Don't Pay For Cut Produce - Cut Cost Instead

20 helpful tips to save money at the grocery store courtesy of the Huffington Post

Interested in learning ways to cut costs at the grocery store? The Huffington Post offers these 20 helpful tips to prevent overspending and still get the foods you need:

    1.   Grocery stores put essentials such as milk and other dairy products at the opposite ends of the

          store. Try to avoid the middle aisles and only purchase what is necessary.

    2.   Toiletries are typically cheaper at pharmacies rather than grocery stores.

3. Buying generics instead of name brand items can save you a lot of moneyThe product is usually the same, only with a different name. Check ingredients to be sure.
4. Buying foods that are pre-made from the deli may be convenient, but buying the ingredients and making the product yourself can save you money while also providing you with fresher food.
5. Grocery stores will often put the most expensive items at eye level. Be sure to scan the aisle up and down before making a selection.
6. Although it can be difficult to avoid, shopping with children can cost you more money. Children can often persuade you to buy unnecessary and expensive junk food.
7. Shredded cheese is more expensive because it is already grated. Investing in a grater and buying block cheese instead will save you extra money.
8. Don’t shop on an empty stomach. Eating beforehand can help you buy only what is necessary.
9. Products that go on sale may run out before you get a chance to buy them. Ask if the store offers rain checks for the item.
10. Make a list of what you need at the grocery store and stick to it.
11. Look at the units and see which brand offers the best deal for your money. Avoid products that over package.
12. Stay away from lettuce that is packaged in a plastic container. The fancier the packaging, the more money you are spending.
13. Buy dried beans instead of canned beans. Don’t pay extra for convenience.
14. Don’t pay more for food that is already cut up. If it is cut, that is a service you are paying extra for.
15. Eat what is in season. If the food is out of season, you are paying more for it.
16. Use tap water instead of buying bottled water.
17. Make your own spices instead of paying for them.
18. Avoid buying individual bags of popcorn. Making your own popcorn is cheaper and fresher.
19. Start an herb garden. The price of one plant is equal to the price of less that a few sprigs of herbs in the store.
20. Buy exotic spices in an international market instead of at the grocery store where they are more expensive.