McDonald's, Nando's, Domino's fans can save £115 with these dupes

The cost of living crisis continues to put a strain on the purse strings with many of us struggling to cover our essential bills - never mind the little luxuries of a weekend takeaway.

However, there is a way that we can enjoy a hassle-free tea from our favourite fast food restaurants without breaking the bank and it's with a trend you might have even heard of.

A 'Fakeaway' involves making a meal at home that replicates food that you would order as a takeaway and it couldn't be easier to try the trend.

Deals expert recommends 'Fakeaways' from Aldi, Iceland and more to recreate your favourite takeaways. ( Getty Images) (Image: Getty Images)

Co-founder of money-saving community LatestDeals.co.uk, Tom Church, is a fan of the Fakeaway trend himself and has saved £115 by swapping out his McDonald's, Domino's and Nando's orders for supermarket fakeaway alternatives.

Tom commented: “Takeaways and eating out can be a big drain on your bank account. Instead, I opt for supermarket dupes and ‘fakeaways’ - these are meals inspired by brands or ready meals from popular chains. You can save hundreds by making the switch”.

Supermarket 'Fakeaway' shopping tips for Aldi, Iceland, Asda and more

McDonald's

Saving: £13

A trip to Maccies is the definition of a little luxury whether chicken nuggets or a Big Mac is your go to but if you're wanting to cut costs, Tom suggests going to Aldi instead.

The deals expert added:"There’s a range of McDonald’s inspired items that start from just £1.49. Products in this range include Crispy Chicken Strips & BBQ Dips, 10 Breakfast Hash Browns, Big Stack, Chicken Stack, Crispy Chicken Strips & Sweet Chili Sauce, Fries and Chicken Nuggets & Dips.

“I worked out that it costs £16.02 to buy all these items from Aldi. Buying the same from McDonald’s would cost around £28.93, so you’re saving £12.91.

"Plus, for some of the Aldi items you get multiples so it’s actually even better value".

The LatestDeals.co.uk co founder recommends shopping at Iceland as a dupe for Nando's. ( PA) (Image: PA)

Nando's

Saving: £15

The LatestDeals.co.uk co-founder recommends shopping at Iceland as a dupe for Nando's.

He commented: “Iceland has an own brand dupe for Nando’s meals, including Chicken Breasts, Wings or Thighs in Lemon & Herb or Peri Peri flavouring.

"The range is often included in multi-buy offers, for example, ‘buy 3 for £10’, or products cost around £4 individually. 

“If you were to take advantage of the offer and choose, for example, the Peri Peri Chicken Wings, Lemon & Herb Chicken Breasts, and Peri Peri Chicken Thighs, it would cost you £10 at Iceland.

"Buying as close to the same as possible from Nando’s would be around £24.60, so nearly £15 more expensive". 

5 ways to save money on your weekly food shop

Domino's 

Saving: £15 

Domino's might be tasty but it is more on the expensive side.

If you're desperate for a pizza fix, Tom has recommended the Carlos Takeaway range from Aldi which he says is the "closest supermarket alternative".

He added: "They do a selection of pizzas - including stuff crust options - as well as other Domino’s favourites including a Cookie and Garlic Pizza Bread.

“I compared some of the items to Dominos and the savings were huge. For example, the Carlos Takeaway Meat Feast Pizza is £2.25 compared to Domino’s Mighty Meaty which is £21.99 for a medium size.

Harry Kane and his wife Katie welcome fourth child

"The Aldi Loaded BBQ Chicken Pizza is £4.25, compared to Domino's Texas BBQ which is £21.99. The Carlos Takeaway Loaded Cheese Pizza with Stuffed Crust is £2.29, whereas the Domino’s Original Cheese Pizza with Stuffed Crust is £22.98. 

“On those three pizzas alone, by opting for the Aldi alternative you’ll save a whopping £58.08. I’d say Aldi’s pizzas aren’t quite as good as Domino’s but for nearly a £60 price difference, it’s a no brainer for me!

“However, if you are just in the mood for a Pepperoni Passion or Vegi Volcano from Domino’s, and no alternative can satisfy the craving, then use the Latest Deals Domino’s Discount Code Finder Tool. It has every Domino’s code for every local store nationwide.

TGI Fridays

Saving: £14

If TGI Fridays is your go-to takeaway, you could save some cash by checking out Iceland's frozen food range.

The deals expert shared: "There’s often a ‘3 for £10’ offer on selected items from the range, and there’s lots of choice including Pulled Pork Mac & Cheese, Chicken Louisiana Hot Mess, Brilliant Banoffee Ice Cream and more.

“I worked out that you could choose the Mozzarella Dippers, Cheese and Pepperoni Potato Skins and Boneless Hot Chicken Wings for £10, and the same would cost around £34 at the restaurant - so a saving of £14".

Co-founder of money-saving community LatestDeals.co.uk, Tom Church, is a fan of the Fakeaway trend himself and has saved £115 by swapping out his McDonald's, Domino's and Nando's orders for supermarket fakeaway alternatives. ( PA) (Image: PA)

Indian

Saving: £13

The average Brit spends just over £10 on an Indian Takeaway, according to Statista.

That statistic refers to only one person and doesn't consider what it costs families or multiple-person households for each dish as well as additional sides that they'll split between them.

With this in mind, Tom suggests shopping at Asda to save yourself a few pennies.

He stated:“I really rate the ASDA own Indian range, and recommend the meal boxes. My favourite is the Chicken Korma and Tikka Masala kit for two.

"You get the two curries, pilau rice, naan breads and onion bhajis for £7.

"If a takeaway for two costs around £20, so you’re saving around £13.”

Your Money Matters

Your Money Matters is a campaign launched by us and our sister titles across Newsquest to help you overcome the surge in the cost of living.

This year has seen a whole host of household price increases — from the energy price cap rise to surging inflation and food prices — costing your family hundreds or even thousands of pounds extra per year.

We’re making it our mission to look out for your cash, offering money-saving deals, competitions, giveaways and insightful stories from your community on the impact this cost-of-living crisis is having on our readers.

The worldwide energy crisis exacerbated by the Ukraine invasion, the financial impact of the Covid pandemic, record inflation figures and a surge in the cost of goods, fuel and travel means we will all feel the pinch.

Through our newspaper, we want to do what we can to help make your cash go further because we know your money matters.