MAKE MERRY WITHOUT BREAKING THE BANK THIS CHRISTMAS

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but the current cost of living crisis means many of us will be feeling the pinch this Christmas. According to a Reuters survey, 75% of adults aren’t planning a big celebration this year – and with food prices rising over 12% in 2022, that means cutting back on food and drink spending. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the festivities! Here are our top money and waste-saving tips to bring the festive fizz to your Christmas table, without the financial hangover…

1. Reward your loyalty. Don’t let your brand loyalty throughout the year go unrewarded! Christmas is the ideal time to take advantage of any supermarket loyalty scheme vouchers or special offers that you may be entitled to. Check your card numbers on store apps or websites for any hidden festive deals you may not be aware of.

2. Be a savvy shopper. Supermarkets are competitive and prices change all the time. While you may have a favourite food retailer, it’s worth switching up your shopping routine over the Christmas period, especially for items you wouldn’t normally buy such as chocolate or sweet tubs, frozen food and alcohol. Consumer advice experts Which have a useful guide to the cheapest places to shop for different Christmas food items.

3. Go coupon crazy. As well as supermarket newsletters and magazines, which regularly include discount coupons, check out websites like SuperSavvyMe and CaringEveryday for printable coupons direct from the manufacturer to keep down the cost of your Christmas spending.

4. Fight food waste. To reduce the volume of retail food that’s being wasted, apps such as Too Good To Go and Olio allow users to collect heavily discounted produce from local supermarkets, cafés and food stores, that would otherwise be thrown out. Sign up today – there are some real bargains to be had!

5. Help yourself from the community fridge. There are currently over 300 community fridges across the UK. Designed to cut costs and help prevent edible food from going to landfill, they’re aimed at helping the whole community and offer support with cooking, clothes swaps and other money-saving ideas. Find your nearest community fridge at Hubbub.org.uk.

6. Tired of turkey? If you’re stuck in the rut of buying a large turkey each Christmas, only for most of it to be thrown out with the wrapping paper, why not mix it up this year? Chicken or pork are much cheaper and will go perfectly with your roast potatoes and stuffing, and there are more vegetarian and vegan options available than ever before.

7. Love your leftovers. And finally, don’t think of Christmas as just one day. To avoid expensive food waste and maximise your festive feast investment, research alternative meals that make the most of your leftovers. From turkey curry and bubble and squeak, to soups and hot pots, the BBC Good Food website has hundreds of delicious recipes to tickle your tastebuds well beyond Dec 25th!