Want to know how you can enjoy a healthy diet without struggling to pay your other bills? It’s much easier than you think, says Claire Muffett-Reece
“Cooking your own meals saves a fair amount of money, so start by looking online for cheap and healthy recipes”
“Next on the agenda when it comes to eating well for less is by shopping at a larger supermarket – not a convenience store close to your uni’s town or centre as again it’ll cost you more”
“Be sure you’ve already stocked up on enough healthy foods at home, plus have a dish you want to cook that day in mind”
“That meal deal might seem like good value for money but it really isn’t: if you buy your own healthy bread, fillings, low fat crisps and zero calorie drink you’ll realise how much money you can actually save”
Facts/stats
58% of students have skipped meals due to difficulties paying rent and other housing cost (NUS Wales)
When surveyed only 11% of university students met their recommended fruit and vegetable intake and only 16% their fibre intake (Frontiers)
Alcohol, takeaways and eating out accounts for £76 of a typical weekly student spend; with eating out at £28 per week and takeaways at £25 (UCAS Student Lifestyle Report 2023)
It’s hard – and by that we mean really hard – when it comes to managing your budget while studying at uni. There’s tuition fees, rent, utilities, getting to and from uni, socialising; the list is never-ending. And then there’s food, which seems to cost more week by week. Considering that food prices are forecast to increase by 4.2 per cent in the latter half of 2025, it’s now more important than ever to watch what you’re spending on your weekly grocery shop. But what about eating well as a student, with statistics showing that healthier foods are more than twice as expensive per calorie than those that are less healthy – and also less available?. It might seem hard, but with these simple tips you really can improve your diet without worrying about making ends meet.
READY STEADY COOK
Where to start when it comes to eating well for less? In your own kitchen! Cooking your own meals saves a fair amount of money, so start by looking online for cheap and healthy recipes – you’ll be surprised to see many of your favourite dishes can be made without any of the hidden ‘nasties’ that are associated with an unhealthy diet. Cook in bulk, too, choosing cheaper – but just as healthy – alternatives, such as turkey breasts over chicken. You should also portion and freeze leftovers so that when you’ve a long day ahead you can let a meal defrost – that way you won’t be tempted to buy something more convenient that’s no doubt higher in price. And don’t forget about brushing up on your cooking skills; which is again much easier than you think. Here the internet’s once more your friend, so don’t be afraid to admit you don’t know how to properly handle a kitchen knife or which pan works best for which dish. Nearly two thirds of Gen Z adults admit they lack basic cooking skills, with around 61 per cent saying they don’t even know how to cook an omelette – so now’s the time to go for it, reading a recipe thoroughly before starting, and never worrying if things go wrong. Because even the most experienced of chefs make mistakes.
SUPERMARKET SWEEP
Next on the agenda when it comes to eating well for less is by shopping at a larger supermarket – not a convenience store close to your uni’s town or centre as again it’ll cost you more. It’s here where you need to shop while being aware of the many marketing tactics supermarkets have in place to encourage you to buy more. Higher priced products tend to be put at eye level, with cheaper alternatives not as easy to spot. They also target whereabouts they are in relation to a university, too, with convenience food offers and so-called alcohol savings that all in all make you spend more than you thought you would in the first place (and eat unhealthier to boot). Don’t let them get one over you by heading there when you’re not hungry and have a shopping list to firmly stick to in hand. As a general rule, supermarkets have their freezers in their very last aisle, encouraging people to browse through the rest of the store and buy fresh over frozen, which usually works out to be more expensive. Instead head there first to stock up on lean mince, chicken breasts, vegetables and more to save while you shop. Even those with dietary requirements can find frozen food benefits their budget, like lentils, beans and pulses.
BARGAIN BIN
What else is there when it comes to eating well for less? Again, head to a supermarket to find the damaged section with so many bargains to be had. Any slight dents or dings in products means they’re heavily reduced – often up to 75% – so it’s here you really can shop for less; just being sure it’s a healthier option and not just because the amended price seems too good to be true. Speaking of bargains, you should also check out the World Food aisle, which more often than not has healthy staples like rice, beans, spices and tinned goods that are cheaper than those found in their ‘regular’ aisles. And then there’s every student’s favourite section (or if not, it should be!): the yellow sticker shelf! It’s here you’ll find products that are close to their sell-by date; and that are again heavily reduced in price. Some supermarkets even give food away via apps to share with the local community for free, again helping you save money. Just make sure you only say yes – or buy – healthier choices, so that not only are you saving money but you’re improving your diet in the process.
READY, STEADY, NO
We all love a takeaway every now and again – and in moderation this is never a bad thing. But eating too many will then eat into your budget, and will also see you eating foods high in calories, saturated fat, high levels of salt and more. The solution? Be sure you’ve already stocked up on enough healthy foods at home, plus have a dish you want to cook that day in mind, so you won’t be tempted to reach for a takeaway menu where the restaurant in question’s all ready to take your order and deliver. The same applies for grabbing a quick bite when you’re out and about or are eating on the move. That meal deal might seem like good value for money but it really isn’t: if you buy your own healthy bread, fillings, low fat crisps and zero calorie drink you’ll realise how much money you can actually save. Desperate for a coffee when you’ve a day of studying ahead? Don’t visit the nearest coffee chain: just plan ahead and make your own to keep in an insulated mug for yet more savings, as well as reducing the temptation to add high calorie flavourings to your chosen beverage. If you really do fancy a takeaway then check out the many student discounts that are on offer and think about what you choose to order. There’s a huge healthier choice out there if you keep scrolling, as apps also tend to have product placements where unhealthy options are promoted at the top. Want to go out to eat but are worried your budget won’t cut it? It’s here your student discount card’s your best friend, as you’re able to get a discount on many pubs and restaurants in your area. It’s also a huge advantage that since 2022 UK restaurants with more than 250 employees must display calorie information on all food items, so you can see exactly what healthier option to go for, all the while spending less in the process.
5 healthy eating/cooking apps
Mealime (Android, iOS, free)
A simple way to plan meals and eat healthier, the meal plans and recipes are highly customisable so you can easily personalise a plan that works with your unique tastes and lifestyle.
Too Good To Go (Android, iOS, free)
Your smart way to enjoy tasty food at great value, this app reduces food waste and helps you enjoy unsold snacks, meals, and ingredients from local shops, cafés, supermarkets, restaurants at great prices.
Student Beans (Android, iOS, free)
Access free discount codes, food discounts and shopping deals on your favourite brands with your Student Beans iD. It’s free, it’s easy and you can save loads of cash!
Trolley (Android, iOS, free)
Instantly compare prices with the Trolley.co.uk supermarket comparison app and find the cheapest grocery prices across 16+ UK supermarkets.
NHS Food Scanner (Android, iOS, free)
Ever wondered how much sugar is in your favourite cola or how much salt is in your sauce you are adding to your meals? Find out and discover healthier choices with the NHS Food Scanner
