Stay away from the inner aisles.(01 of20)
Open Image ModalDon't be afraid of coupons.(02 of20)
Open Image ModalPut the toiletries down.(03 of20)
Open Image ModalWhile buying toiletries at the supermarket may be easy, you're paying a price for that convenience. Save those items for the pharmacy, where they are usually cheaper. (credit:Flickr: PinkMoose)
Don't be tempted by brand names.(04 of20)
Open Image ModalLook up and look down, because it's the eye-level shelves that stock the priciest items.(05 of20)
Open Image ModalRemember rain checks.(06 of20)
Open Image ModalConsider dried beans.(07 of20)
Open Image ModalDon't go to the store hungry.(08 of20)
Open Image ModalStay away from the prepared foods.(09 of20)
Open Image ModalDon't buy the pre-made foods, no matter how good they look. You're at the store already, just buy the ingredients and make it for a fraction of the price at home. It'll taste much better fresh, too. (credit:Scorpions and Centaurs/Flickr)
Try to eat with the seasons.(10 of20)
Open Image ModalYou've heard it before, and you'll hear it again: eat the produce that's in season. Not only will it taste infinitely better, but it will save you serious money. Out-of-season produce travels far, which are costs you end up paying for. (credit:Flickr: photon_de)
Don't splurge on exotic spices.(11 of20)
Open Image ModalWhile experimenting with your cooking is a good idea, it's not always wise to buy those spices at your local grocery store. Making a trip to an international market can save you a ton on spices and specialty ingredients. (credit:austinevan/Flickr)
Reconsider buying bottled water.(12 of20)
Open Image ModalTake the time to make a grocery list.(13 of20)
Open Image ModalNo matter how good your memory is, write a grocery list. Not only will it make sure you don't forget things you need, it'll more importantly deter you from buying the things you don't need. (credit:Flickr: BruceTurner)
Consider keeping your children at home, if possible.(14 of20)
Open Image ModalWhile sometimes we can't avoid shopping with children, it's best to try to buy your groceries when they're not around. Children will often want to buy food items that you don't need, and it isn't always easy to say no. (credit:Flickr: USACE Europe District)
Remember, you're paying for the convenience of pre-washed salad.(15 of20)
Open Image ModalYes, it's convenient to have your lettuce pre-cleaned and contained in trimmed plastic tubs, but it also costs nearly three times the price. If you buy your own head of lettuce, wash and trim it right away, and have it ready to use, you won't even notice the difference. (credit:Target)
Pre-cut fruit is going to cost you.(16 of20)
Open Image ModalIf someone is getting paid to do a job that you could easily do yourself at home, like cutting up a mango or watermelon, you're going to be paying for it. (credit:Getty Images)
Don't waste big bucks on a few sprigs of fresh herbs.(17 of20)
Open Image ModalJust grate your own cheese.(18 of20)
Open Image ModalJust like with pre-packaged lettuce and pre-cut fruit, grated cheese costs you extra for the convenience. But it's not that hard to grate your own cheese. With a less expensive block of cheese, and a cheap box grater, you can start saving money on this ingredient. (credit:Brett L./Flickr)
Put down the spice mix.(19 of20)
Open Image ModalFancy spice mixes and marinade rubs can easily set you back $5 a piece. This is the biggest waste of money since you can make your own spice mix with seasonings you most likely already have on hand. Remember, a large portion of most of the mixes are just salt. (credit:Amazon)
Pinch pennies on potatoes.(20 of20)
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