Brits can use their own home cooking to save money in the current economic climate, a specialist says.

Those who opt to make their own meals will also be able to monitor the nutritional value of their dishes, as they will be aware of the exact ingredients that are used, according to a registered nutritionist.

Carina Norris said: "In general you pay more for the convenience of having food already prepared so you only have to put it in the microwave or the oven. If people want to save money - cook from scratch."

Ms Norris added that cooking from scratch could be particularly beneficial over the Christmas period, as the ingredients seen in shops are "higher in salt" than what they would be if they were made at home.

Last month, Chef and Brewer revealed that eight out of ten people gorge on sweets and chocolate on a regular basis, in an attempt to improve their mood.