Unit prices: the shop's small print
Lesson 2 of 12 in our free Food & Everyday Spending guide: a 5-minute money game with the key points below.
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Free with a code from your uni, college, council, landlord or employer (worth £600/year). Lesson 1 of Food & Everyday Spending is free for everyone.
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Questions you'll answer
Pasta: a 500g bag costs £0.75. What's the price per kg?
Cereal A: 500g for £2.00. Cereal B: 750g for £3.30. Which is better value per 100g?
Quick facts
- Myth: “Multi-buy deals ('3 for 2') are always cheaper per item.” — Often they are, sometimes they aren't — and they're only a saving if you'd actually use all three.
- Fact: “Shelf labels in UK supermarkets usually show a unit price.” — Look for 'per kg', 'per litre', 'per 100g' or 'per each' on the label.
- Fact: “Own-brand / value ranges can be a fraction of the branded price for similar stuff.” — Try a 'brand downgrade' on basics like rice, tinned tomatoes or pasta — many people can't tell the difference.
- Myth: “Bigger packs are always the best value.” — Check the unit price. And a bigger pack that goes off before you finish it is the worst value of all.