Healthy lifestyle could help cut food bills

Wednesday, June 23rd 2010

Consumers may find their weekly food shopping bill decreases if they follow nutritional guidance and buy accordingly.

Sue Baic, senior lecturer in nutrition at the University of Bristol, says people should spend their budget in relation to how much of each type of food they should be eating.

This means paying out a large portion of the allowance on fruit, vegetables and starchy food, followed by a slightly lesser total on meat and dairy products.

Finally, only a small amount should be reserved for high-sugar or high-fat items, otherwise known as junk food.

With unhealthy products often particularly costly in comparison to fresh fruit and vegetables, following the expert advice could help Britons cut the size of their food bill.

According to recent research by LighterLife, the average UK shopper is splashing out more than £17 of a typical £65 weekly budget on junk food, such as chocolate, crisps and alcohol.