I have to admit — going to the grocery store is one of my favorite things to do. Many people view it as a chore, but I love cruising down the aisles and picking out all my food for the week. But lately the price of food is putting a damper on my grocery trips. After spending way over my budget a few weeks ago, I decided to look for a few strategies to help me save next time around. You’ll notice that these tips allow you to continue buying the food you like (it’s not practical or healthy to only buy the cheapest foods at the store). You can save some serious cash by following a few key strategies. Read on for seven tips that work for me.

1. Make a firm grocery list and don’t stray from it.
   Before you hit the store, take stock of what you already have in your refrigerator/cupboards and cross off those items. You’ll avoid buying extra items you don’t need.
2. Bring coupons.
   Check the newspaper and save coupons that come in the mail to bring to the store. Stick them to your refrigerator or put them right in your wallet so you don’t forget them. Also, read this Wealth Junkie post “Save Money with Coupons” to get some specific strategies.
3. Buy store brand items.
   Read the food labels and ingredient lists. Many store brand items have the exact same ingredients as the more expensive name brands. Definitely follow this rule for non-food items.
4. But toiletries elsewhere.
   Many toiletries and personal care items are overpriced at the grocery store (for example, toilet paper, shampoo, bar soap, dishwashing liquid). You can buy larger amounts for much cheaper at discount stores such as Walmart. Make the trip to the discount stores once a month and stock up on non-food items. You can also keep a look out for sales at CVS, Walgreens, or Rite-Aid. Their credit back reward cards can save you a significant amount of cash.
5. Don’t buy convenience items.
   Prepared vegetables or fruit, marinated or seasoned meats, and prepared sandwiches can all be traps for spending extra. I think the stores count on our culture to go for whatever is quick and easy. To save yourself some money, buy the separate, unprepared items and enjoy a little quality time in the kitchen.
6. Check quantities for the best price.
   Sometimes buying in bulk is cheaper, but not always. Stash a small calculator in your pocket or purse and take the time to look at prices for the amount of food you’re getting.
7. Pay attention to your food waste at home.
   One of my strategies is to buy organic milk. I’ve noticed that I only drink milk in small quantities, so if I buy conventional milk, half of it spoils before I’ve used it. Organic milk is more expensive, but it’s expiration date is much later than conventional milk because of the ultra-pasteurization process. For me, its actually cheaper to buy organic milk because I don’t waste it and it lasts much longer. Study your own refrigerator for items that go to waste on a regular basis.