What's your weekly grocery spend?

fro9etb8j5qsl2 · 27-01-2017 7:33pm #1

2 adults and 2 toddlers here and we spend around €80 p/w on our grocery shop plus an extra €20-€30 on top ups. Husband has a subsidised canteen at work so he has breakfast and lunch there but apart from that, our shopping covers all other meals and snacks. I used to be more frugal but have gone off track a bit recently. I always meal plan and write a shopping list.

Is €100- €110 typical for a 2 adult, 2 child household?

L1011 · 28-01-2017 1:13am

Not abnormal anyway. Do you mean food or all groceries?

Figures will be distorted when people eat out or get takeaways a lot - my 60 for two adults is impacted by many Indians!

Maxthedm · 30-01-2017 2:22am

I probably spend around €15 max for myself per week, usually €10. But I'm a student with a tight budget so I don't have much choice!

L1011 · 30-01-2017 2:28am

Maxthedm wrote: »

I probably spend around €15 max for myself per week, usually €10. But I'm a student with a tight budget so I don't have much choice!

What else are you eating?

Viscount Aggro · 30-01-2017 2:19pm

I spend about e20 / week on food. Single person.
I find it hard to spend money, without seeing waste.
Make every meal from scratch, in batches, freeze portions for future use.
Tesco do food storage lunch boxes, greatest money saving device I have.
Shop once / week in Lidl.
I am a working professional.

jay0109 · 30-01-2017 10:27pm

2 adults + 4 kids aged 6 and under. Leaving out nappies and baby formula, we've spiked to about €110 or so per week the past few months.
We cook every meal from scratch, rarely eat out and do most of our shopping in the local Lidl with occassional trips to Aldi, Supervalu or Tesco. 1 or 2 big shops at the weekend with top ups during the week. I bring lunches to work most days.
Kids have Aldi porridge made with milk and fruit added in every school morning.

Our bill has risen mainly due to OH being off on maternity. She's not as savvy at meal planning etc and would nearly go to the shops every day. if you do that, you'll always end up with more than you need. Whereas I have meals in mind when I do the big shops at the weekend as I'm the main chef in the house.

Neamhshuntasach · 08-02-2017 2:08pm

About 40-50 Euro a week for 2 adults in our 30's.

For breakfast all we ever eat is porridge and/or eggs. Porridge is cheap in Aldi/Lidl. And can get good deals on eggs in butchers. 30 for under 3 euro or sometimes free with meat.

Dinner is usually chicken based. Can also get good deals from butchers too if buying in bulk. Also a big bag of prawns for about 3 euro in Aldi. Or 2 good sirloin/striploin steaks for under a tenner. Usually raid the clearance sections if i see turkey mince or any meats I can freeze.

The rest is either rice/pasta or potatoes/sweet potatoes. Bulked up with lots of veg.

I slow cook a lot and use spices and herbs in a lot of cooking. So usually a few cheap tins of chopped tomatoes/passata is enough for a few different recipes.

Also whatever fruit is on offer.

Neither of us eat sweets or processed stuff so that cuts down on buying crap we don't need. If it was just food i reckon 40 Euro would be the most we'd spend. On weeks we'd need something you wouldn't buy week to week like butter, olive oil, etc it could push closer to 50 Euro.

Diceicle · 10-02-2017 9:24am

2 Adults 1 Toddler - €140 a week on average.

Haylesm · 17-02-2017 5:39pm

2 adults and 2 children (6, 12) here and i would spend €80 - €100 per week.
I do all mine in aldi.

campo · 17-02-2017 5:46pm

3 Adults
1 Child

Spend on average 90e per week in Aldi, Don't bother with going to local shops anymore for bread etc just get it in Aldi now and freeze it.

We are a meat and 2 veg family plus I get free breakfast and lunches at work

Hollister11 · 27-02-2017 5:32pm

2 adults
3 'kids' (21,18,16)

€200 PW plus a takeaway on a Friday.

Beccy29 · 19-04-2017 3:50pm

2 Adults
1 child
€180 per week in Aldi and local shop..
We eat well for that, however I'm sure I can reduce that figure...

