How to spend less on takeaways without giving them up entirely

Takeaways are one of the most common items that appear in a spending review and produce a genuine moment of surprise. Not because any single order is that expensive, but because the frequency adds up. Two or three orders a week, across a month, often comes to £150 or more — a figure that feels quite different from the £12 it felt like at the time of ordering.

Know what you are actually spending

The first step is to find the real number. Go back through one month of bank or card statements and add up every takeaway or food delivery. Most people who do this are surprised by the total. Once you have the actual figure, you can make a conscious decision about what feels right — rather than just assuming it is probably fine.

Set a monthly allowance rather than cutting them out

Telling yourself you will never order a takeaway again almost never works. A more realistic approach is to decide on a monthly amount you are comfortable spending — say £40 or £60 — and treat it as a genuine budget line rather than an afterthought. When the allowance is gone, it is gone until next month. This approach works because it replaces a vague, guilt-laden habit with a clear, guilt-free decision.

Use apps and loyalty schemes

If you are going to order, order well. Deliveroo, Just Eat, and Uber Eats all run regular promotions, discount codes, and loyalty programmes. Checking for an active offer before ordering takes thirty seconds and can save £5 to £10 on a single order. Over the course of a year, that adds up significantly. Cashback apps also often have active cashback offers on food delivery services.

Order directly from the restaurant

Delivery platforms charge restaurants a commission of up to 35 per cent, which is often passed on to customers through inflated prices. Many local restaurants offer direct ordering — either through their own website or by phone — at lower prices than the apps. It is worth checking, especially for restaurants you order from regularly.

Cook batch versions of your favourites

For the takeaways you order most often, it is worth learning a simplified version you can cook at home for a fraction of the cost. A homemade curry, stir-fry, or pizza will never be identical to the takeaway version — but if it is good enough, it can replace several orders a month while still being something you genuinely enjoy.