Supermarket launches new Menopause Hub as research highlights the financial pressure facing women looking for support
Women across Yorkshire are being offered practical advice on how to support their nutrition during menopause without putting extra pressure on the household budget, thanks to a new initiative from Abu Bakr Supermarket.
The Leeds-headquartered supermarket has launched a brand-new Menopause Hub, designed to give women access to simple, affordable food ideas, shopping inspiration, nutritional guidance and practical lifestyle tips.
The initiative comes as new research commissioned by Abu Bakr Supermarket highlights the financial strain some women face when looking for products and treatments to help manage menopausal symptoms.
The research found that women in the UK have wasted an average of £122 on menopause products and treatments they felt were ineffective, while one in four said they were feeling the financial strain associated with menopause support.
A third of women surveyed said they had reduced household spending elsewhere to help cover the cost of supplements and therapies.
The research also found that half of women (50 per cent) feel they lack information about how food and diet can support them during menopause, potentially leading some to spend more on products specifically marketed towards menopause.
One in five women surveyed said they had bought food products marketed as being specifically menopause-friendly, while 60 per cent said they regularly spend money on supplements.
Abu Bakr Supermarket says its new hub aims to cut through some of the confusion by showing women that everyday supermarket ingredients can form part of a balanced diet without the need for expensive specialist products.
Hamza Hussain, Managing Director of Abu Bakr Supermarket, said: “Good nutrition can be a powerful tool in navigating symptoms such as tiredness and brain fog, and our research shows that too many women feel they lack guidance.
“From eating balanced meals with wholegrains and lean protein to including omega-3-rich foods, small, affordable swaps really can add up.
“These shopping tips and easy recipes are designed to empower women to feel more resilient every day, while showing that supporting your diet during menopause doesn’t have to come with a big price tag.”
Abu Bakr’s budget-friendly menopause food swaps
Stock up on frozen fruit and vegetables
Frozen fruit and vegetables can be used in everything from smoothies and soups to curries and stir-fries. They can also help reduce food waste, making them a practical option for households trying to keep costs down.
Cook once, eat twice – or more
Preparing larger portions of soups, stews and curries means nourishing meals can be frozen for another day. It can save both time and money while taking the pressure off on busy days.
Prioritise affordable sources of protein
Eggs, beans, lentils and fish can provide affordable sources of protein and are easy to incorporate into everyday meals.
Make the switch to wholegrains
Brown rice, oats and wholemeal pasta are affordable store cupboard staples and provide fibre, making them an easy swap for everyday meals.
Add one more colour to your plate
Adding an extra portion of colourful fruit or vegetables each day – whether it is carrots, apples or leafy greens – is a simple way to introduce a wider variety of nutrients without significantly increasing the shopping bill.
Shop seasonally
Seasonal produce can offer good value while providing fresh ingredients for everyday meals. Abu Bakr Supermarket is encouraging shoppers to look out for its regular fruit and vegetable offers to make their budgets stretch further.
Four affordable meal ideas
The supermarket has also created a selection of simple recipes aimed at making nutritious eating easier and more affordable.
Lentil Bolognese
A budget-friendly family favourite using lentils as a source of plant-based protein and fibre.
Easy Mixed Bean Lasagne
A simple twist on a classic family meal, using beans to add protein and a range of nutrients.
One-Tray Chicken & Greens
A fuss-free traybake combining chicken with a selection of green vegetables for an easy midweek dinner.
Quick Chickpea Curry
An affordable, filling meal built around chickpeas and vegetables, with store cupboard ingredients helping to keep preparation and costs down.
Esa Hussain, Chief Commercial Director at Abu Bakr UK, said the supermarket wanted to make nutritional support accessible to women at every stage of their lives.
“Our goal at Abu Bakr Supermarket is to make nutritious food accessible to everyone, at every stage of their lives,” he said.
“We want to communicate the simple message that menopause support doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated.
“We want to provide women with simple, practical and affordable ways to support their diet during menopause and beyond.
“It is reassuring to see through the research that over half of women in the UK believe everyday foods should play a greater role in their menopause journey.
“We hope our hub helps them make positive changes as they fill their trolleys.”
Abu Bakr Supermarket says the Menopause Hub is part of its wider commitment to helping customers make informed, affordable choices, with practical advice focused on everyday foods rather than expensive specialist products.
The supermarket is encouraging women to make small changes to their weekly shop, demonstrating that eating a balanced diet during menopause can be achievable without breaking the bank.
