Grocery inflation continues to hit record levels here with annual bills more than 1,100 euro more expensive.

Research by Kantar shows it's at 16.3 percent.

The cost of living continues to have a pinch on consumers with a 10 percent increase in the sales of own-brand products in supermarkets.

The number of families who are struggling with their financial situation has fallen between October and December though - going from 32 percent to 23 percent.

Just over a third of shoppers say they always use a money-saving voucher with their supermarket - however the amount of products which are bought on promotion has fallen to its lowest level in five years.

The research also shows Irish shoppers started the year with good intentions - with an extra 840 thousand euro spent on vitamins and supplements.

While meat-alternatives saw a four percent jump in sales - while dry January caused a similar increase in the sale of non-alcoholic drinks