How much to budget per day for food in the UK?

According to the Office for National Statistics, food and non-alcoholic drink prices in the UK increased by 5.1% in the year to August 2025. This means budgeting for daily meals requires careful planning to manage rising costs, whether you're a resident or a visitor. Your daily food expenditure can vary dramatically based on your lifestyle, from strict home-cooking to dining out regularly.

Quick Summary

A daily food budget in the UK varies widely based on lifestyle, from an average of £6-£7 for a single person cooking at home to £50+ for regular dining out, with food prices consistently rising.

Key Points

• Average Daily Cost: The average UK resident spends approximately £6.30 per day on food, based on a blended average of home cooking and eating out.

• Budget Tier: A daily food budget of £5–£10 is achievable for those who cook primarily at home and shop at budget supermarkets like Aldi and Lidl.

• Lifestyle Variations: Mid-range daily costs are £15–£30, while dining out frequently can push expenses to £50+ per day.

• Strategic Savings: Implementing meal planning, batch cooking, buying frozen/tinned goods, and using own-brand items are key to reducing costs.

• Location Matters: Costs, especially for dining out, are significantly higher in London compared to other parts of the UK.

• Recent Inflation: Food price inflation of 5.1% (year to August 2025) means planning and adjusting your budget is more important than ever.

Understanding Average UK Food Costs (2025)

Data from September 2025 indicates that the average weekly food bill for one person in the UK is around £44. This figure is a blend of grocery shopping and eating out. By breaking this down, we can estimate an average daily cost:

• Weekly total: £44
• Weekly groceries: £32
• Weekly eating out/takeaway: £12
• Average daily spend: Approximately £6.30 (£44 divided by 7)

It is crucial to remember that these are just averages. A person who cooks all their meals from scratch and rarely eats out will spend significantly less, while someone who dines out frequently will spend far more. These averages also don't account for regional differences, with cities like London generally having higher prices.

Budgeting Tiers: A Daily Breakdown

To create a more personalised budget, consider which spending tier you fall into. Prices reflect average non-London costs, unless specified.

Budget-Conscious (£5–£10 per day)

This is a frugal approach that prioritises cooking at home. It is easily achievable with a bit of planning and discipline. Key strategies include shopping at discount supermarkets like Aldi or Lidl, buying own-brand products, and relying on affordable, filling ingredients such as pasta, rice, and tinned goods. A typical day's food might look like this:

• Breakfast: Porridge with fruit or toast and spreads. (Cost: ~£1–£2)
• Lunch: Packed meal, often leftovers from the previous night's dinner. (Cost: ~£1–£2)
• Dinner: A home-cooked meal like sausage and bean stew, pasta with sauce, or a simple curry made with tinned ingredients. (Cost: ~£2–£4)
• Snacks: Minimal, relying on fruit or biscuits purchased in bulk. (Cost: ~£1)

Mid-Range (£15–£30 per day)

This budget tier offers more flexibility, balancing home-cooked meals with the occasional meal out. It’s a realistic option for many people and allows for more variety. Strategies include batch cooking and exploring budget-friendly pub chains like Wetherspoons. A typical day might involve:

• Breakfast: At home, perhaps a cooked breakfast on the weekend. (Cost: ~£2–£4)
• Lunch: A supermarket meal deal (sandwich, snack, drink) or a casual cafe lunch. (Cost: ~£4–£8)
• Dinner: A mix of home-cooked meals and dining at a local pub or casual eatery. (Cost: ~£8–£15)

Luxury/Dining Out (£50+ per day)

This tier is for those who regularly eat at restaurants, cafes, and higher-end establishments. Costs can escalate quickly, especially in central London. A typical day on this budget could include:

• Breakfast: Brunch at a cafe. (Cost: ~£10–£20)
• Lunch: Mid-range restaurant or gourmet street food. (Cost: ~£15–£25)
• Dinner: Fine dining or multiple courses at a quality restaurant, including drinks. (Cost: ~£50+)

