Online grocery shopping: how to save time and money

Online grocery shopping can save hours every week. It can also cost more than you expect if you're not careful. A few habits help you get the convenience without the downsides.

Why it can help you eat better

Shopping online means fewer end-of-aisle displays, no checkout snacks and no wandering the bakery section hungry. Many people find it easier to stick to a list, which helps both budget and diet.

Start from a plan and a list

Build your order from the week's meal plan, not by scrolling categories. Scrolling is how you end up with three kinds of crisps and no onions.

Watch out for fees

• Check delivery fees, service fees and minimum order amounts
• Compare delivery slots; off-peak times are often cheaper
• Consider click-and-collect, which is often free
• If you order every week, see whether a delivery pass actually saves you money

Manage substitutions

Decide in advance how you want substitutions handled. For key ingredients, allow a close swap; for things you're fussy about, turn substitutions off. Check the substitutions list at delivery and refuse anything that won't work.

Fresh produce

Pickers usually choose the freshest items, but delicate produce can arrive with short use-by dates. Plan meals with fragile ingredients like berries and salad early in the week, and use frozen vegetables for later.

Bring your plan with you

Mealful's grocery list merges every ingredient from your plan, sorted by category, with quantities and which recipe each item is for. It's the perfect checklist to work through while you build your online basket.