Asda, Tesco, Aldi, Lidl, Sainsbury's and Morrisons shoppers should 'check detail' on shelves before buying

The weekly grocery bill is climbing once more, with recent data revealing that food price inflation has increased for the second consecutive month, reaching 2.5%. This development arrives as families grapple with elevated fuel costs and mounting energy bills , prompting many shoppers to seek out special offers to stretch their budgets further.

Sophie Graham, a personal finance expert at Sunny , is revealing straightforward strategies to reduce weekly shopping expenses for customers visiting major retailers, including Tesco , Asda , Aldi , Lidl , Sainsbury's and Morrisons , all while maintaining the products you love.

Sophie said: "Grocery prices creeping up again will be frustrating for households already feeling the pinch from fuel and energy costs. When so many costs are rising at once, it's easy to feel there's not much you can do about it, but the food shop is one area where small changes can make a real difference.

"You don't need to completely change the way you eat. A few simple habits, from checking unit prices to planning meals around what's already in the cupboard, can help bring your spending back under control over the coming months."

"The headline price on the shelf doesn't always tell the full story. Most supermarkets display a unit price on the shelf label, showing the cost per kilogram, litre or item, and it's the quickest way to compare products properly. You may find that the bigger pack or the multi-buy isn't the better deal it appears to be, or that a different size works out cheaper."

"Promotions can be a great way to save, but a deal is only a saving if it's something you'd have bought anyway. Multi-buy offers and bulk discounts can easily tempt you into spending more than you planned, and extra food often ends up going to waste. Before putting a deal in the trolley, ask yourself whether it was on your list."

"Swapping a few branded items for supermarket own-label alternatives is one of the easiest ways to save, particularly for staples like pasta, rice, tinned goods and cleaning products. Try switching one or two products at a time. You may find the taste and quality are just as good, while the savings soon add up. Many supermarkets also offer budget ranges that can bring costs down even further."

"Planning your meals for the week before you shop means you only buy what you need. Writing a list and sticking to it helps cut down on impulse purchases, which can quickly add up, especially if you're shopping hungry or in a hurry. It's also worth choosing meals that share ingredients, so nothing gets forgotten at the back of the fridge."

"Before heading to the shop, take a look at what's already in your fridge, freezer and cupboards. It's easy to buy duplicates of things you already have, and building a meal or two around what needs using up can noticeably reduce the cost of your weekly shop, as well as cutting down on waste."

"Many supermarkets now offer lower prices to loyalty card members, so if you already shop somewhere regularly, it's worth signing up. However, be wary of letting loyalty prices decide where you shop.