Eating in the UK can sometimes be expensive, but there are plenty of ways to save money while still enjoying good food. Here are some tips and resources to help you stretch your budget:
- Get a supermarket loyalty card. Most large supermarkets offer free loyalty cards that give you access to money-saving deals, discounts, and points that can be redeemed for coupons or rewards. Popular ones include Tesco Clubcard, Sainsbury’s Nectar, Morrisons More, Co-op Membership, Lidl Plus, and Asda Rewards.
- Use student discount apps. Apps like Student Beans and UniDays regularly offer discounts on food, groceries, restaurants, and more. Be sure to check them often for updated deals.
- Take advantage of meal deals. Many supermarkets offer “meal deals” — typically including a main meal, a drink, and a snack at a discounted price. Pro tip: choose the most expensive items to get the best value.
- Try meal kit subscriptions. Services like HelloFresh, Gousto, and Simply Cook deliver recipes and ingredients to your door, making cooking easier and often cheaper than eating out. They usually offer student discounts or introductory deals.
- Use your Campus Card. Get discounts on food and drinks across campus, including meal plans via Clever Cuisine, which offers tasty and affordable food on campus.
- Compare supermarket prices online. Websites like PriceSpy help you compare prices across different supermarkets so you can shop smart.
- Reduce food waste and save money with apps.
- Too Good To Go connects you with local restaurants, cafés, and stores selling surplus food at a discount, helping reduce waste and save money.
- Olio lets you find free or cheap food shared by people in your community, plus other household items.
- Look for student discounts at local restaurants. Many eateries at Reading’s Oracle Shopping Centre and around town offer discounts if you show your University ID — check online or in-store for the latest offers.
- Choose supermarket own-brand products. These are usually cheaper than branded items and can be good quality — look out for ranges like Tesco’s “Everyday Value.”
- Grab late deals on ready-to-eat food. Some places like Itsu in Reading offer discounts on sushi and cold foods after 7:30 pm, perfect for a cheaper dinner.
- Enjoy local student nights. For example, Mission Burrito in Reading town centre offers 30% off food and drinks for students every Wednesday — just show your student ID!