‘They shouldn’t even be considered’ money-saving pro yells as she lists 20 expensive items only ‘lazy’ food shoppers buy

WITH the prices now skyrocketing, millions of cash-strapped households are looking for ways to slash costs - and according to one money-smart whizz, it all starts with your weekly visit to the shop.

Supermarkets are filled with thousands of products across all aisles - and while shoppers may think they need every single one of them, the reality is, these items are often a waste of your hard-earned money.

The whizz chatted to Fabulous and revealed how YOU can slash the costsCredit: Kathryn Leech

There's also a certain type of potato you should best avoid if you want to slash the costsCredit: Sainsburys

Offering a helping hand, one cash-savvy shopper, Kathryn Leech, listed the products to avoid at all costs if you want to save this year - and there are a whopping 20 items that shouldn't even be considered.

Groceries

The first aisle Kathryn - better known to her 39k followers on TikTok as @katsaves - went through was food, the price of which has risen by a staggering 25 per cent since January 2022, according to data.

Ready-made meals

Although they're seen as a quick and easy option, Kathryn urged to find an alternative that's just as easy to whip up - and also less expensive.

''I genuinely think if you’re in a rush it’d be much better to throw together a meal with some pasta and a jar of sauce, which would be ten times cheaper.''

Pre-cut fruit and veg

This is just a ''lazy'' option in the shopper's eyes.

She said: ''With the exception of people who can’t physically cut their own food due to disabilities, anyone can cut their own fruit and veg and save a lot of money.''

Smoothies

Smoothies may seem like a healthy and an easy option if you want to add some nutrients to your lunch - but more often than not, a pre-made smoothie costs a fortune.

Instead, check the ingredients lists of your favourite smoothie and find the ingredients at the store to make it at home, said Kathryn.

Just like smoothies, pre-cut veg and fruit is just a 'lazy' option, the shopper notedCredit: Sainsburys

Single tins

''Tinned food can sit in your cupboard for months (or even years!)

''So I always suggest buying tins in bulk, a four-pack of chopped tomatoes is cheaper than four single tins.''

Branded tea bags

We're a nation that loves a cuppa - but whilst more expensive brands may seem like a better option, Kathryn reckoned ''all tea tastes pretty much the same''.

''Stop splashing out on the big brands when the supermarket's own brand is just as good.''

Frozen food

Jacket potatoes

Jacket potatoes are great for a quick and easy lunch or dinner - and there are so many different toppings you can go wild with.

But instead of buying them ready-made, the money-smart shopper advised to buy loose spuds instead.

Ben & Jerrys ice cream

Kathryn said: ''It sounds like a nice treat but the prices these days are extortionate for the amount you get in those tiny tubs!

''I’d always opt for a bigger tub of ice cream for way less money.''

Instead of Ben & Jerry's, Kathryn would rather buy a larger treat for lessCredit: Ocado

Chicago Town pizzas

It's been a long day and you fancy a pizza - perhaps a Chicago Town pizza?

The cash-savvy whizz said: '' I feel like they’re just not worth the price when you can get nicer and cheaper pizzas in the fresh section or even from the pizza counter.''

Pret a Manger frozen pastries

A few years ago, foodies were delighted to see that Pret A Manger had also launched their signature pastries in stores, where you can find them in the frozen food aisles.

But although buying them frozen in bulk is indeed a cheaper option that purchasing them fresh from the cult favourite coffee chain, Kathryn reckoned this was yet another ''unnecessary purchase''.

Goodfellas Pizza pockets

''Companies like to entice you in with new food items that look interesting and easy to cook, it sounds like a good idea but in reality there is virtually no filling in these and you can definitely make better ones at home if you wanted to.''

Beauty

Make-up wipes

Not only are they bad for the environment if not biodegradable, but in Kathryn's opinion, single use make-up wipes ''are a huge waste of money''.

''You use them once then they go in the bin… it almost feels like you’re literally throwing your money away.''

Not only are these single-use pads bad for the environment, they're also not a purse-friendly option in the long runCredit: Sainsburys

Cotton pads

Similarly to the wipes, cotton pads get used once and then thrown away, the shopper noted.

''There are some great reusable cleansing pads available now for as little as £1.50 in Primark.''

Sheet masks

Although sheet masks may feel like a little treat for yourself for an at-home spa day, Kathryn said these single use masks ''aren't worth the money''.

Besides, she added, ''you can’t get the full benefits of the ingredients if you’re not using them regularly anyway''.

Yet another item to steer clear of in the beauty section are single-use sheet masksCredit: Boots

Huge eyeshadow palettes

''I’m talking about those 50 shade colour palettes!

''If you’re not a makeup artist, you just won’t ever use half of the colours in there!''

Pore strips

Seeing all the gunk come out of your skin may be satisfying - but, as Kathryn pointed out, ''these are known to be quite bad for your skin''.

She said: ''Certain oil cleansers would work better, are safer to use, and are much better value for money.''

Home

Four-pack toilet roll

Seeing as loo roll is something we will have to use for our entire lives, it makes more sense to buy it in bulk and steer clear from the smallest pack possible.

Loo roll is essential - but there's a certain kind to avoid, said KathrynCredit: Alamy

Paper towels

''You can spend so much money on paper towels but a cheaper and more sustainable option is simply reusable cloths that can go in the washing machine.''

Cheap sponges

Although cheaper may sometimes be better, Kathryn noted that this doesn't always apply to sponges, as they'll start to disintegrate in a short period of time.

''When you buy a pack for 50p it seems like a great deal… but when you have to repurchase that same pack over and over again because they fall apart after two uses it really adds up.

''A better alternative is to buy one good quality reusable sponge that will last a long time.''

Storage jars

Yes, we get it - storage jars can indeed make your home and kitchen look more neat and free of clutter. But more often than not, these trendy jars are also pretty pricey for what they are.

''You don’t have to give in to the trend and decant all your cereal, rice and pasta into clear jars,'' Kathryn said.