Brits are being urged to avoid making one mistake in the supermarket that could potentially cost a lot of money. Like most other things these days, groceries can be pretty pricey, especially if you’re shopping for a big family.
However, doing the weekly shop when you haven’t eaten yourself should be avoided at all costs. According to the retail experts at Brit Superstore, shopping on an empty stomach triggers impulse spending, which can seriously add up over time. In fact, over the course of a year, it could pile on an extra £1,000 to your grocery bills.
These hunger-driven impulse buys can add an extra £20.82 per shopping trip, according to Richard Price, who is a professional shopper at Brit Superstore. So if you’re trying to cut down on extra spending at this time of year, it’s recommended that you eat something before heading out to your local supermarket.
When you’re hungry, you are far more likely to grab high-calorie, ready-to-eat items that you probably don’t need. Behavioural psychologists have explained that hunger makes our brains prioritise instant gratification, which is why that chocolate bar suddenly looks impossible to resist.
How to save money while shopping
To help Brits get the most out of their food budgets, Richard has shared some important advice that anyone can take on board – starting with those all-important pre-shopping snacks.
He said: “Even a small snack can stop impulse buys in their tracks.”
As well as this, it can be really helpful to plan your meals for the week and write a shopping list in advance. This way, you know exactly what you need to pick up, and won’t be tempted to go astray.
Shoppers are also being urged to look out for any value ranges or discounts at the supermarket, as Richard claims they are ‘often just as good as premium products’ and can help save you hundreds of pounds in a year.
Start with trying out a few things at a time, and keep them in mind next time you’re out at the shops.
And finally, something as simple as choosing a basket rather than a large trolley can work wonders for your shopping bills. Doing this, and avoiding doing the shop at lunch or dinner time, can help you to limit those impulsive purchases and save money instead.