Bawnmore · 20-04-2017 8:27pm

2 adults and 2 kids (5 and baby) and we'd average between €90 and €100 p/w. Order Tesco online so tend to buy the same stuff over and over.

Hollister11 · 20-04-2017 9:09pm

Family of 5 (all 17+)

Roughly 300 quid per week.

hairyairyfairy · 22-04-2017 2:55pm

6 people, (4 adults, 2 kids) E80 for week

includes all school lunches and three meals a day at home (for everyone) milk which i buy on Tuesdays for the week and a bag of spuds probably towards end of wk (or I might get away with what I have left)

Jellybaby1 · 22-04-2017 3:09pm

hairyairyfairy wrote: »

6 people, (4 adults, 2 kids) E80 for week

includes all school lunches and three meals a day at home (for everyone) milk which i buy on Tuesdays for the week and a bag of spuds probably towards end of wk (or I might get away with what I have left)

Would love to know how you do this. We are two adults (60+) and I spend at least €30-€40 approx for groceries each week and this doesn't include meat or fish. I cook from scratch, I don't buy takeaways or 'convenient meals'. Leftovers are always used or put in the freezer for another time. We do buy a good amount of fresh vegetables and fruit and I bake most weeks. I shop everywhere depending on price, Aldi, Lidl, Dunnes, Tesco, Dealz, Mr. Price for groceries so I just can't buy cheaper anywhere else.

hairyairyfairy · 22-04-2017 3:24pm

Today I went to Lidl, Aldi and tesco.
Pineapples and red apples 39c in tesco.
Broccoli and 500g clementines 49c each in Aldi.
Lidl shops includes 2 stuffed chickens reduced to 3.50 each, one for tomorrow, one next wk.
bought 10 packs ribs on offer @ 1.99 each, will do 5 dinners, one tonight, rest will be frozen.
Hams on offer in SV last wk (2.75 kg for E11) had E8 off E40 shop so ham was E8.8 for 2.75kg and I cut in half, one for Monday with lidl cabbage 49c, other half in freezer.
Takeout night, 3 pizza E2.40 will load with peppers, pepperoni, pineapple cheese etc etc (bought blocks cheese last time on offer, cut up and frozen) with chips (E1.49 for 2.5kg -v- E2.20 per portion)
Pork mince was on offer @E1.20 (approx) few weeks ago, bought 10. Meatballs and tomato sauce v cheap to make.
Pasta was free after cashing in the coupons included in Lidl goodie bags handed out at the ploughing (also got free marmalade, digestive biscuits, jars of tomato sauce) which I still have a stock of
Milk is E1 for 2 lts on a Tuesday and spuds were E3 for 10 kg 2weeks ago in local store

harr · 22-04-2017 3:31pm

hairyairyfairy wrote: »

Today I went to Lidl, Aldi and tesco.
Pineapples 39c in tesco.
Broccoli and 500g clementines 49c each in Aldi.
Lidl shops includes 2 stuffed chickens reduced to 3.50 each, one for tomorrow, one next wk.
bought 10 packs ribs on offer @ 1.99 each, will do 5 dinners, one tonight, rest will be frozen.
Hams on offer in SV last wk (2.75 kg for E11) had E8 off E40 shop so ham was E8.8 for 2.75kg and I cut in half, one for Monday with lidl cabbage 49c, other half in freezer.
Takeout night, 3 pizza E2.40 will load with peppers, pepperoni, pineapple cheese etc etc (bought blocks cheese last time on offer, cut up and frozen) with chips (E1.49 for 2.5kg -v- E2.20 per portion)
Pork mince was on offer @E1.20 (approx) few weeks ago, bought 10. Meatballs and tomato sauce v cheap to make.
Pasta was free after cashing in the coupons included in Lidl goodie bags handed out at the ploughing (also got free marmalade, digestive biscuits, jars of tomato sauce) which I still have a stock of
Milk is E1 for 2 lts on a Tuesday and spuds were E3 for 10 kg 2weeks ago in local store

Surely one chicken wouldn't feed 4 adults and 2 kids ?

