
• Try the "downshift" test: one brand level lower on each item, and only go back up if you notice the difference.
• Use reduced-to-clear sections late in the day for things you can freeze.
• Check whether you qualify for Healthy Start (pregnancy and young children) or free school meals.

Food is just one part of your monthly spending. Get the full picture with our free bills calculator.

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