For UK households
Who are the UK guides for?
These guides are for anyone who wants a clearer way to decide what to cook and buy. They are most useful when you adapt the examples to your own household, budget, dietary needs and local shops.
Find a guide to start withDifferent households, practical starting points
Each guide is a framework, not a prescribed plan or a promise of a live UK service.
Families and shared households
When several people eat together, start with the nights everyone is home and the number of portions each meal needs. Note different preferences before buying ingredients. A shared list can reduce forgotten items, while flexible meals leave room for a late evening or a change of plan. Check that any suggested meal suits the people who will actually eat it.
People cooking for one or two
Smaller households may need to think more carefully about pack size and leftovers. One recipe may call for half a pack; another meal can use the remainder if it will keep safely. Compare the cost of the whole purchase, not only the fraction listed in a recipe, and follow storage information on the product.
People keeping an eye on grocery spending
A written plan helps you notice duplicate ingredients and avoid buying food you already have. Compare current total-basket costs for the same portions, including delivery or travel, before calling one option cheaper. Promotions and value ranges vary by location and time. The guides do not give a live price comparison or guarantee a saving.
People with dietary preferences or food allergies
Use the guides as a planning framework, then check every actual ingredient and label against your needs. A recipe substitution can change allergens. If you have an allergy, intolerance or medical dietary requirement, generic editorial guidance cannot replace product-label checks or advice from a qualified professional where appropriate. Smaklig UK does not currently offer personalised allergy screening.
For food allergy information, see the UK Government guidance on allergen labels.