According to the latest CPI figures, vegetable and fruit prices rose by 6.6 per cent and 4.9 per cent respectively in the first three months of 2022. 

With supermarkets and grocery stores facing increasing costs along supply chains, we can expect that staple grocery items such as fruit, vegetables, cooking oil, bread and pasta will continue to rise for the remainder of the year. 

If you’re already starting to feel the pinch in your wallet – fear not! We’ve got five grocery hacks to help you save! 

1. Stretch out that green thumb 

It’s time to take a trip to Bunnings, folks. Starting a veggie patch in your very own backyard (or even on your balcony) could save you some serious money on groceries. 

Not only that – you’ll experience less food waste, know exactly what you’re eating and have the satisfaction of knowing you’ve grown what you’re consuming! Check out Anna's family in the garden below! 

2. Make a meal plan for the week ahead 

Decide in advance what meals you want to make for lunch and dinner for the whole week. 

When you have a plan, you are less likely to spend money on things you don’t need. It’s also less likely that you’ll buy food that could end up not being used and going to waste. 

3. Keep stock of what’s in your kitchen 

Check the pantry, fridge and freezer and keep a tab on what food stuff you have already got, as well as their expiry dates. Take photos before you head to the shop to help keep track and not double up on things you already have. 

Then you’ll have a handle on what you need to use up first and can search out recipes that use those ingredients. 

4. Look for end-of-day bargains 

Fruit, vegetables and meats are sometimes marked down at the end of the day.  

Also, you can put them to good use. For example, fruit that is marked down because it is ripe or overripe can be great for baking, such as bruised apples or overripe bananas! 

5. Buy fresh produce in season 

Vegetables and fruit tend to be cheaper when they are in season. Check out a season chart here. 

You can also avoid waste by buying fresh fruit at different stages of ripeness. Choose some fruit that is ripe and ready to eat, and some that will ripen in a few days. That way you’ll have enough time to eat all your purchases!