Grocery savings that don't feel like a sacrifice

Groceries are one of the few big categories you control every week. You don't need extreme couponing; a few habits do most of the work.

1. Compare by unit price

The shelf tag shows a price per ounce, pound, or count. The bigger package isn't always cheaper per unit, so check the small print before assuming.

2. Buy store brands for staples

Flour, sugar, canned tomatoes, frozen vegetables, and dairy staples are often nearly identical to name brands. Try the store version of the things you buy most.

3. Shop your kitchen first

Before you list what to buy, list what you already have. The goal is a plan for the odds and ends before they spoil, so less goes in the trash.

4. Plan three dinners, not seven

Pick three meals with overlapping ingredients and leave room for leftovers. It's easier to keep up than a rigid weekly plan.

5. Watch the "convenience tax"

Pre-cut fruit, single-serve snacks, and bottled water cost much more per serving. Cutting a few of them saves more than hunting for coupons. Bottled water is the easy one: see our pitcher vs bottled water math.

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