Here's how to navigate to save. Don't assume items at the end of aisles are always on sale. They're put there to get shoppers to buy more of them. And while single-serving packages are usually more expensive, keep in mind that buying bigger quantities isn't always cheaper.
"In fact, a study showed that 25 percent of the time, the smaller size actually cost less. Let's take this example of tuna fish. The larger size cost five-dollars and five-cents a pound, but the smaller size actually cost only four dollars and 25 cents a pound," says Marks.
And depending on where you find an item, it can cost more or less. For example, cheese at the deli counter might be pricier than cheese in the dairy case one week, then less expensive the next.
Other things to consider, "You'll almost always pay more for convenience. Let's look at the watermelon here. This chunk variety of watermelon cost 99-cents a pound compared to the cut up variety, $2.99 a pound," says Marks.
You can also save money by going online to coolsavings.com and smartsource.com for a high-tech twist on old-fashioned coupon clipping. But first double check your grocery store accepts these coupons
And use preferred-shopper store cards in order to get discounts automatically ? No coupons needed. With the cost of food going up and up and up, a little extra effort could take your food dollars a lot further.
