South Africa’s cost of living has risen sharply over the last ten years, with increases in VAT, petrol and electricity hitting consumers hard. Inflation rates have spiralled, with the rising cost of food being one of the main driving factors.

Food prices have risen so dramatically, it may now be cheaper to get your groceries in the UK. This is confirmed by a comparison of two major supermarkets that shows a shopping trip to Woolworths will actually cost you more than shopping at one of the UK’s premium supermarkets, Waitrose.

Comparing prices between 15 essential items such as milk, bread and sugar, and commonly purchased meat and fish and fruit and vegetable products at both shops, found 10 items to be more expensive at Woolworths.

If you bought everything on this list, shopping at Woolworths would set you back: R562.14, while shopping at Waitrose would cost you: R527.90, saving you a total of R34.24.

The most significant differences were between Salmon fillets, which cost nearly double the price at Woolworths despite weighing 65g less, and avocados and rice, which were over R11 more expensive than Waitrose. This is particularly bleak when considering the average monthly salary in SA is R40,665,49 less than in the UK.

The soaring price of food has also been highlighted in a nine-month research programme conducted from September 2017 to June 2018 by the Pietermaritzburg Agency for Community Social Action ( Pacsa ) and the Pietermaritzburg Justice and Dignity Group. The study found on average potatoes were 31% more expensive and the price of eggs had increased by 23% over the time period.

How to save money on your grocery bill

To avoid having to go all the way to the UK to do your food shopping, we have compiled a list of useful tips that will help you shop smart and save money on your grocery bill:

Sign up to supermarket loyalty and rewards programmes. They often have great deals and perks that will save you money.

Go shopping after 4 pm. Some supermarkets will mark down prices on fruit and vegetables, which may save you up to 50% off the original price.

If you see non-perishable items or anything you can freeze on special offer, stock up and buy in bulk.

Avoid throwing unnecessary items near the check out into your basket. This strategic placement of last-minute products is a clever marketing ploy to get you to buy things you don’t need.

Try shopping at your local fruit and vegetable shop and butcher – they often have great deals on and local businesses will appreciate your support.