Grocery Shopping

TIPical Mary Ellen : Episode TIP-616 -- More Projects »

Bottled spices can be expensive, up to $10 a bottle at many grocery stores. For the best deal, look for bulk spices packed in plastic bags, which can be up to 50 percent less than bottled spices.

Grocery clerk Stefani Pretasky shares tips with field reporter Joe Lovitt on how to find the best prices and deals at the grocery market.

Buy foods in season for the best freshness.
Planning is the best way to trim the grocery budget. Before leaving for the store, sit down and make a schedule for the amount of time to be spent in the store as well as a list.
Plan out menus for meals, then make a shopping list based on the menus.
Organize the shopping list according to the store's layout to save time.
If clipping coupons, clip them for absolutely anything you might buy at the grocery store, then check in-store fliers and use manufacturer coupons in conjunction with sale items to double the savings. Make sure to read the fine print in the ads and on the coupons.
The busier the store, the fresher the perishable foods.
Sometimes the early bird gets the best buys. Depending on location, many stores mark down leftover baked goods in the morning. The produce is also fresher in the morning.
Bigger is not always better. Just because an item is packaged in a large "economy" size doesn't always mean it's a good deal. Sometimes two smaller packages of the same item are still cheaper than one big box. Compare the per-ounce price of different sizes.
Check the newspaper for store coupons and sale items. Stock up on items used frequently when they go on sale.
Be observant when cruising the grocery aisles and look at items on the upper and lower shelves. Generic and lower-priced brands are usually placed lower or higher on the shelves, rather than in the middle.
Many stores sell private-label or generic brands that are equal in quality to national brands. Check with the store manager to see if he or she knows who makes the store's private-label products. Many store brands are actually made by the same companies that make the national brands.
If you like incorporating organic foods into the family's menu, be sure to check out the organic-foods section at the grocery store. A large store will usually offer better prices than a specialty health-food store.
Check the receipt. Take the time to do so before leaving the store, as this makes it much easier to address overcharges.
Present coupons immediately when stepping up to checkout.
Finally, never go wandering through a grocery store when you're hungry. Always eat before hitting the aisles.

Also in this Episode

TIPical Mary Ellen : Episode TIP-616
•	Family Activities
•	Grocery Shopping
•	Chocolate Cravings
•	Tip of the Day

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Grocery Shopping

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At Home

Grocery Shopping

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