Brits urged to avoid supermarket error that can add £1000 to shopping bills

Brits are being warned to avoid a common supermarket mistake that could end up costing them a small fortune. With the cost of groceries on the rise, particularly for larger families, every penny counts.

However, one mistake you should steer clear of is doing your weekly shop on an empty stomach. Retail experts at Brit Superstore have revealed that shopping while hungry can lead to impulse spending, which over time can seriously dent your wallet.

In fact, it could add an extra £1,000 to your annual grocery bills.

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These hunger-fuelled impulse purchases can add an additional £20.82 per shopping trip, says Richard Price, a professional shopper at Brit Superstore. So if you're looking to curb unnecessary spending during this festive season, it's advised to grab a bite before heading out to your local supermarket.

When we're peckish, we're more likely to reach for high-calorie, ready-to-eat items that we probably don't need. Behavioural psychologists explain that hunger causes our brains to prioritise immediate satisfaction, which is why that chocolate bar suddenly becomes irresistible, reports the Express.

How to save money while shopping

To help Brits stretch their food budgets further, Richard has offered some valuable advice that anyone can follow - starting with those crucial pre-shopping snacks.

He said: "Even a small snack can stop impulse buys in their tracks."

As well as this, it can be really helpful to plan your meals for the week and prepare a shopping list beforehand. This way, you know precisely what you need to grab, and won't be tempted to deviate.

Customers are also being encouraged to keep an eye out for any value ranges or discounts at the supermarket, as Richard claims they are 'often just as good as premium products' and could help save you hundreds of pounds annually.

Begin by trying out a few things at a time, and remember them next time you're out shopping.

Lastly, something as straightforward as opting for a basket rather than a large trolley can do wonders for your shopping bills. Doing this, and avoiding doing the shop during lunch or dinner time, can assist you in limiting those impulsive purchases and saving money instead.