The Telegraph published a consumer guide at the weekend to help readers avoid paying VAT on their groceries.

The piece recommends that thrifty shoppers eschew standard-rated potato crisps, ready-made popcorn, prawn crackers made from cereals, shelled roasted or salted nuts, ice cream and ice lollies, and chocolate-coated biscuits.

Zero-rated alternatives will help save a few quid: crisps made of other vegetables, microwave popcorn, prawn crackers made from tapioca, roasted or salted nuts still in shells, frozen ready meals and baked Alaska, and chocolate chip biscuits.

The article's authors, Rosie Murray-West and Kara Gammell, reveal that an individual who follows their advice will keep hold of a whopping £6.48 (about £2 less than the saving to be made by not buying the Mailygraph for a week).

I suggest that cash be put away to help pay for the private treatment of the scurvy, obeity, diabetes and heart trouble that will result from the diet suggested by Ms Murray-West and Ms Gammell, who perhaps don't know that fruit and veg are also zero-rated.

• Blog