MORE Brits than ever before are doing their food shopping online rather than heading to the supermarket.
There are ways you can save money if you’re regularly getting your shopping delivered – we explain how.
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Doing your food shopping online can save you money as it can help some people stick to a budget and avoid impulse spending.
But there are tips and tricks you can use to get an even bigger saving on your weekly shop.
Deborah Shanahan, deals and features editor at MoneySavingExpert, said: “Supermarkets spend a lot of time and money trying to get you to spend on impulse purchases dotted at strategic spots around the store.
“So one of the main advantages of doing your grocery shop online is your ability to create a budget, meal plan and shopping list and really stick to it, without the temptation to overspend.”
Delivery passes
Most of the big supermarkets offer delivery passes, which can work out cheaper if you are a regular online shopping customer.
Payment is often offered on a one month, three month, six month and one year basis.
There are also options to just sign up for midweek deliveries for a discounted price.
Remember to double check all the details, as some supermarkets impose minimum spends.
Asda offers an anytime delivery pass for £6 a month, or £72.00 a year.
It also has a midweek annual pass for £35, allowing you free next day deliveries.
If the pass doesn’t save you money, Asda will give you the difference in an online voucher.
Sainsbury’s anytime delivery pass is £60 for 12 months, £35 for six or £20 for three.
If you just want deliveries on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, the midweek pass is £30 annually, £18 for half a year or £10 for three months.
Tesco also has a delivery subscription option, costing £7.99 a month.
An annual Morrisons delivery pass for midweek orders is £35, or £20 for six months and £5 monthly.
If you want an anytime pass, it’s £65 annually, £40 for six months and £8 per month.
Iceland doesn’t have a delivery pass option but all deliveries worth more than £40 are free.
Be flexible with timings
If you can be flexible with timings you could pay less for delivery.
The most in-demand slots are mornings and weekends, making those the most expensive.
Bookings in the middle of the week and later at night are usually the cheapest, and
For example, an Asda delivery between 1pm and 3pm on Wednesday will cost just £1.75.
That’s compared to £4.50 on Saturday morning.
At Sainsbury’s, a Saturday morning delivery is also £4.50, compared to £2 on weekday evenings after 8pm.
Link your loyalty cards
Don’t forget to link your supermarket loyalty card to your online shopping account, or you could be missing out on discounts and points.
For example, Tesco Clubcard members can get access to special sales – such as 50% off toys – or discounts on day to day groceries.
Shoppers who have signed up to Iceland’s bonus card scheme will get £1 back for every £20 they spend topping up the card.
If you haven’t linked your card to your online shopping account, you could be missing out on the best prices.
Swap for the best deals
Lots of supermarkets offer first-time shoppers a discount, so it could be worth checking if that can save you money.
Deals change all the time so it’s worth checking a site like MoneySavingExpert or with individual supermarkets to see what they’re offering.
MoneySavingExpert’s Deborah said: “If you’re new to online supermarket shopping, new customer codes can be a great way to get a chunk off your first shop.
“Currently, Sainsbury’s and Morrisons are both offering new online shoppers £10 off £60 via codes, while Iceland is offering £5 off £30.”
First time Morrisons customers will also get their delivery costs for free.
There are also a range of third-party delivery services such as Uber Eats, Getir and Gorillas – but these aren’t available in all locations.
The prices might also be hiked up – so you should double check you’re getting value for money, even if you do use a code.
Deborah added: “Once you’ve exhausted new user supermarket codes, you may still be able to save via money off codes valid on delivery services. Companies such as Uber Eats, Getir and Gorillas offer welcome codes of up to £15 off, however do watch out for prices as there may be a mark-up via these services.”
Check out our guide to when you can book your Christmas delivery slots at supermarkets.
M&S has already opened its booking system for its Christmas food at home service.
Tesco’s Christmas menu includes a gingerbread latte cream liquor, and Morrisons is offering stuffing flavoured crisps.
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