When food costs rise, consumers usually take a second look at household expenditures. When coupled with rising fuel prices, many consumers will tighten the budget belt. However, an informed and mindful consumer can cut costs at the grocery store. Here are some tips that work for saving money on food items. Used together, many of these approaches may save you quite a bit of money when shopping for perishables.

Use a List and Stick to It

Impulse buying can cost money in the grocery store, especially when prices are on the rise. Figure out what you need before you step into the grocery store.

Model your grocery list after the departments in the store to make shopping more focused and avoid being tempted by items not on your list. For example, your list can be set up with items under these categories:

Dairy

Meat

Canned goods

Beverages

Baked goods

If you dislike making your own list, check out http://www.castlesoftware.biz/MyListMate, software that helps you create a grocery list and save time at the store.

Use Coupons with Care

Browse the Sunday newspaper and clip coupons for items that you normally use. Nevertheless, do so with care. Generic or store name brands may be cheaper than the advertised item, even after the coupon discount is taken.

Some stores double the value of coupons. To find whether double coupon stores are located in your area, check out http://www.grocerycouponguide.com/articles/double_coupon/.

Stores may limit times and days when double couponing is in effect, so be sure you get the information needed.

Check out http://www.sundaysaver.com/?state=&submit_state=1 for current online coupons for food items and other merchandise.

Avoid Shopping When Hungry

While you are likely to buy more (and choose less mindfully) when you are hungry, you also need to consider that your senses may lead you astray in the food store if you are hungry. Be aware of the following temptations:

- The aroma of fresh bakery goods

- Beautiful and artfully arranged (and expensive) deli salads

- Colorful labels that make food look appealing

- Temptations at eye level like succulent precooked and warmed roasted chicken

- The ambience of clean and lush gourmet stores

All these marketing strategies can ruin your plans to stick to a budget and a list. Plan ahead and eat before shopping for food so your appetite does not influence purchasing decisions.

Know the Layout of the Grocery Store and Use it to Your Advantage

The supermarket is designed carefully to entice you to part with as much of your money as possible. Understanding the layout of the store can help you cut costs as you shop for food.

- High priced items are often along the perimeter of the store, including prepared deli items and fresh baked goods.

- More expensive aisle items are usually at eye level; while cheaper equivalents are near the floor.

- Items showcased at the end of an aisle may or may not be a good deal. Find equivalent items and compare costs.

Stock your Pantry by Buying the Basics

Not so long ago, a well-stocked pantry was common in many homes. Making sure that you have the basics at home can save you money at the food store. Many people shop too often, without a plan. Having a pantry (even if this is only a cupboard devoted to necessary staples you eat) can help you prepare meals without needing to run to the grocery store before every meal. Buying ahead and in bulk usually saves money over the long term.

Your pantry might include some of the following staples:

- Flours (white, whole wheat, and others you use)

- Vegetable oils (canola, olive oil, etc.)

- Pastas

- Rice

- Sauce mixes

- Baking items like vanilla, baking soda, baking powder

- Canned goods (meats, tuna, vegetables, fruits)

- Tea, coffee, beverages

Obviously, your pantry should reflect what you like to eat. The importance of a pantry is that it allows you to cook easily at home, and decreases impulsive and expensive trips to the grocery store.

More often than not, meals cooked from scratch at home are much less expensive than prepackaged meals.

The same principles apply to beverages. Homemade iced tea is less expensive than prepackaged tea or tea mix. If you are able and willing to cut out items like soda, which have no nutritional value, you will save more.

Eat in Season

You will pay more for strawberries, for instance, in the middle of winter. Factor these costs into your budget, and consider finding alternatives until strawberries, and other specialty foods, come into season.

Additional Resources:

- Consumer Credit Counseling Service tips to save money on your grocery bill: http://www.cccsnc.org/articledetail.aspx?aid=12

- Money Magazine article on cutting food costs: http://money.cnn.com/2005/12/20/pf/grocerybills_startmoney_0601/index.htm

- WebMD article on saving money by eating healthfully: http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/guide/10-ways-save-money-food-shopping