Dollars and sense
Shop wisely to reduce your family’s grocery bill while still buying nutritious foods

Do the prices at the grocery store take your breath away? Do you look at the grocery bill with a dumbfounded look on your face wondering how so little food could cost so much?

In spite of the increases in food prices over the past year or so, we still have the best food supply in the world and one of the best bargains. Most of us want to save money. Shopping wisely is one way to do just that in the grocery store without giving up nutritious foods. Be smart and consider some of these tips the next time you go grocery shopping.

• Choose the grocery store that will give you the most for your money. A large supermarket usually has lower prices because it can buy large quantities of food. Avoid buying your groceries in a convenience store; you will normally pay top dollar. Look for clean stores, too: If the store is dirty, the food may not be fresh or clean.

• Make a grocery list. The more detailed the list, the better your shopping experience. When you shop without a list, all kinds of foods will migrate to your cart. Buy only what is on your list except when a food item is on sale or at a lower price and it can be substituted for another item on your list. If family favorites are on sale and your budget will allow, buy larger quantities. Read the ads; check the sales as you prepare your shopping list and menu. Depending upon where you live, decide if shopping different stores will work for you. Time and fuel prices need to be part of the equation when you are planning your shopping experience.

• Unit pricing is a great way to compare prices for similar products. Most stores display the unit price on the shelf directly below the item. If your budget is really tight, take along a small calculator so you can keep a running total of your bill.

• Shop alone. Silly as it sounds, this is very important. When you have small children, it’s hard to find time alone — but it will save you money in the long run if you shop by yourself. Children are not concerned with saving money; they want what they want when they see it. There’s a reason all of the child-oriented cereals are located on the same level as the child seat in a grocery cart.

• Impulse buying is another obstacle to saving money at the grocery store. Lists and menus will help keep you focused. One of the worst times to go grocery shopping is on the way home from work. If you shop hungry, you buy hungry. Every thing looks good. Munch on an apple or carrot sticks before you go into the store.

• Compare store brands to national brands. Usually store brands are less expensive, and they are often the same quality as the more expensive national brands. You also need to consider the cost of different forms of foods — for example, which is less expensive: canned, frozen or fresh vegetables? Which will give you the most nutritious product for the money? Do you have the budget to buy convenience foods like packages of frozen vegetables with prepared sauces? Could you make your own seasonings and save by buying plain vegetables? Do you need to buy fresh carrots pre-sliced? How long does it take to slice your own?

In addition to saving money at the store, you want to provide nutritious foods for your family. Take time to read labels. Are you buying foods that are high in fat, sugar, and calories with only little nutrient value? I call these empty calories. Limit these purchases; they can take a big chunk out of your food dollars.