I’m a mum – how to get free food and cut takeaway costs at McDonald’s, KFC and Domino’s

MONEY-SAVING mum, Maddy Alexander-Grout, saves around £20 a time on the cost of a takeaway by making her own for a fraction of the price.

This is just one of a host of hacks the 39-year-old has come up with to help save money on ordering food.

New findings show that with prices rising and the cost of a takeaway on the up, families are cutting back on ordering in.

Food delivery company, Deliveroo, reported a 2 per cent drop in order numbers in the final three months of 2022.

And it’s a similar story across many of the takeaway delivery firms, experiencing a sharp slowdown in orders as the cost-of-living crisis forces consumers to tighten the purse strings.

It’s also a reversal of the trend we saw during the pandemic, when the average spend on takeaways rose, up to £641 a year, according to accountancy firm KPMG. 

But fear not if you want to get your fast food fix, as Maddy has a host of simple hacks to help you enjoy a takeout for less.

All it takes is a few small tweaks.

The 39-year-old consumer whizz who shares tips on her TikTok , will be launching a money community app with this same name in the next few months.

She lives in Southampton with husband, James, and their two children, Ben, seven, and Harriet, three.

CUT THE COST AT POPULAR CHAINS

When it comes to family favourites, such as McDonald's, KFC, Pizza Hut and Domino's, be sure to check out the latest discounts and offers. 

Even if you miss out on this particular offer, signing up to the app all will unlock lots more money-saving deals.

“McDonald's fans might also not realise you can grab a discount just by holding on to your receipt and filling in a short online customer feedback survey,” said Maddy.

“This will generate a code to get a Big Mac and fries for £1.99.”

GET FREE CHICKEN AT KFC

At KFC, you can currently get a six-piece chicken bucket for free on your first delivery order via the KFC app.

Elsewhere, there’s a "Hot Deals" promotion running at Papa Johns, offering any small pizza for £7.99 (usually up to £20.79) and any large pizza for £11.99 (usually up to £23.99).

“One of the simplest ways to cut the cost of a takeaway is by picking it up yourself,” said Maddy.

“Plus, as outlets often offer discounts if you pick up, this means additional savings on top.”

At Pizza Hut, for example, you can currently get a sharing pan or thin pizza for £10 when you order for click and collect.

CHECK FOR DISCOUNTS

Don’t forget to sign up to the likes of Just Eat, Deliveroo, Uber Eats and Foodhub and check weekly.

ypical offers include 10 or 20 per cent off your spend.

For further savings, check out cashback sites, such as Karma Vouchers. 

“Ordering from them will give you 3.5 per cent cashback which you can save in your pot,” said Maddy.

“With My VIP Rewards, you can buy a voucher and save 5 per cent before you order.”

FREE FOOD FROM PARKING TICKETS

Subway is another favourite, and you can always find vouchers on the back of parking tickets.

While you’re at it, keep an eye out for local takeaway providers popping menus through your door with discount codes.

Maddy points out that if you order a takeaway and it turns up cold, late or missing items, you can get a refund or credit.

“Don’t just grin and bear it,” she said. “It only takes two minutes to complain on an app.”

MAKE YOUR OWN

The queen of saving told The Sun: “It requires a bit of effort, but you can easily concoct some amazing alternatives which are healthier for you, and your wallet.

"For me, nothing beats a good home-cooked fake-away, and my favourite is curry.”

Maddy buys chicken for £4.18, rice for 55p, tinned tomatoes for 55p, an onion for 13p, coconut milk for £1, and four cloves of garlic for around 20p. 

“I can usually find spices such as ground ginger and coriander in my cupboard, along with cayenne pepper and garam masala, plus a few tablespoons of oil,” she said.

“The total cost is £6.61 for a meal for four people.”

If you want the extras, pick up a pack-of-two naan breads for 65p, and eight poppadoms for £1.40.

“The equivalent curry from a takeaway would set you back around £25, plus delivery fee, so I’m saving at least £20,” said Maddy.

“It also tastes nicer when you make it at home, and it’s even better when my husband does the cooking, as then it feels like a proper takeaway.”

While Maddy is a big fan of fake-aways, the cash-saving mum acknowledges it’s not always that easy. 

“Takeaways are a big part of our lives and are easy to grab when you are in a rush,” she said.

“So if you can’t make your own, the key is to find ways to save.”