As supermarket prices continue to rise, many of us are looking at ways we can stop the cost of our weekly shop spiralling out of control.
In recent months there have been increases in teabags, eggs and butter, with other basic products also on the rise. Food price inflation - the price of an average basket of groceries - is up to its highest rate in 45 years - 16.2%
This is higher than general inflation which is at 11.1%. Essentials such as milk, margarine and pasta are all more expensive than were a few months ago, which means that many will have to make changes to the way they shop, eat and live to save some cash this winter.
Read more: Big brands v own label: Family favourites including baked beans and ketchup put to the test
In an article on The Mirror, consumer rights expert Martyn James, who compiled the tips we're about to share with you, added: "Let me be clear about one thing though. I cannot believe that in 2022 I’m having to write about saving money by making hard choices about things we need to live.
"It’s clear that much more needs to be done to help the people who are struggling the most."
Here are Martyn's top tips to keep the cost of your shop down.
Use a shopping list
It has been reported by supermarkets that some customers are reverting to using cash to keep on top of their spending and setting limits, even returning goods once they reach a certain spend. While we are used to wandering the aisles and buying things on a whim, this can be expensive.
Multi-pack deals and impulse buys don't always represent good value, so bring back the shopping list. Working off a list is a great way to monitor your spending and you can price things up online too.
Use loyalty cards and vouchers
Supermarket loyalty schemes can help you cut costs, though deals have become a little stingier recently. According to recent research by Which? you could save between 50p and £10 for every £100 spent.
It may be too late to do so this year, but many supermarkets allow you to maximise savings with their Christmas clubs too. You can also reduce your bill or increase your points by using specific supermarkets brands to buy petrol, while there are voucher deals and offers with various schemes.
Check online to see what's on offer before you leave the house, as some deals aren't as great as they first appear. Some voucher code websites may just offer you the same discounts you get on brand website, but there are deals to be found on trusted organisations such as MoneySavingExpert or you could clip discount coupons from the paper and flyers too.
Keep track of waste
If you can, get a composting or kitchen waste bin which gives you an idea of how much fresh food you are throwing away. Then, you can make a decision on how much fresh food you buy in the future.
Though fruit and veg are essential for a healthy diet, they are often the first things to go off and therefore binned. Look online at the lists of fruit and veg which last the longest - apples and citrus fruits, potatoes and onions have a very long shelf life, as do Brussels sprouts.
Frozen fruit and veg lasts longer and can be handy if money is tight. Tinned goods are a good shout too as they're often much cheaper - and again, they'll last longer.
Beware the "city tax"
Smaller versions of big supermarkets can be your only realistic option for buying goods if you live in a built-up area. Unfortunately, they are notorious for being costlier, having less choice, and not offering the best savings deal.
If this sounds familiar, consider clubbing together with friends and shopping together. You could invest in a basket on wheels and share the load on a trip to a bigger supermarket.
Make the most of your freezer
Frozen food often costs less and doesn't go off as quickly. You can maximise your freezer space by defrosting it, though it's nobody's favourite job!
It's worth doing though, as ice build-up in the freezer can result in an increase in the energy required to run it. As a general rule, frost will have a significant impact on the device's energy consumption once it has grown to more than half a centimetre.
Unplug the freezer and empty, wrapping frozen goods in towels, paper or anything that'll keep them relatively insulated. Put in a bowl or two of hot water to speed things up and wait around quarter of an hour before starting to scrape the ice off - but DON'T use a knife.
Try not to overfill the fridge or freezer when you've made space, as this can result in them using more energy use. Though it is tempting with all those yellow sticker deals!
Do you have any handy tips for cutting costs at the supermarket? Let us know!
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Food Standards agency warns against eating food past its use-by date to save money
