UK households urged to 'stock up' on six food and drink items immediately

UK households have been urged to "stock up" on Christmas food NOW - if it's non-perishable. Liz Hunter, director at Money Expert, has offered some of her top tips that UK households can start doing immediately to avoid overspending this festive season.

Food prices often increase the closer it gets to Christmas, especially when it comes to festive items, the personal finance guru has warned UK households. Although it may seem early to stock up on Christmas food, buying now can save you money later.

Fresh produce won't last, but non-perishable items like biscuits, nuts, chocolates and alcohol can be purchased in advance so if you spot good deals, grab them now, she went on to say, as we approach October - and a two-month countdown for Christmas.

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Remember to check the 'reduced to clear' shelves every time you shop, too. As well as these four items, don't be put off buying things you can freeze too. Many items, including meat joints and fish, can be frozen which could significantly help to reduce the cost of your December food shopping.

By stocking up on what you can now, including the six aforementioned items, you'll save money, spread the cost and avoid the hectic Christmas shopping rush. Martin Lewis said previously: "A warning... Christmas is on 25 December this year.

"January is debt counsellors' busiest month - ask people why they need help then and many reply: "Christmas, of course". Yet Christmas isn't unexpected, it's coming, so if you haven't started the financial prep yet, this is the moment (some fervent MoneySavers will already have done it all).

"So here's my annual checklist of things to do now, to cut costs when the big day arrives (many also work if, like me, you celebrate Chanukah, or owt else). This isn't about early celebration - I hate Slade's festive tones played in shops in Sept (or Oct) as much as the next Scrooge - it's about preparation."