22-04-2017 3:36pm

harr wrote: »

Surely one chicken wouldn't feed 4 adults and 2 kids ?

One €4 Tesco chicken feeds 5 adults in our house.

hairyairyfairy · 22-04-2017 3:43pm

harr wrote: »

Surely one chicken wouldn't feed 4 adults and 2 kids ?

Yes, all the meat is eaten, it is picked down to just carcass remaining, there is also potatoes and loads of vegetables.
Don't forget, this is only one meal, we also have, what most people consider a full meal at supper time, ie lasagne, meatballs, spaghetti bolognaise etc.

tedpan · 22-04-2017 4:29pm

My wife and I spend around150e per week on a combination of groceries and takeaways. The dog food is 50e per week on top of that. Luckily the cat doesn't cost as much!

hairyairyfairy · 22-04-2017 4:37pm

tedpan wrote: »

My wife and I spend around150e per week on a combination of groceries and takeaways. The dog food is 50e per week on top of that. Luckily the cat doesn't cost as much!

What do you feed the dog?

I bought 10 x 10kg bags of dog food @E4.49 each last time they were on offer in Lidl and I still have some, months later and I have a labrador dog

tedpan · 22-04-2017 8:42pm

hairyairyfairy wrote:

What do you feed the dog?

Orijen dog food. I have two Old English Sheepdogs. They get through 2 13KG bags a month at 96e a bag. I'd be wary about 10kgs of anything for 4.49e

lollsangel · 22-04-2017 8:53pm

2 adult and 2 kids (7) we spend between 70 and 90 euros a week on all groceries....i see whats on spec offer each week and make meal plans.

jellybellyelly · 25-04-2017 9:04am

Around 40 euro per week on average for one adult. I buy organic on certain items so it could be cheaper but it works fine for me. I eat much healthier than I used to now so although I spend more at the supermarket I spend nothing on fast food, takeaways etc.

MommySquish · 31-05-2017 5:47pm

€50 - €70 for 2 adults and one child (9).

Husband works, and whether he gets food while working (probably does, as he doesn't take food most days) that's up to him. This covers all food eaten in the house and then I allow one takeaway treat for the kid at the weekend, whatever she wants (usually mcdonald's or hillbillies) which is €5-€7.

Husband works shift work, and to be honest, if he's working nights, and it's hot, I tend to skip the meat and 2 veg kind of dinner and opt for the easy toasted sandwich, homemade sweet waffles and the like. We tend to not have takeaway as I like a cinema trip once in a while and I find that experience more fulfilling than a bag of chips or a pizza.

We have gotten alot better. When we were living apart, it could very well be €100-€120 per week.

Jellybaby1 · 31-05-2017 7:17pm

I was using the credit card for all grocery shopping up to now so that I could see at the end of the month exactly how much I am spending on groceries. Our bills for the last few months have been quite shocking for just two adults 60+ in the home most of the time, now and again one or other of the children arrives in and eats with us. So now I am back to cash in hand to see how much I can save if anything.

collie0708 · 31-05-2017 7:26pm

Spend €100 a week for 2 adults and 2 kids that includes nappies and formula. Tesco click and collect best thing ever as it helps manage the spend and means I don't have to go shopping with the kids.

irishman86 · 03-06-2017 1:40am

Diceicle wrote: »

2 Adults 1 Toddler - ?140 a week on average.

Really :eek:
May I ask where you do your shopping. Im in the same situation as you and we spend around 70 and thats with us buying treats and random stuff

mailburner · 06-06-2017 10:44pm

80-90 a week one adult one child
usually buy too much and have some waste...most of the major supermarkets about 25 min away

peckerdara · 22-06-2017 11:03am

2+2 (10 & 9) and spend about €120 every fortnight shop with probably another €50 on top-ups. Some waste by not shopping weekly. I don't think rocket etc last two weeks.

Cavey · 26-06-2017 11:25pm

Went to Lidl earlier today, Shopping for one male adult. Budget Ketogenic diet.

