PANCAKE day is just around the corner, much to the excitement of sweet-toothed Brits.
The holiday, officially known as Shrove Tuesday, sees millions of households make the warm treat before the 40-day fasting period of Lent.
For decades people have been jazzing up their pancakes with an array of toppings from sugar to honey or fruit.
One of the most beloved toppings is, of course, Nutella, the chocolate hazelnut spread.
But the tasty treat can cost close to nearly £4, with Sainsbury’s currently charging non-Nectar card members £3.65 for a 350g jar.
With that in mind, we have rounded up some of the cheaper alternatives that will save you money but not compromise on taste.
Stamford Street Co. Chocolate Spread 400g
Sainsbury’s dupe for Nutella has gotten rave reviews from customers.
Like Nutella, it contains a mix of both chocolate spread and hazelnut flavours.
It costs just £1.19 for 400g of the spread, making it cheaper and bigger.
Shoppers have also given the treat a thumbs up, with one writing it was “a good alternative to the major names out there, and very tasty”.
Another said the “quality is unbelievable” and added that their “kids love this”.
A third said: “My tribe love this; it tastes better than any other chocolate spread we have tried.”
Tesco Hazelnut Chocolate Spread – 400G
Tesco charges £3.45 for a 350g tub of branded Nutella.
But if you stay in the same aisle and opt for Tesco’s Hazelnut Chocolate Spread you could save £1.70.
The supermarket charged just £1.69 for its take on the classic spread, which comes in a 400g jar.
It’s gotten rave reviews from customers too, with one saying it “rivals the higher-end brands”.
A second said it was a “staple” in their kitchen cupboard at home.
They wrote: “We buy this instead of a popular branded product. You can’t tell the difference, in my opinion.
What is unit pricing?
Unit prices make it easier for shoppers to compare similar items of different sizes.
You should be able to see the product’s unit price where its price tag is shown – it may be in small print.
It displays the cost of different products by weight, or volume.
It helps you easily compare the costs of different products, regardless of their respective sizes.
Compare this with the unit price of a similar item – for example, the cost per 100ml or two different types of cola – and choose the item with the lowest unit cost.
For example at Tesco, a pack of 15 330ml cans of Coca-Cola Zero is priced at £7.90.
The unit price is shown as 16p per 100ml.
Shoppers can compare this original price to a 2litre bottle of Coca-Cola Zero which is priced at £1.85, and labelled as 9p per 100ml.
Those with a Clubcard can get the same multipack of cans for the lower price of £6.
But there is no label showing the equivalent price per 100ml.
It would work out as 12p per 100ml, making the bottle better value overall despite the discount.
The changes Tesco is making will make this clear on shelves.
Stores must show unit pricing under legislation known as the Price Marking Order 2004.
With this in mind, paying close attention to the unit prices of the staples in your shopping trolley could save you a fortune in the long term.
“We use it with hot waffles, toast, porridge or ice cream. It has many uses and is a staple in our cupboard.”
JUST ESSENTIALS by ASDA Chocolate Hazelnut Spread – 400g
Asda typically charges £3.40 for a jar on Nutella but its currently on offer for £2.48.
But you could still save a further £1.13 if you shop its own brand chocolate and hazelnut spread.
Asda’s Just Essentials jar costs just £1.35 for 400g.
And many shoppers have also said it tastes better than the “leading brand name.”
One shopper had this to say: “This is the best chocolate spread by far …tastes amazing way better than all the rest.”
Aldi Everyday Essentials Chocolate Hazelnut Spread – 400g
Aldi is known for its dupes of pricey essentials.
As part of its Every Day Essentials range it sells a chocolate hazelnut spread for £1.19.
You get 400g of product in the jar, making it slightly bigger than the standard 350g Nutella tub.
Aldi sells another Nutella dupe known as Nutoka for £1.69 a jar.
The product looks almost idenital in packaging, so it is easily mistaken for the real dela.
One father took to the Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK group to share his review of both snacks.
He said: “Everyday Essentials chocolate hazelnut spread. Blind taste tested by our kids and they all preferred the Everyday Essentials over the Nutoka.”
How to save on your supermarket shop
THERE are plenty of ways to save on your grocery shop.
You can look out for yellow or red stickers on products, which show when they’ve been reduced.
If the food is fresh, you’ll have to eat it quickly or freeze it for another time.
Making a list should also save you money, as you’ll be less likely to make any rash purchases when you get to the supermarket.
Going own brand can be one easy way to save hundreds of pounds a year on your food bills too.
This means ditching “finest” or “luxury” products and instead going for “own” or value” type of lines.
Plenty of supermarkets run wonky veg and fruit schemes where you can get cheap prices if they’re misshapen or imperfect.
For example, Lidl runs its Waste Not scheme, offering boxes of 5kg of fruit and vegetables for just £1.50.
If you’re on a low income and a parent, you may be able to get up to £442 a year in Healthy Start vouchers to use at the supermarket too.
Plus, many councils offer supermarket vouchers as part of the Household Support Fund.
Nutella is a popular pancake topping but is it pricey[/caption]
