Best-before dates mean big bargains

By Staff Writer Ruth Jackson Jan 16, 2009

Ruth Jackson

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Anyone on the hunt for cheaper food has a new way of grabbing a bargain. Although you shouldn’t eat most food that is past its declared “use-by” date, anything past the earlier “best before” date may not be in optimum condition but is often perfectly safe, says Tom Harper in The Mail on Sunday. And now you can buy it online.

Approved Food sells food that has been rejected by the major supermarkets either because it is beyond the “best before” date or the packaging is damaged. Its customer base has risen from 500 to 5,000 since September as people look to cut food costs. Current website deals include a case of 24 330ml bottles of Diet Coke for £2, including VAT. You should buy in bulk to make the most of the savings as the delivery charge is £5.25 unless you live close to the warehouse in Sheffield, in which case it drops to £3.50.  

Make your own cleaning products

Stop pouring money down the drain on cleaning products, says Kara Gammell in The Daily Telegraph. Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water and you have a natural cleaner for worktop surfaces, floors and bathrooms. Spray stubborn stains with a heated vinegar solution and leave for ten to 15 minutes before wiping off.

Free films

Seefilmfirst.com is a website used by film companies and the media to supply free tickets to previews, says Gammell. Sign up to receive email alerts for films showing in your area and you could have a free night out. But be quick, as tickets are offered on a first come, first served basis.

Cut your mobile bill

If you want to reduce your bill and are happy with your phone, consider a sim-only tariff, says Mark Bridge in The Times. You will receive a sim card that you can use with an old handset and you’ll get more minutes and texts for your money. You could save up to 50% compared to your old contract.

Contents insurance sale

Direct Line is already one of the cheaper insurers, says Martin Lewis on Moneysavingexpert.com and now the company is offering 50% off contents insurance in a January sale. Once you have a quote it is valid for 90 days, so get one now even if you are not due to renew your insurance yet. But don’t assume it’s the cheapest deal – shop around.

Free food

There are lots of cheap meals available this month, says Lewis. Gourmet Burger Kitchen, Strada and Pizza Express are all offering two for one deals at the moment. To take advantage of the Pizza Express and Gourmet Burger Kitchen’s offers, head to their websites, www.pizzaexpressoffers.co.uk or www.gbkinfo.com to print off vouchers. The Strada voucher is available from www.metro.co.uk/gimme. 

Cheap M&S dinners

For a cheap night in this weekend, head to Marks & Spencer, which is once again offering a meal for two (a main course, side dish and dessert) and a bottle of wine for £10. The offer is on until Sunday (18 January), so don’t delay for the best food.

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Published in Personal finance | More articles by Ruth Jackson

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