Aside from the mortgage payment, the largest monthly expense for many families is the grocery bill which can total hundreds of dollars in just a short time.  Learn how to significantly downsize your grocery bill without sacrificing your family’s favorite foods.

Eat Before you Step Foot in the Supermarket

Sounds simple but shopping while you’re hungry is a recipe for financial disaster.  Not only will you buy items you don’t need, you’ll be tempted to reach for unhealthy, sugary snacks you probably wouldn’t eat otherwise simply because they sound good at that moment.  Don’t tempt your appetite or your checkbook and eat at home before you embark on a shopping trip.

Know What You’re Going to Cook This Week

Not only will this help diminish the stress of trying to figure out what to make for dinner when you’re tired, it can actually help you save money as well.  Taking the time to create a weekly meal plan will ensure you’re armed with a list at the supermarket and help you avoid last-minute trips to the store which can wreak havoc on your budget.

Use Sale Items in Your Meal Planning

In a similar vein, grab the weekly ads from the grocers you shop frequently and plan your weekly meals around the foods that are on sale.  Each week is likely to bring different sales, ensuring a wide variety of available foods at much cheaper prices.

In a Recession, Coupons Are King

No list with tips on how to save on groceries would be complete without couponing.  While it does require effort, the results (read: significant savings!) can be well worth the effort. A few coupons here and there won’t save you much, so subscribe to two or three Sunday papers (where most grocery coupons come from) and find out if your local supermarket offers double coupons.  You can also get coupons online directly from the grocery store’s official website.  To really make your dollars stretch, use the coupons when the item is already on sale.

Read What Others Are Saying

It may seem odd but reading consumer product reviews before you grocery shop can save you even more.  Think about all the non-food items you pick up while grocery shopping: laundry detergent, cleaning supplies, toiletries, kitchen gadgets, etc.  Use the reviews (typically written by budget-conscious consumers just like you) to determine which products last the longest, work the best and will give you the most bang for your buck.  The reviews can also come in handy even when it comes to food items; for example, does the off-brand really taste the same as the name brand?  Find out and possibly save even more!