Total spend about 15 euro. Should last about a week.

1. 1 x 125g 81% bar of dark chocolate, e1.79. 2 squares per day so should do for next 5 days.

2. Cheese. 1 x 400g block of mature cheddar, e2.19. I eat a lot of cheese but this will do about 5 days too.

3. Cheese. 1 x 350g sliced Emmanuel @ e1.79. For throwing on top burgers, bout 6 days.

3. Smokey streaky bacon, 1 x 250g packs at e1.49 each. Get about 5 days.

4. Organic Eggs - 1 x 6pack at e1.99 each. Should last 3 days.

5. Broccoli - 500g for .99c. 4 or 5 days.

6. Beef Mince 20% fat. 900g for e3.59. Made 5 burgers so dinner for 5 days.

Few other bits still here from previous shop so should see the week out.

kyeev · 04-07-2017 1:18pm

We spend about 120 a week (80% Aldi) for 2 adults and 2 growing kids. That includes wine (Aldi) and milk/bread topups during the week. We waste very little, hardly ever throw anything out, so I'm happy enough with that.

aflossj · 06-07-2017 5:04pm

5 students. €50-60 p/w.

Take turns shopping, paying.

Use the Lidl/Aldi East Wall as they're across from eachother and have plenty of bike locking posts.

Use a deliveroo bag and a camping backpack. Always bring along someone as a cargo donkey.

Mostly stick to Veg & Fruit 39c/69c special offers (Super 6 etc.)

Also Meat Super 6 is a great addition.

Bacon offcuts ~€1.79 900g - Great for breakfast, snacks even boiling trad style.

20 Large Eggs, 1kg Rice + Pasta. Spices every now and then.

All thinking of giving up meat next semester just to save money and sample the health benefits. Should drive down the price even further.

Edit: This includes cleaning materials, bin liners etc.

Toilet paper, take the odd roll from college if it's lying about.

Also Dealz for toiletries.

If we spend less than the €60, which we usually do, the change goes into a kitty for milk.

Would love to hear other student group's methods.

draiochtanois · 06-07-2017 5:14pm

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Jellybaby1 · 11-07-2017 9:39pm

aflossj wrote: »

5 students. €50-60 p/w.

Take turns shopping, paying.

Use the Lidl/Aldi East Wall as they're across from eachother and have plenty of bike locking posts.

Use a deliveroo bag and a camping backpack. Always bring along someone as a cargo donkey.

Mostly stick to Veg & Fruit 39c/69c special offers (Super 6 etc.)

Also Meat Super 6 is a great addition.

Bacon offcuts ~€1.79 900g - Great for breakfast, snacks even boiling trad style.

20 Large Eggs, 1kg Rice + Pasta. Spices every now and then.

All thinking of giving up meat next semester just to save money and sample the health benefits. Should drive down the price even further.

Edit: This includes cleaning materials, bin liners etc.

Toilet paper, take the odd roll from college if it's lying about.

Also Dealz for toiletries.

If we spend less than the €60, which we usually do, the change goes into a kitty for milk.

Would love to hear other student group's methods.

Quite an impressive system. Many mams and dads must be taking notes! However, giving up meat is a great saving, but you still need iron, so get that from something else. You need to be healthy for all those exams! Free advice from an Irish mammy.

aflossj · 12-07-2017 9:01am

Jellybaby1 wrote: »

Quite an impressive system. Many mams and dads must be taking notes! However, giving up meat is a great saving, but you still need iron, so get that from something else. You need to be healthy for all those exams! Free advice from an Irish mammy.

Thanks. Have been experimenting over the summer with some readily (and cheaply) available iron sources like lentils, spinach, brown rice, pumpkin and oatmeal. All quite cheap and easy to prepare.

Taking Food Science in college using my housemates as guinea pigs for these diets, possibly write a research project on it.

Jellybaby1 · 12-07-2017 8:37pm

aflossj wrote: »

Thanks. Have been experimenting over the summer with some readily (and cheaply) available iron sources like lentils, spinach, brown rice, pumpkin and oatmeal. All quite cheap and easy to prepare.

