If you live alone in the UK, you’ve probably wondered:
Is it actually cheaper to cook from scratch… or is it easier (and maybe just as affordable) to buy ready meals?
With supermarket prices rising and energy bills still higher than they used to be, it’s a fair question.
The answer isn’t just about ingredients — it’s about portion sizes, food waste, and how you manage leftovers.
Let’s break it down realistically.
The Cost of Ready Meals in the UK
In most UK supermarkets:
- Standard own-brand ready meals: £2.50 – £4.00
- Premium ready meals: £4.50 – £7.00
- Branded options: often £5+
If you buy one ready meal five nights a week:
£3.50 average × 5 days = £17.50 per week
That’s around £70 per month for dinners alone.
You’re paying for:
- Convenience
- Portion control
- No prep time
- No food waste
For many solo households, that predictability is appealing.
The Cost of Cooking at Home (For One Person)
Now let’s compare a simple homemade meal.
Example: Chicken & Veg Pasta
Typical UK supermarket prices:
- Chicken breast (500g): £4.50
- Pasta (500g): £0.90
- Jar of sauce: £1.25
- Mixed vegetables: £1.50
Total: £8.15
That could easily make 3–4 portions.
So per portion:
£8.15 ÷ 4 = £2.04 per meal
That’s significantly cheaper than a £3.50 ready meal.
But here’s the important part…
It’s only cheaper if you eat or freeze all portions.
The Hidden Cost: Food Waste
For people cooking for one, this is where things go wrong.
You buy:
- A whole bag of spinach
- A large pack of chicken
- A jar of sauce you only use half of
If those extras go unused, the cost per portion increases dramatically.
Wasted food cancels out savings.
This is why meal planning and freezer storage matter so much when cooking for one.
What About Energy Costs?
Cooking at home includes:
- Oven use
- Hob use
- Electricity or gas
However, batch cooking is more energy-efficient than cooking one small meal every day.
If you cook once and freeze portions, you spread that energy cost across multiple meals.
That keeps homemade cooking competitive.
When Ready Meals Might Make Sense
Ready meals can be reasonable if:
- You rarely cook
- You dislike leftovers
- You don’t have freezer space.
- You value convenience over cost.
For some weeks, ready meals may actually prevent waste.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
So… Is It Cheaper to Cook or Buy Ready Meals in the UK?
In most cases:
✔ Cooking at home is cheaper per portion
✔ Batch cooking lowers the cost further
✔ Freezing extras protects your savings
But without a system, cooking for one can end up costing more due to waste.
The key isn’t just cooking.
It’s cooking intentionally.
When you’re cooking for one, the real savings come from having a simple structure in place. A clear meal plan helps you buy only what you need, portion correctly, and reduce waste. If you’re not sure where to start, my complete guide to meal planning for one person walks you through a practical, stress-free system designed specifically for solo households.
FAQ Section (UK-Focused)
Is it cheaper to cook for one person in the UK?
Yes — if you plan properly and use leftovers. Without planning, food waste can make cooking more expensive than expected.
How much can you save cooking at home in the UK?
Homemade meals often cost £1.80–£2.50 per portion compared to £3.50–£6.00 for ready meals. Over a month, that can save £30–£60.
Are ready meals bad value?
Not always. For small households with no freezer space, ready meals can reduce waste and offer predictable costs.
If you’re cooking for one, having a simple freezer organisation system can dramatically reduce waste and keep homemade meals cost-effective.