A budget-savvy shopper has shared a simple trick that can help stretch your grocery budget further, especially during times when household budgets are tight. Manchester Evening News lifestyle editor, Dianne Bourne, has been using this trick for years and is now encouraging others to give it a go during their next supermarket visit.
The trick involves utilising weighing scales commonly found in the fruit and vegetable sections of supermarkets. By weighing pre-bagged fruits and vegetables instead of relying solely on the weight printed on the packaging, shoppers may discover that they are getting more produce than they are paying for. This is because the weight on pre-packaged items is the minimum legal requirement, and in many cases, the actual weight may be higher than stated.
Dianne demonstrated this hack by visiting a local Tesco and weighing various fruit and vegetable packs. She found that by taking the time to weigh different packages, she could select the heaviest ones, ultimately getting more produce for the same price. This small adjustment in shopping habits can lead to significant savings, especially for families or individuals who buy fresh produce regularly.
Among the examples Dianne shared, she highlighted how she was able to choose a 1.1kg pack of jacket potatoes for the price of a 700g pack, and heavier bags of parsnips, pears, and carrots. While the gains may be more prominent in larger and heavier items, even slight differences in weight can add up to extra portions when feeding a family.
Dianne emphasised that while this trick may not be applicable to all products in a supermarket, it is particularly effective for fresh produce. By making weighing fruits and vegetables a routine part of her grocery shopping, she has managed to maximise her food purchases without exceeding her budget.
With inflation concerns and rising grocery costs, small but practical strategies like this can make a significant difference in managing household expenses. So, next time you’re at the supermarket, consider taking a moment to weigh your produce and potentially get more food for less money.