Americans’ wallets are feeling the pinch as food prices continue to rise, with the cost of groceries soaring to unprecedented heights. The good news is that there are numerous easy strategies to reduce your grocery expenses without compromising on nutrition or taste. The following are ten simple money-saving tips to implement on your next grocery trip.

First, plan your meals in advance. Create a meal plan for the week ahead, taking into account the ingredients you already have and what you need to buy. This reduces waste and ensures you only purchase what you need. Check your local stores’ sales and promotions before you shop. Many supermarkets offer discounts and deals on certain items each week, so take advantage of these to stock up on non-perishables and frequently used items. It’s a great way to save without sacrificing the products you love.

Making a list before you go grocery shopping is essential. It ensures you stay focused on purchasing only what’s needed and prevents impulse buys. When crafting your list, be specific about quantities and brands to streamline your shopping experience and avoid unnecessary purchases. Generic and store brands often offer comparable quality to name brands at a lower price point. So, give them a chance! You may find that you prefer the taste and performance of these more affordable alternatives.

Purchasing in bulk can result in significant savings, especially for large families or when buying non-perishable items with a long shelf life, such as rice, pasta, canned goods, and paper products. However, be mindful of perishable items; only buy in bulk if you’re confident they won’t go bad before you can use them. If you’re buying fresh produce, opt for seasonal varieties. Fruits and vegetables are cheapest and at their peak flavor when in season, so you can enjoy delicious produce at a fraction of the cost.

Another tip is to embrace leftovers. Cooking larger batches of meals and freezing the extras for future dinners or lunches is a fantastic way to save time and money. You can also repurpose ingredients across multiple meals to reduce waste and costs, such as using leftover chicken in a salad or sandwich. Finally, don’t shop when hungry! It’s a surefire way to overspend and make impulse purchases. Eat a meal or a snack before heading to the store to keep cravings in check and ensure you stick to your list.