30 ways to save at the supermarket by Eloise Parker
We're facing the highest food inflation in 17 years, but that doesn't mean you have to skimp in the supermarket.
Follow these dollar-stretching tips from the experts for a multitude of ways to save while you shop:
"Share tips with friends who shop at different stores. That way, you can find out what's on sale without having to spend time hitting every store," advises Karen Hoxmeier, founder of MyBargainBuddy.com.
"It's cheaper to make food from scratch, but if you don't have a lot of time and you're going to buy something that only needs to be thrown into the microwave, save cash by buying it in bulk when your favorite dish is on sale and freezing them until needed," says Hoxmeier.
Can't be bothered to cook? "Invest in a good cookbook or subscribe to magazine like Taste of Home's 'Simple and Delicious' for fresh inspiration for lots of time efficient, simple recipes that use just a few basic ingredients," suggests Hoxmeier.
Look at vegetarian alternatives to your favorite meat dishes. "Beans, eggplant and Portobello mushrooms all make great cheap meat substitutes," says Hoxmeier.
The store's own brands are generally much cheaper, but know which items to buy. "Steer away from store brand cosmetics and shampoos which sometimes aren't as good, and go for dairy products like milk and butter where you won't taste the difference," advises Hoxmeier.