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Original poster

Is this way too much junk food in weekly shop?

75 replies

Lazyweekend · 20/05/2023 14:11

Normal food fruit and vegetables etc.
In addition -

  • multipack crisps (so 2/3 packets each in packed lunches)
  • multipack chocolate bars (I each after swimming midweek)
  • pack cheap biscuits for occasional supper/snack
  • pack freddos for packed lunches
  • sharing bag of something for weekend afternoon movie
OP posts:
Comedycook · 20/05/2023 14:13

Normal imo...I have teens who would demolish that lot in a short period of time

Dacadactyl · 20/05/2023 14:15

I wouldn't give anyone 2 or 3 packets of crisps in a packed lunch but other than that, for a family it doesnt seem unreasonable.

hettiethehare · 20/05/2023 14:15

We have exactly the same weekly treats in our shop:

  • Multipack crisps
  • Multipack Kitkats or penguins
  • Pack of boring biscuits for DH who prefers them/ when we have run out of the chocolate biscuits for the rest of us
  • Sharing bag of minstrels for Saturday evening film

So, other than the Freddos, that is exactly the same. DH and I also get a nicer bag of crisps to have with a beer in the sun if it is a sunny afternoon in an attempt to spend less money ie not go to the pub.

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General food
YukoandHiro · 20/05/2023 14:15

Dacadactyl · 20/05/2023 14:15

I wouldn't give anyone 2 or 3 packets of crisps in a packed lunch but other than that, for a family it doesnt seem unreasonable.

I think she means three packets a week each, which form part of their packed lunches.

DuchessOfSausage · 20/05/2023 14:16

It's not a shocking amount, but it depends how many it's for.
You don't actually need any of it.

Original poster
Lazyweekend · 20/05/2023 14:17

I was wondering how it compares to others with children/young teen. (3 of us)

I'm trying to disguise how tight money is. I'm buying much cheaper food than usual. (Homemade soups, bean chilli etc). So upped the treats.

I meant there would be crisps 2/3 days each.

OP posts:
DuchessOfSausage · 20/05/2023 14:24

It seems a lot for 3 of you, and crisps don't actually make you (me) less hungry. I'd shop at Aldi or Lidl. The Titan and Racer bars and the crisps are cheap and cheerful.

Peanuts are a bit more filling if you fancy something salty.

coronabeer · 20/05/2023 14:42

I’d say it’s quite a lot, but probably still less than many people buy.

I’ve made a big effort over the past couple of years to improve our diet (as a family) so nowadays a packet of biscuits would last the three of us maybe 2-3 weeks (only have them once or twice a week, usually only one biscuit at a time). That said, I usually bake a cake each week and we might have a slice each per day until it’s finished - then no more until the next weekend. Crisps or similar we have hardly ever.

I don’t think any of us really miss the junk food. I think of it in different terms these days and it’s lost its appeal to a large extent. I’m pretty much convinced that UPFs play the largest part in the increasing levels of obesity throughout the world and it will be interesting to see whether emerging evidence supports this hypothesis.

Paperlate · 20/05/2023 14:46

I'd say it's absolutely fine. In fact I don't think it's enough.

CharlotteRumpling · 20/05/2023 14:50

Yes it is.

Hungrycaterpillarsmummy · 20/05/2023 14:51

It doesn't make sense to save money on the wholesome food then up the treats because of that.

I'd say it's quite a lot anyway

Original poster
Lazyweekend · 20/05/2023 14:58

Agree nuts are better than crisps but crisps are one child's favourite part of packed lunches and he only has them 2-3. Also, can't send nuts to school.

I'm trying to make the shopping/food seem appealing as no fancy fruit/avocado/cheese/expensive vegan products etc that used to buy. Everything is basic apples/pears/cheddar etc.

Open to healthier suggestions to disguise extreme budgeting!

I have got my shopping from £80/90 to £40 including these treats. Significantly cheaper than how I was shopping. Treats total £4.60.

OP posts:
chipshopElvis · 20/05/2023 15:13

It looks fine to me and totally normal (even restrained). Ours is similar.

CharlotteRumpling · 20/05/2023 15:57

Why do they need multi pack of chocolate plus freddos plus sharing bag? That's a lot of sugar.

PhyllisFogg · 20/05/2023 16:00

I've never bought any of those for my DCs or myself.
My DCs never had bought crisps, or sweets.
I don't know what Freddos are.

People don't actually need snacks.

Snacks for us /them are a piece of fruit or plain yoghurt, or something like a wholemeal fruit bun.

Sorry but you aren't exactly introducing them to a healthy diet.

PhyllisFogg · 20/05/2023 16:02

Everything is basic apples/pears/cheddar etc.

Basic is fine.

Apples, pears, bananas, oranges, kiwi.
A few strawberries when in season.

treacledan71 · 20/05/2023 16:02

Lazyweekend · 20/05/2023 14:58

Agree nuts are better than crisps but crisps are one child's favourite part of packed lunches and he only has them 2-3. Also, can't send nuts to school.

I'm trying to make the shopping/food seem appealing as no fancy fruit/avocado/cheese/expensive vegan products etc that used to buy. Everything is basic apples/pears/cheddar etc.

Open to healthier suggestions to disguise extreme budgeting!

I have got my shopping from £80/90 to £40 including these treats. Significantly cheaper than how I was shopping. Treats total £4.60.

Wow 40.00 that is excellent. I have spent 130.00 this week. 3 adults well 16 eats like an adult. He quite fussy so eats different to.us.

treacledan71 · 20/05/2023 16:03

PhyllisFogg · 20/05/2023 16:00

I've never bought any of those for my DCs or myself.
My DCs never had bought crisps, or sweets.
I don't know what Freddos are.

People don't actually need snacks.

Snacks for us /them are a piece of fruit or plain yoghurt, or something like a wholemeal fruit bun.

Sorry but you aren't exactly introducing them to a healthy diet.

How old are your kids?

Lcb123 · 20/05/2023 16:05

You don’t need crisps or chocolate in a daily lunch box. It’s pretty shocking that our society thinks that’s normal.

PhyllisFogg · 20/05/2023 16:05

You could get more fruit for that £4.60 .

It's not about just cost, it's about nutrition.

Why are you setting your kids up to enjoy crap processed food and even consider it a 'treat'!

No wonder the UK has an obesity issue.

Lcb123 · 20/05/2023 16:06

You could do carrot sticks and dip, or buy cheap tortillas and bake to make your own crisp equivalent but without all the rubbish

treacledan71 · 20/05/2023 16:08

treacledan71 · 20/05/2023 16:02

Wow 40.00 that is excellent. I have spent 130.00 this week. 3 adults well 16 eats like an adult. He quite fussy so eats different to.us.

Show quote history

Meant to say it is a pay day shop so stock up on lots of things.

Opplesandbononos · 20/05/2023 16:10

I must be a terrible parent, ill get 3 different packets of crisps (skips, quavers, wotsits)

Ill get 2-3 packs of cakes plus donuts

3/4 packs of chocolate bars, jelly, fruit (lots of fruit)

About 5-10 boxes of ice lollies/ice creams

Pepsi/appletiser/fresh juice

Different packs of sweets

Finchgold · 20/05/2023 16:13

100 percent normal. A bag of crisps and a biscuit every day not excessive as part of a healthy diet.

tailinthejam · 20/05/2023 16:15

A bag of crisps every other day and the odd chocolate bar isn't over the top at all, and considering what else the op is feeding the family on, I think it's fine. Life's too short to worry about this minimal level of snacks. £4.60 for a week's-worth between three people is hardly pushing the boat out, is it?

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