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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.