Since over a third of that monthly average is usually spent on dining and takeout, the first, most obvious move you should make is to stop eating out and start eating in. Then, once you make that transition, here are some ways you can be wise in the grocery aisles to further cut down your spending on food.

Meal plan ahead of time

Saving money starts before you even get to the store. Although meal planning may sound unnecessary, it can actually save you hundreds of dollars per month on groceries for a few main reasons. 

First, meal planning helps you avoid wasting food because you buy the right amount for what you need — especially produce, which goes bad quickly. Second, planning and creating a list ahead of time helps you avoid the temptation to buy other things you don’t need. Lastly, if you have a meal schedule, you are less likely to resort to eating out or ordering pizza, which is much more expensive than a home-cooked meal.

Shop at the right time

No one likes shopping in a crowded grocery store, but did you know it can even make you spend more money? That’s because when it is crowded, you are more likely to feel stressed and rush, not taking the time to find the best-priced items and stick to your list. Usually, the least busy times to shop are before 4 p.m. on weekdays and before 9 a.m. or after 5 p.m. on weekends.

Not only does the time of day matter, but you should also be careful about how many times per month you go grocery shopping, as more frequent visits lead to increased unnecessary spending. Try to space out your grocery trips to once or twice a month. Clearly, you still want to buy enough to stay well fed, but you would be surprised how long your groceries can last if you plan well.

Shop at the right place

Not all grocery stores are created equal, so shop strategically. Identify the best stores for the items you regularly buy and choose stores accordingly. For instance, some items are less expensive if you buy them in bulk, such as meats and nut butters. Mae a list of items you should and shouldn’t buy at wholesale grocery stores, such as Costco. 

In general, consider doing your regular shopping at stores that tend to have low prices.

Buy raw

Food gets more expensive as it moves down the production chain. A frozen pizza, for example, is much more expensive than simply buying the ingredients (flour, yeast, tomatoes, cheese, etc.) used to make it. Convenience comes at a price, so if you have the time, buy the raw ingredients and cook the meals yourself. Who knows? You may even acquire a hobby of it!

Go for deals

This one may be obvious, but always look for the items that are on sale. The generic brands are usually cheaper, so keep your eye out for the generic versions of each item on your list. Additionally, many stores regularly send coupons or have apps featuring sale items, so look at those items first when you are meal planning and incorporate them into your shopping list.

Get rewards

Most grocery stores provide rewards and savings programs. They are usually free, so it is worth it to sign up and save a little each time you shop. Plus, some even offer extra rewards if you bring your own bag.

Beyond the grocery stores’ reward programs, rebate apps like Ibotta offer rewards and savings when you grocery shop. Simply sign up for free and scan your receipts for rewards when you are done shopping.

Saving money isn’t always about shopping less; it’s about shopping smart. While it might not seem that such small measures can make a difference, by getting in the habit of doing these simple things, the small savings can add up over time and make a big difference in your wallet!

Sarah Romney is a project manager at Stage Marketing, a full-service content marketing agency based in Provo.