It seems with every trip to the supermarket the bill gets bigger. It’s a struggle to go pick up the essentials and be left with much change from a fifty these days.

Grocery shopping is an expensive exercise and unfortunately it’s not about to get any cheaper. We’ve been enjoying falling prices for some items as a production of a number of products rebound from last year’s floods and cyclones but that’s about to change with the Federal Budget forecasting a rise in the Consumer Price Index next financial year.

So what can you do to cut your food bill? Over the years we’ve tried and tested a number of strategies and found these 8 tips to be winners..

1. Be conscious of displays

If you’re not already, look at where the market leading products are placed on the shelves… usually at eye level with the highest price tag. Suppliers pay for this privilege (it’s called “buy level”) because sales are distinctly advantaged by the product placement. So next time you’re cruising the aisles, look up and down as there will often be a cheaper, almost identical alternative at a lower price.

2. Look deeper into deals

Don’t get suckered in to buying more than you need just because there’s a deal for multiple items. First of all these deals are mostly offered on non-essential items, like chocolates and chips, of which you really don’t need double the quantity (both your waistline and wallet will thank you here). But also look at the per item price as it’s not always that much cheaper to buy two than one.

On the flipside of this, when a staple goes on sale try to stock up. Things like toothpaste and tinned tomatoes occasionally go very cheaply, so if you’re buying them regularly anyway, you might as well pay the sale price for a few now than pay more later.

3. Know what season you’re in

Filling up on peaches and plums through summer is great because they’re cheap and delicious. But continue to do so in the colder months and your grocery bill will jump with no apparent change in what you’re buying. Be aware of what fruits are in season and try to stick to them. Not only will they be cheaper, but better quality too.

4. Hit the markets

With almost every suburb hosting a local growers market on the weekends, inconvenience is no longer a reason not to buy straight from the farm. The fruit, veg and meat is fresh and usually great quality, as well as being the right price.

If it’s too much trouble then consider ‘food pooling’. That is, organise with a couple of other households to take turns doing the market run and just divide up the produce.

5. Stock up

If you have the fridge or pantry space, buying in bulk can shave an enormous amount off your food bill. Doing the odd trip out to markets or bulk suppliers is well worth it if you can accommodate the oversized shopping basket you’ll leave with.

6. Join a rewards program

Just this week the big supermarket rewards war has heated up with Woolworths offering up to 40% off selected items in their rewards program, and Coles coughing up 10% off five products of the shopper’s choice in their program. These are free to join, easy to take advantage of and a must at your local outlet.

7. Look outside the big guys

The big two supermarkets are not always the cheapest, so look around for alternatives. One chain that’s really taking it up to the big guys is Aldi with savings of around $100 off the grocery bill when compared to shopping at Coles and Woolworths. The brands may differ and they may be limited, but the products are pretty much the same.

Also, don’t get suckered in too often by convenience. As easy as it is to duck up to the convenience store on the corner, they do charge over the odds for most items.

8. Grow your own

A more involved solution in slashing your food bill is to grow your own. Even if it’s just a little herb patch to avoid paying $4 for a bunch of basil every time you need it, the savings and green thumb satisfaction will be worth it.

SHOPPING TIPS

. Make a list and stick to it

. Avoid impulse buys at checkout

. Look at online farm direct websites

. Read the shopper docket deals

. Stay focussed