Unit Price: The Simple Way to Cut Food Costs

Ever stare at a grocery shelf, see two packs of the same item, and wonder which one is the real deal? The answer lies in the unit price – the cost of each ounce, gram, or piece. Knowing this number helps you compare apples to apples, not just big packages to tiny ones. It’s a quick math trick that can shave dollars off your weekly shop without sacrificing anything you love.

What Is Unit Price and Why It Matters

Unit price is the price divided by the amount you get. If a bag of rice costs £4 for 1 kg, the unit price is £4 per kilogram. A smaller pack at £2 for 400 g works out to £5 per kilogram, meaning the big bag is cheaper per gram. This simple check stops you from getting fooled by flashy packaging.

Beyond groceries, unit price matters for any kitchen cost. Think of a recipe that calls for 250 ml of olive oil. If a 500 ml bottle costs £6, your ingredient cost is £3 for that amount. Knowing the cost per serving lets you price out a whole meal, plan menus, and avoid surprise bills at the end of the month.

How to Calculate Unit Price in the Kitchen

Step 1: Find the total price on the tag. Step 2: Note the total weight or volume. Step 3: Divide price by weight (or volume). The result is your unit price.

Example: A 6‑pack of canned tomatoes costs £3.30. Each can holds 400 ml, so total volume is 2.4 L. £3.30 ÷ 2.4 L = £1.38 per litre. Now, if a single can is £0.70, that’s £1.75 per litre – the pack wins.

Use a calculator or phone app to speed things up. Many grocery apps show unit price automatically; if not, a quick manual calc does the job.

Once you have unit prices for staple items – rice, pasta, flour, oil – you can build a cost sheet. When a new recipe comes along, just plug the numbers in and you’ll know exactly how much each plate costs.

Here’s a fast tip: round the numbers. If a bag is £2.99 for 750 g, treat it as £3 for 0.75 kg. £3 ÷ 0.75 kg = £4 per kilogram – an easy mental shortcut that’s close enough for shopping decisions.

Another handy trick is to compare per‑serving costs. A frozen pizza might be £4 for 4 servings, or £1 per serving. A homemade pizza using store‑bought dough, sauce, and cheese could be £2.50 total, or about £0.63 per slice. Homemade wins, and you get to customize toppings.

Remember to factor in waste. If a large bag of nuts goes stale before you finish it, the real cost per serving rises. Buying “just right” amounts sometimes beats the lowest unit price if you waste less.

Bottom line: unit price is a free budgeting tool you can start using today. Scan labels, do a quick division, and you’ll see where the real bargains hide. The more you practice, the faster you’ll spot the best deals, and the more money you’ll keep for the things you love – like a weekend brunch or a new kitchen gadget.