Great tips for grocery shopping

Planning before you head off to the supermarket will help you shop more economically. Check more, and save more.

50 Tips for Grocery Shopping

Always go with a list.
Plan out a weekly menu.
Don’t go when you’re hungry.
Have a budget.
Do a rough running tally.
Keep a list on your fridge, and write things down immediately.
Make a pantry checklist.
Keep things stocked for quick-n-easy meals.
Buy in bulk when it makes sense.
Keep your receipts, then enter into a spreadsheet.
Buy frozen veggies.
When you’re running low, write it down.
Cut back on meat.
Pack your own lunch snacks.
Make leftovers for lunch.
Cook a lot, then freeze.
Always have batteries, toilet tissue and light bulbs.
Try crock pot dinners.
Clip coupons.
Only use coupons for items you were already planning to buy.

Ask staff to help you rather than wasting time looking for items or better deals.

Meat is a good source of protein but it's expensive. Cheese, poultry, eggs, peanut butter, dried peas, beans, lentils, and some fish are less expensive and excellent sources of protein.

Buy whole chickens. If you want only breasts, save the dark quarters, freezing for later use. Buying breasts alone is very expensive.

Buy locally grown foods; they are fresher, more nutritious and ecologically smart.

Shop the sales! Take advantage of each store's loss leaders.

Most bargains are found on the higher and lower shelves. Most expensive brands are at eye level (to get your attention).

Watch for unadvertised specials.

Shop for items that you use regularly at all times. If you run out, you will have to pay whatever the supermarket may be charging when you need it.

Stockpile, Stockpile, Stockpile! If a product you use is on sale, buy as much as you can afford and store to last you until the next sale. This is a BIG money saver!

Wait if you can until the item is on sale. If you know your products and stores, you can have enough to last until the item is discounted again.

Use your freezer to stock up when there is a sale on frozen or dairy items, such as cheese, butter and milk.

Buy in bulk when the unit price is less. Larger sizes do not always mean lower prices.

Just because an item has the word "SALE" on it, doesn't mean you are getting it for a lower than normal price. Know your prices. This is one way that a price book can help you.

Use store specific savings cards.

Don't be afraid to try generic or store brands. Most stores will refund your money if you are not satisfied.

Pretty packaging costs you money. You are not only paying for the product, but for the packaging (and advertising) as well.

Buy and use in season veggies and fruit.

Always check the expiration date on dairy products.

Avoid anything disposable.

Convenience foods are more expensive, you are trading money for time. Slice, season, mix, and cook it yourself.

Always check the day old bread basket, and the reduced merchandise cart.

Always ask for a raincheck if an advertised special is out of stock. While you are waiting for the product to come back in, look for more coupons for that product.