Take a look at your supermarket bill. Chances are it's higher than it used to be. Prices are on the rise and that's forcing budget-conscious consumers to look for affordable ways to enjoy their favorite foods and beverages.

Food prices have increased 12.2 percent nationwide in the past five years, according to recent government figures. Experts say rising gas prices and shipping costs are driving food prices higher. As long as these costs continue to climb, so will food prices.

The recent price hikes affect nearly all foods, from breads to meats and vegetables. But there are simple ways to save at the register. Always have a detailed grocery list, never shop hungry, and compare prices across different brands and forms of your favorite foods. If you're willing to switch between fresh, refrigerated, frozen and shelf-stable products, you can often save.

One way to save is to look to the freezer aisle for healthy beverages for your family. For example, frozen concentrated orange juice is a cost-effective and flavorful way to get up to 25 percent of your day's recommended fruit and vegetables in a single serving.

While concentrating juice reduces transportation costs by removing water and reducing package bulk, frozen concentrated orange juice is more nutrient-rich than other leading fruit juices and has the same sweet citrus flavor as other forms of 100-percent orange juice. A great-tasting beverage, frozen concentrate also can boost the nutritional value and flavor of your favorite recipes without increasing the burden on your budget.

"Frozen orange juice packs the same nutrients and great flavor as ready-to-drink orange juice," said Gail Rampersaud, registered dietician from the University of Florida. "It's a great option for budget-conscious consumers who also value good nutrition."