How to save money on groceries without sacrificing good meals

The grocery bill can quickly eat into a household budget, especially when the trolley fills up with convenience foods, unnecessary specials and ingredients that never make it into a meal.

But saving money on groceries does not have to mean buying the cheapest products or serving smaller portions.

According to food writer Alida Ryder, some of the biggest savings come from looking at how you shop and use food, rather than simply what you buy.

A few changes can help stretch meals further, reduce waste and make the food you already have work harder.

Buying in bulk can save money, but only if it is something your household actually uses.

Pasta, rice and meat are good examples of foods that can make sense to buy in larger quantities, particularly when they are on special.

But buying three large bottles of a sauce you rarely use simply because the price per bottle is lower is not really saving.

If the food ends up unused or expires, the lower price becomes irrelevant.

Meat is often one of the more expensive parts of a meal, so making it go further can have a noticeable impact on the grocery bill.

Instead of building a dish entirely around meat, add vegetables to mince, stews, curries, pasta sauces and casseroles.

Carrots, onions, cabbage, butternut and other vegetables can add bulk without making the meal feel like you have simply removed the meat.

Pre-cut vegetables are convenient, particularly when you are short on time, but that convenience comes at a price.

Buying whole vegetables and cutting them yourself can save money over time.

The same applies to other prepared ingredients. If you have the time to do the preparation yourself, compare the price before automatically reaching for the ready-to-use option.