According to a recent survey, UK shoppers are currently sitting on £1.2 billion worth of unused loyalty points accumulated through supermarket schemes. On average, each shopper holds about £31 in loyalty rewards, with many planning to save these points for more considerable seasonal expenditures. This reflects a growing trend among consumers to be more mindful of their spending and savings in response to ongoing cost of living pressures.

The research indicates that almost half of the surveyed participants—45%—are choosing to save their loyalty points for larger purchases rather than spending them immediately, suggesting a strategic approach to managing personal finances. Moreover, approximately 32% of respondents are focused on maximizing the value of points year-round. This keen attention to value and expenditure is also observed in other areas of their spending behavior, as 64% of respondents employ similar strategies outside of grocery shopping.

In addition to saving loyalty points, other financial strategies such as timing purchases around discounts or cancelling unused subscriptions have gained popularity, with 43% and 32% of respondents, respectively, engaging in these tactics. This implies that consumers are increasingly adapting their shopping habits not just with the intent to save on food purchases but also in making overall smarter financial choices, influenced by economic conditions and personal budgeting goals.