Trying to eat well without emptying your wallet? Youâre definitely not on your own. With living costs still climbing in 2025, plenty of us across the UK are looking for smarter, cheaper ways to keep mealtimes tasty and affordable. Thatâs where a weekly meal plan can really come in handy.
In this guide, weâll take you through how to whip up a cheap weekly meal plan in the UK that wonât skimp on flavour or nutrition. Whether youâre a student, feeding a family, or just keen to cut down your food bill, this will help you make every penny count.
Why Meal Planning is a Game-Changer in 2025
With prices for food, bills, and rent all creeping up, being clever with your meals is more important than ever. Meal planning saves you money, cuts down waste, and makes life less stressful. Plus, it helps you eat healthier without faffing about.
Whatâs in it for you?
- Save around ÂŁ30âÂŁ50 a week on your grocery shop
- Utilise what you currently have to prevent food from ending up in the trash.
- Say goodbye to daily ‘whatâs for dinner?’ panic
- Enjoy more home-cooked, wholesome meals
How to Build Your Own Cheap Weekly Meal Plan â Step by Step
Step 1: Set a Realistic Budget
Figure out what you can comfortably spend. Many families aim for about ÂŁ25âÂŁ40 per person each week.
Step 2: Check Whatâs in Your Cupboards
Before you shop, have a good look in your fridge, freezer, and cupboards. Planning meals around whatâs already there helps save cash and reduces waste.
Step 3: Pick Your Go-To Meals
Choose simple, tasty breakfasts, lunches, and dinners you know youâll enjoy. Keep them flexible so you can swap ingredients based on whatâs cheap or on offer.
Some budget-friendly favourites include:
- Porridge topped with frozen berries
- Jacket potatoes with baked beans
- Pasta tossed with tinned tomatoes and veggies
- Fried rice with eggs and leftover bits and bobs
Step 4: Create a List and Follow It
Shopping without a list is tempting disaster. Stick to what you need, and shop at budget supermarkets like Aldi or Lidl for the best bargains.
Step 5: Prep Once, Eat Twice (or More!)
Batch cooking saves time and energy. Prepare extra servings and store them in the freezer for hectic days. Using an air fryer or slow cooker can also help cut down on energy bills.
Sample 7-Day Cheap Weekly Meal Plan for a Family of Four
Monday
- Breakfast: Overnight oats
- Lunch: Egg mayo sandwiches with carrot sticks
- Dinner: Spaghetti bolognese with lentils mixed in
Tuesday
- Breakfast: Toast with peanut butter and banana
- Lunch: Homemade soup with crusty bread
- Dinner: Veggie stir-fry with rice
Wednesday
- Breakfast: Cornflakes with milk
- Lunch: Tuna pasta salad
- Dinner: Chicken tray bake with root veg
Thursday
- Breakfast: Yoghurt with chopped fruit
- Lunch: Cheese sandwiches and cucumber slices
- Dinner: Chickpea curry with rice
Friday
- Breakfast: Porridge with raisins
- Lunch: Leftover curry wraps
- Dinner: Homemade pizza on flatbread
Saturday
- Breakfast: Scrambled eggs on toast
- Lunch: Soup and cheese toasties
- Dinner: Baked potatoes with beans and coleslaw
Sunday
- Breakfast: Pancakes with syrup
- Lunch: Pasta with leftover veg sauce
- Dinner: Roast chicken with potatoes, carrots, and gravy (use leftovers for Monday)
Top Tips for Keeping Costs Down
1. Frozen & Tinned Veg are Your Friends
They last longer and are often cheaper than fresh. Plus, theyâre just as nutritious.
2. Own-Brand Products Can Be Just as Good
Try supermarket value ranges â youâd be surprised how good quality they are.
3. Batch Cook & Freeze
Making a big pot of stew or chilli can mean several dinners sorted.
4. Use Loyalty Cards & Apps
Keep an eye out for discounts, vouchers, and loyalty points. Every penny counts!
5. Ditch Pre-Packaged Snacks
Cut up your own fruit and veg â cheaper, fresher, and better for you.
Aldi vs Lidl â Which Is Cheaper for Your Weekly Shop?
Both supermarkets are champions of value, but itâs worth knowing their quirks:
- Aldi often edges it for fresh fruit and veg deals
- Lidl tends to have bargains on bakery and meat products
Prices can vary week to week, so keep an eye on both and shop around based on whatâs on offer. For up-to-date price trends, you might want to check recent reports from trusted sources.
What Nutrition Experts Say
Fortunately, eating healthily doesn’t have to be costly. Focus on whole grains, pulses like beans and lentils, seasonal veg, and budget-friendly proteins like eggs or tinned fish. You can eat healthy without spending a fortune.
Bonus: Easy Air Fryer Recipes to Try
Got an air fryer? Theyâre brilliant for quick, cheap meals. Here are some simple ideas:
- Crispy sweet potato wedges
- Tofu stir fry
- Garlic and herb chicken drumsticks
Find more recipes and meal plans on air fryer recipes and budget meal ideas.
Final Thoughts
Eating well on a shoestring budget in the UK is totally doable. With a bit of planning and savvy shopping, you can enjoy wholesome meals without the stress or the high price tag. Try meal planning; you’ll quickly see the difference in your waistline and your pocketbook.
To read more; click here.
FAQs
1. How much should a weekly food shop cost in the UK?
For a family of four, budgeting around ÂŁ80âÂŁ100 works well with good planning.
2. Can I eat healthy on a tight budget?
Absolutely! Follow the guidelines for full meals, frozen veggies, batch cooking, and legumes.
3. Are meal planning apps worth trying?
Yes! Many free apps make planning and shopping so much easier.
4. How can I save money on meat?
Use it sparingly as a flavouring, or try vegetarian meals a few times a week.
5. Is cooking from scratch cheaper?
Definitely. Home-cooked meals usually cost less than ready meals or takeaways.