Taking Food Science in college using my housemates as guinea pigs for these diets, possibly write a research project on it.

Ah, clarity is a great thing! Well done on the budget.

draiochtanois · 13-07-2017 10:14am

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Jellybaby1 · 13-07-2017 10:59am

draiochtanois wrote: »

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Anyone think that might be possible in Ireland today? I'd be eager to give it a go except for certain problems I would have (a) needing coeliac-friendly food, and (b) my family are quite attached to certain brands, both of which counteract my wonderful frugal plans.

draiochtanois · 13-07-2017 11:12am

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aflossj · 13-07-2017 11:18am

draiochtanois wrote: »

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Big fan of articles and guides such as that. Also a big fan of Elon Musk.

I actually think that €54 ($62) would go a lot further on one person per month here with the likes of Lidl/Aldi and Moore/Meath St. The Oriental supermarkets are great too for buying bulk, especially rice and spices.

Raw supplies are much cheaper here in Europe compared to the US which is quite a privilege in this day and age of processed foods.

Can't speak for coeliacs or a full family for that matter but I've learnt most of this frugal shopping from my Mom who feeds a family of 4 on ~€50 a week. We never buy brands unless their price per weight undercuts off-brands. I do know that Lidl has a good selection of gluten free items though.

draiochtanois · 13-07-2017 11:20am

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aflossj · 13-07-2017 11:32am

draiochtanois wrote: »

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Yes, she sticks to a strict budget and buys these only from places like northern import stores and only the larger bottles/packs. Also, when using she measures out the amount needed to the milliliter, milligram to achieve the promised washes per pack. Toiletries from Lidl/Dealz.

We also get a lot of our meat in bulk through our food business and freeze a lot of food that is bought near the use-by date.

Mom is German btw

aflossj · 13-07-2017 11:39am

Also, on days like Christmas eve, Easter Saturday, days where big stores overstock but are closed for a day, they sell off a lot of meat at reduced prices.

I remember coming home last year on Christmas Eve and the table was a mountain of meat, which we're just about finished.

We have a running total of four low-powered freezers.

Jellybaby1 · 14-07-2017 12:09am

draiochtanois wrote: »

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Off the top of my head just now, (1) Weetabix, the gang here tried the cheaper alternatives but still came back to it, (2) Brennan's Bread, again the cheaper alternatives have been rejected, and (3) Lyons Tea, we found some of the cheaper brands are very weak and we didn't like the flavour.

14-07-2017 9:09am

Jellybaby1 wrote: »

Off the top of my head just now, (1) Weetabix, the gang here tried the cheaper alternatives but still came back to it, (2) Brennan's Bread, again the cheaper alternatives have been rejected, and (3) Lyons Tea, we found some of the cheaper brands are very weak and we didn't like the flavour.

Did you try the tea from Aldi? We find it nicer than Lyons and big saving. Might not be to everyone's taste though.

mailburner · 14-07-2017 9:54am

Deleted User wrote: »

Did you try the tea from Aldi? We find it nicer than Lyons and big saving. Might not be to everyone's taste though.

if it's mc graths reserve blend then I agree
I had it somebody elses house and that was enough for me, much nicer than lyons

Jellybaby1 · 14-07-2017 12:31pm

Will give McGrath's a go so. I'll try anything to reduce the spend.

14-07-2017 12:35pm

Yes mcgraths it's really lovely. Also saw on supershoppers the last day that Aldi's washing up liquid is better than fairy - we would have also bought fairy liquid thinking it would last longer but apparently magnum (in the grey bottle) is better and much cheaper.

Hollister11 · 14-07-2017 4:44pm

I can't eat some of the own brand products anymore. My mum still buys them, but I can't eat them there horrible imo.

I need Brennans bread. Lidl/Aldi alternative is grand, but you can't compete the two.

Its the same with teabags and milk. I need Lyons and Avonmore. The alternative are so much worse.

What's your weekly grocery spend?

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