6 fruit and veggie shopping tips in time for price hikes

The sky-high prices of fruits and vegetables are hard not to notice as customers struggle with inflation. The causes of this are exceptionally complex, but worsening natural disasters, rising fuel and fertiliser costs due to the war in Ukraine, and a lack of immigrant workers are all contributing factors. Sadly, it looks like things are only going to get worse: Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers expects a further 8% rise in 2023.

Thankfully, you can take steps to make shopping for fruits and vegetables work for you. Here are a few tips to help you keep these colourful nutrients on the table:

1. Take advantage of canned and frozen out-of-season produce

The priciest fruits and veggies tend to be those that are out of season. Substituting canned and frozen foods can save you significant amounts of money on these items. They also have the added benefit of longevity: This produce will age much slower than the fresh kind.

2. Buy in bulk and plan your recipes

A primary concern of buying produce in bulk is whether the food will go bad before you can use it. The easiest way to avoid this is to plan your recipes ahead of time so you can use the entirety of your purchase.

3. Check ahead of time for sales

Don't be afraid to travel a little — the rewards could be worth it. Different stores offer diverse prices, so the store you usually frequent might not have the best deals on your favourite items. Many stores — especially the larger ones with lots of deals and specials — advertise their prices in catalogues.

4. Don't shop when you're hungry, and stick to your list

To quote a certain advertising campaign, you're not yourself when you're hungry. Stepping into a grocery store while low on fuel could hurt your ability to make rational decisions. This causes you to buy too much, which leads to wasted ingredients. Make a list and stick to it.

5. Opt for store brands

Store-branded produce is often discounted heavily to incentivise you into buying it. By all means, take advantage of the offer. Your wallet will feel a bit heavier, and you may discover that there's little to no difference in quality.

6. Grow your own food

Many have found both joy and nourishment from planting their own fruits and veggies. Not only will this save you money, but you may also find a new hobby.