Monthly cost per child: £160

British children consume 25 times more confectionery and 30 times more soft drinks than they did in 1950, spending £2billion a year on junk food. More than 1.5 million of the UK's schoolchildren tuck into biscuits, crisps and chocolate instead of a proper breakfast.

Cost-cutting tips: Cut out junk foods and drinks. They cost a fortune and are making children overweight. Stop buying expensive ready-made meals also.

Discourage snacking by sitting down to regular family meals. Look out for two-for-one offers in supermarkets and freeze for later.