Grocery price inflation has risen to 2.5% for the second consecutive month, according to recent data. The increase comes as households continue to face elevated fuel costs and mounting energy bills, prompting many shoppers to seek out special offers to stretch their budgets further.
Expert shares seven ways to reduce weekly shopping bills
Sophie Graham, a personal finance expert at Sunny, has revealed straightforward strategies to reduce weekly shopping expenses for customers visiting major retailers, including Tesco, Asda, Aldi, Lidl, Sainsbury's and Morrisons, all while maintaining the products you love.
Graham said: "Grocery prices creeping up again will be frustrating for households already feeling the pinch from fuel and energy costs. When so many costs are rising at once, it's easy to feel there's not much you can do about it, but the food shop is one area where small changes can make a real difference."
Check unit prices and avoid unnecessary deals
"The headline price on the shelf doesn't always tell the full story. Most supermarkets display a unit price on the shelf label, showing the cost per kilogram, litre or item, and it's the quickest way to compare products properly. You may find that the bigger pack or the multi-buy isn't the better deal it appears to be, or that a different size works out cheaper."
"Promotions can be a great way to save, but a deal is only a saving if it's something you'd have bought anyway. Multi-buy offers and bulk discounts can easily tempt you into spending more than you planned, and extra food often ends up going to waste. Before putting a deal in the trolley, ask yourself whether it was on your list."
Try own-brand alternatives and plan meals
"Swapping a few branded items for supermarket own-label alternatives is one of the easiest ways to save, particularly for staples like pasta, rice, tinned goods and cleaning products. Try switching one or two products at a time. You may find the taste and quality are just as good, while the savings soon add up. Many supermarkets also offer budget ranges that can bring costs down even further."
"Planning your meals for the week before you shop means you only buy what you need. Writing a list and sticking to it helps cut down on impulse purchases, which can quickly add up, especially if you're shopping hungry or in a hurry. It's also worth choosing meals that share ingredients, so nothing gets forgotten at the back of the fridge."
Use what you have and maximise loyalty benefits
"Before heading to the shop, take a look at what's already in your fridge, freezer and cupboards. It's easy to buy duplicates of things you already have, and building a meal or two around what needs using up can noticeably reduce the cost of your weekly shop, as well as cutting down on waste."
"Many supermarkets now offer lower prices to loyalty card members, so if you already shop somewhere regularly, it's worth signing up. However, be wary of letting loyalty prices decide where you shop. A discount at one supermarket isn't necessarily cheaper than the standard price elsewhere, so it's worth comparing every now and then."
Start preparing for Christmas and January now
"With Christmas approaching and energy bills expected to rise again in the new year, it's worth setting a realistic festive food budget now. Picking up a few non-perishable items, like tins, dried goods and festive treats, over the coming weeks can help spread the cost, rather than facing one large bill in December. If you can put aside even a small amount each week between now and January, it will help soften the impact when those bills arrive."
Rising prices can feel out of your control, but the food shop is one of the household costs where you have the most choice. Making a few changes now, while there's still time before Christmas, can help you feel more confident about your finances heading into the new year.