Comparison Table of Daily UK Food Budgets

Expense Category	Budget-Conscious	Mid-Range	Luxury/Dining Out
Daily Spend Estimate	£5–£10	£15–£30	£50+ (higher in London)
Breakfast	Home-cooked (porridge, toast)	Home-cooked or cafe	Brunch at a cafe or hotel
Lunch	Packed leftovers or supermarket meal deal	Pub lunch or casual cafe	Mid-range restaurant
Dinner	Home-cooked, utilising budget ingredients	Pub meal or affordable takeaway	Fine dining restaurant
Groceries Source	Aldi, Lidl, own-brand items	Mix of budget and standard supermarkets	Convenience stores, high-end groceries
Eating Out Habits	Occasional, with vouchers/deals	Regular pub meals and takeaways	Frequent dining out, upscale restaurants

How to Reduce Your Daily Food Spending

• Meal Plan and Batch Cook: Planning your meals for the week and cooking larger portions can significantly cut down on waste and cost. Leftovers make for easy and cheap lunches. A great resource for budget-friendly recipes is the BBC Food website, which has plans for as little as £11 per week for seven meals.
• Shop at Budget Supermarkets: Retailers like Aldi and Lidl consistently offer lower prices than major chains.
• Buy Own-Brand Products: Supermarket own-brand products are almost always cheaper than branded alternatives and are often just as good.
• Buy Frozen, Tinned, and Dried Goods: These pantry staples are not only cheap but also last a long time, reducing food waste. Frozen vegetables are often cheaper and more nutritious than fresh, and tinned pulses and fish are excellent for low-cost meals.
• Avoid Convenience Stores: Shopping at local convenience stores or express versions of supermarkets (e.g., Tesco Express) can be more expensive. Save these for genuine emergencies.
• Use Loyalty Cards and Apps: Supermarket loyalty cards (e.g., Tesco Clubcard, Nectar) and budgeting apps like Curve Pay can help you track spending and earn rewards on your food shop.
• Make Your Own Coffee: The cost of a daily takeaway coffee adds up quickly. Making your own at home can save you hundreds of pounds over a year.

Conclusion

Ultimately, how much to budget per day for food in the UK is a personal decision based on your priorities. For those on a tight budget, £5–£10 per day is feasible with careful planning and home-cooking. A mid-range budget of £15–£30 per day offers a comfortable balance, while those who prioritise dining out should expect to spend upwards of £50 a day, especially in London. By implementing smart shopping and cooking habits, anyone can take control of their food budget and make their money go further.

How much to budget per day for food in the UK?

• Average Spend: For an average UK resident mixing home cooking and dining out, expect to spend around £6–£7 per person per day, based on 2025 data.
• Budget Tier: For a budget-conscious individual cooking mostly at home, a daily budget of £5–£10 is achievable by shopping at discount supermarkets and using meal planning.
• Mid-Range Budget: For a mix of cooking and eating out, a mid-range budget of £15–£30 per day is realistic, including casual pub lunches or affordable takeaways.
• Luxury/Dining Out: If you plan to eat out frequently, a daily budget of £50+ per day should be anticipated, particularly in major cities like London.
• Travelers: Tourists should consider their accommodation type; self-catering in an Airbnb is far cheaper than eating out for every meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a realistic daily food budget for a student in the UK?

A realistic budget for a student cooking most meals at home would be between £5 and £10 per day, especially by using budget supermarkets, buying own-brand products, and meal planning.

Is it cheaper to cook at home or eat out in the UK?

Cooking at home is significantly cheaper than eating out. The average UK resident spends £32 per week on groceries compared to £12 per week on eating out, highlighting the cost difference.

How much does a meal out typically cost in the UK?

A casual meal at a pub or restaurant can range from £10 to £25 per person. Dining at a mid-range restaurant in a city could cost £30-£50, while fine dining is significantly more expensive.

Are food costs higher in London compared to the rest of the UK?

Yes, food costs are generally higher in London. Anecdotal evidence suggests a basic meal in central London can be considerably more expensive than in other UK regions.

What are the best supermarkets for a food budget in the UK?

Discount supermarkets like Aldi and Lidl are the best for a tight budget. For broader range while maintaining good value, Tesco and Sainsbury's also have extensive own-brand options.

How can I eat healthily on a budget in the UK?

Eating healthily on a budget is possible by prioritising home-cooking. Focus on cheap staples like lentils, beans, and frozen fruits and vegetables. Be aware that the price of healthier food has risen faster than less healthy options recently.

What is the cheapest way for a tourist to eat in the UK?

For tourists, the cheapest way to eat is by staying in self-catering accommodation like an Airbnb, buying groceries from supermarkets, and packing lunches. Supermarket meal deals are also a cheap option for a quick lunch.