Edinburgh shoppers have spoken about the "scary" rise in staple foods in supermarkets as the general cost of living continues to squeeze families tighter and tighter.
With energy prices hitting a new all-time high, food and mortgage rates have also sky-rocketed making it incredibly difficult for parents to provide for their families whilst paying for a roof over their head, heating and the car to insure and put on the road.
Shoppers outside the Morrisons in Piershill in Edinburgh spoke to the Record about how they are struggling to make ends meet at the moment. Despite shopping for the best deals and limiting unnecessary items, they said there is "no way" to avoid the cost of living crisis.
READ MORE - Furious Edinburgh residents warn they have been 'cut off' after removal of bus route
Latest figures from the Office for National Statistics show that items such as pasta have risen by 60 per cent in the year to September, while tea bags have also risen by nearly 50 per cent. The Record also visited the store to buy a range of items that have soared in price, in which the final total came to a dizzying £66.94.
These items included pasta, bread, vegetable oil, milk and potatoes. According to the ONS report, the cost for similar products last year would have come to £55.90 - a rise of £11.04.
Among the shoppers on Tuesday was Diane Cullen, 56, from Piershill, who said: "It's ridiculous. So many things which were maybe a £1 before have jumped to £1.25 or £1.50, which adds up. I do day-to-day shops and you really notice the difference.
"I've started going to a number of supermarkets to see if they have offers on. I've changed brands to save money. It's putting pressure on our household finances. It's really scary to be honest."
Nicola Duncan, 47, a mum-of-two from Lochend, said: "There's four of us in the house, including two teenage boys, so you go through a lot of bread, milk, butter and vegetables. You have to buy them. There's no real choice.
"You notice the increase most when you get your receipt. I tend to do a big shop once a week and go to various shops for bits and pieces during that time. You used to get a lot of offers in supermarkets but I think there's less now. Things are more often full price.
"I work as a part-time administrator but I've told my husband that, if gas and electricity goes up next year to what we're expecting, then I'll have to work more hours. I think it will be the only option."
Gordon McDougall, 86, a retired warehouse worker from the capital's Willowbrae, said: "The final bill for my weekly shop is a lot higher now. Today was £115. Previously it was around £100. It's quite a difference. I don't know how someone totally reliant on the state pension can manage with food costs. It must be sheer hell."
Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox
Lorraine Inglis, 56, a carer from Midlothian, said: "I've noticed a big difference in my shopping. It's definitely much higher. Now when I'm in a store I think, 'Do I really need that', whereas before I would just put it in my trolley. I have to be more careful."
Elizabeth Boyd, 90, a retired council worker from Portobello, said: "You notice you've not got as much money left in your pocket. You just have to grin and bear it. It must be so difficult for people feeding a family."
READ NEXT:
Passenger praised for refusing to give up seat to elderly woman on train to Scotland
English driver travels 500 miles to Scotland to take 'easiest driving test' in UK
Edinburgh to get a new 'state of the art' inflatable park with party zones and arcade
Deaf Edinburgh dog looking for a compassionate new home with short walks
I tried to buy a used car in Edinburgh and the experience sent me over the edge
