With the cost of food continuing to put pressure on household budgets, families are looking for ways to bring down the weekly supermarket shop.
But there are several simple tricks that could help shoppers save money without having to give up all their favourite foods.
From supermarket own-brand products to yellow-sticker bargains, making a few changes could make a noticeable difference over the course of a year.
1. Switch to supermarket own-brand products
One of the easiest ways to reduce your shopping bill is to swap some branded products for supermarket alternatives.
You don’t have to change everything. Try replacing a few regular purchases, such as cereals, tinned food, pasta and cleaning products.
You might find that the cheaper alternatives are just as good.
2. Look out for yellow-sticker reductions
Many supermarkets reduce the price of products approaching their use-by dates.
These yellow-sticker bargains can include meat, bakery products, sandwiches and fresh food.
The best time to find reductions varies between stores, so it can be worth asking staff when your local supermarket usually marks items down.
Remember to check use-by dates and freeze suitable food before it reaches its deadline.
3. Never shop without a list
It sounds simple, but shopping without a plan can lead to unnecessary purchases.
Before heading to the supermarket, check what you already have at home and write down what you actually need.
Planning meals for the week can also help prevent food from going to waste.
4. Compare the price per kilogram
Don’t automatically assume the biggest packet is the best deal.
Look at the unit price displayed on supermarket shelves, usually shown per kilogram, litre or 100g.
This makes it easier to compare different brands and packet sizes.
5. Make the most of loyalty schemes
Supermarket loyalty cards can unlock discounts and personalised offers.
Tesco Clubcard, Nectar and other schemes can sometimes offer lower prices on everyday products.
However, always compare the final price rather than buying something simply because it has a loyalty-card discount.
6. Try the downshift challenge
MoneySavingExpert recommends trying its Downshift Challenge, which involves moving down one brand level when buying everyday products.
For example, if you normally buy a branded product, try the supermarket’s own version.
You could even try the value range for certain items.
Could you save hundreds over a year?
Small savings can build up over time.
Saving just £10 a week would leave you £520 better off over a year.
The important thing is to find changes that work for your household rather than making shopping unnecessarily difficult.
What’s your biggest supermarket money-saving trick? Do you always buy branded products, or have you switched to own-brand alternatives?
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