Kiwis faced by rising food prices are tightening their belts on groceries - and hunting for bargains

Research by Rabobank and KiwiHarvest finds the average household spend has only risen two dollars compared with 2023.

Almost 50-percent of respondents say they're actively seeking out discounts and promotions - and 30-percent downgrade brands.

Rabobank's Blake Holgate says mindsets have shifted.

He says people are more consciously looking for promos than two years ago.