Can consumers avoid steep price rises in the supermarket by changing what they buy?

Latest Stats NZ figures says food prices in our 15 main cities have increased five-percent in the past year -- with grocery prices rising much faster than restaurant and takeaway prices.

But Foodstuffs says prices in its stores have only increased 3.4 percent.

Foodstuffs North Island Managing Director Chris Quin says much of that rise is being driven by beef, lamb and butter.

Quinn says consumers can get good value with frozen chickens, leg roasts and many winter vegetables.