Shop prices are rising: here’s how you can keep your bill down

Prices in UK shops are rising at their fastest rate in two years, but there are plenty of ways you can fight back and keep more of your hard-earned cash in your pocket.

New figures from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) show that shop prices stepped up to 1.5% in August, up from 0.9% in July

It was the sharpest rise since February 2024, when shop price inflation reached 2.5%.

Inflation for fresh produce remained high at 3%, as growers faced the effects of a hot, dry summer alongside high fuel and energy costs. That was only a slight improvement on July's 3.1%.

And it’s not just food getting more expensive. Inflation for non-food items rose to 0.9%, its highest level in two years.

Why are prices going up?

The latest rise comes as higher energy costs continue to work their way through supply chains and into the prices you pay in the shops.

Food inflation also picked up again in August, rising to 2.8% compared with the same month last year. Experts have pointed to higher energy costs and the end of some summer promotions and discounts.

Technology is another area where you may notice higher prices. Strong demand for computer memory, driven partly by the rapid growth of artificial intelligence, has pushed up costs for manufacturers and contributed to higher prices for products such as laptops.

What does shop inflation actually mean for you?

Shop inflation simply measures how quickly the prices of goods sold in shops are changing.

So, if shop inflation rises, your money doesn't stretch as far. You may find that the same weekly shop costs you more, meaning you have to spend more to buy the things you normally would.

The good news is that you can take steps to fight back.

You don't have to completely change what you eat or spend hours hunting for bargains. A few simple habits can help you cut your weekly bill and make your money go further.

How you can spend less on your weekly shop

Plan your meals before you shop

You can save money before you even leave the house.

Plan what you're going to eat for the week, check your cupboards, fridge and freezer, and then make your shopping list. That way, you can buy only what you need, avoid buying things twice and make better use of food you already have.

Make a list and stick to it

Your shopping list is one of your best weapons against overspending.

If you shop without a plan, it's much easier to throw extra items into your trolley. Write down what you need and try to stick to it.

Check for deals before you go

Before you head to the supermarket, spend a couple of minutes checking online for current offers, loyalty prices and discounts.

You could find that an item on your list is cheaper at another supermarket or that there's a worthwhile promotion you can take advantage of.

Compare prices

Don't assume your usual supermarket is always the cheapest.

Price comparison websites such as Trolley can help you compare the cost of individual products across supermarkets, so you can see where you could save.

Shop around but don't go too far

Prices can vary quite a lot between supermarkets, so shopping around can pay off.

But remember to factor in your travel costs. There's little point driving across town to save £2 if you'll spend £5 on fuel getting there.

Don't shop when you're hungry

A hungry shopper is an easy target for impulse buys.

If you're shopping on an empty stomach, that chocolate bar, bakery treat or ready meal can suddenly look much more tempting. Eat before you go and you're more likely to stick to your list.

Shop alone when you can

If possible, shopping on your own can make it easier to stay focused.

You can get what you need without distractions and avoid the inevitable requests for snacks, sweets and treats if you're shopping with hungry children.

Try frozen fruit and vegetables

Frozen doesn't necessarily mean inferior.

Frozen fruit and vegetables can be cheaper than fresh, last much longer and help you reduce food waste. They're particularly useful if you don't cook every day and find fresh produce going off before you get around to using it.

Give supermarket own brands a try

You don't always need to pay extra for a famous brand.

Supermarket own-brand products can offer savings, and you may find that the cheaper version works just as well for you. Try switching a few regular purchases and see whether you can tell the difference.

Buy loose rather than packaged

When you're buying fruit and vegetables, check whether you can buy them loose.

You often pay more for the packaging, so choosing loose items can help you avoid paying extra for something you're going to throw away anyway.

Buy in bulk but only when it makes sense

Buying larger quantities can save you money when you regularly use a product and the price per unit is lower.

But don't be tempted by a ‘great deal’ if you're unlikely to use everything before it goes off. A three-for-two offer isn't a saving if you end up throwing one away.

Make your food last longer

The way you store food can make a surprisingly big difference to how much you waste.

Simple changes, such as keeping eggs in their box, storing citrus fruit in the fridge and using airtight containers, can help your food last longer.

You can also use Love Food Hate Waste's A-Z food guide to find out how to store different foods and extend their shelf life.

Look out for yellow-sticker bargains

If you're happy to eat food that's close to its use-by date, reduced sections can be a great way to cut your bill.

Supermarkets often reduce items by 50% or more as they approach their use-by date. The timing varies from store to store, so it can be worth finding out when your local supermarket usually makes its reductions.

Commonly reported times include:

• Tesco and Lidl: early evening
• Asda: around 7pm
• Morrisons: lunchtime
• Co-op: around 8pm
• M&S: the final 30 - 60 minutes before closing
• Sainsbury's: from around 7pm
• Waitrose: just before closing
• Aldi: around 8pm, look for red stickers

Times can vary between individual stores, so don't rely on these as guarantees.

Use loyalty cards but still compare

Loyalty schemes such as Tesco Clubcard, Nectar and My Morrisons can give you access to lower prices and personalised offers.

But don't automatically assume the loyalty price is the cheapest option. Check the price per unit and compare it with similar products before you buy.

Look high and low on the shelves

The product directly in front of you isn't necessarily the best value.

Supermarkets often put premium products at eye level, while cheaper alternatives can be found higher or lower on the shelves. Take a few seconds to scan the whole shelf before you reach for the first option.

Use coupons and cashback

Don't leave easy savings on the table.

Supermarket apps can offer digital vouchers and personalised discounts, while cashback services such as TopCashback may give you money back on eligible purchases.

Just make sure you're not spending more simply because an offer is available.

Try shopping online

Shopping online can make it easier for you to stick to your budget.

You can search for exactly what you need, avoid some of the impulse buys you might make in store and keep an eye on your running total as you shop.

Eat a few more meat-free meals

Meat can be one of the more expensive parts of your shopping basket.

You don't have to give it up completely. Swapping just a couple of meals each week for cheaper vegetarian alternatives, such as beans, lentils, eggs or vegetable-based dishes, could help bring your bill down.

Grow a little of your own food

You don't need a garden or an allotment to grow some of your own food.

A pot of herbs on a windowsill or a few tomato plants can give you a useful supply of things you regularly buy. It's inexpensive to get started and can also help you make the most of your outdoor space.

Try surplus-food apps

Apps such as Too Good To Go can help you pick up surplus food from participating restaurants, cafés and shops for less than you would normally pay.

You won't always know exactly what you'll get, so it's best if you're flexible about what you eat.

Most importantly, use what you buy

One of the simplest ways for you to save money is to waste less.

Before you shop, check what you've already got. Then make a conscious effort to use it.

That half-used bag of vegetables in the fridge, the tin sitting at the back of the cupboard or the food you've forgotten about in the freezer is money you've already spent.

You can beat rising shop prices

You can't control inflation, energy costs or what supermarkets charge, but you can control how you shop.

When prices are rising, every pound you don't spend is a pound you get to keep.