Ways to Save at the Supermarket

Shop the perimeter: Fresh, whole foods--often minimally packaged, such as fruits and vegetables, meat, fish, poultry and dairy products are likely to be a better buy than processed foods that come in packages. These fresh foods are located on the perimeter of most stores.

Use what you have: Chances are there are lots of spices, dried herbs, rubs, seasonings, etc., in your pantry. Pull out a few cookbooks and find ways to use up those pricey little jars of flavor instead of buying new ones.

Shop in ethnic grocery stores: Fresh herbs, other produce and spices are often much cheaper than in a supermarket.

Make your own salad dressing, marinades and sauces: They are simple and quick to make and you probably have all the ingredients on hand. They are much cheaper than, say, $5 or %6 for a 10-ounce bottle of a commercial product.

Pay attention to the food's price per ounce, listed on the shelf tag below it: You might assume the large and/or private label jar is a better value, but that is not always the case.

Exploit your freezer: Buy meats in bulk and freeze part of them. And before you toss out leftovers, consider whether they might play another role for a future meal. Freezing is a great way to play for time.

Write a grocery list and stick to it: Avoid impulse buying and don't shop when you are hungry.

Eat less: New stories report again and again that health officials consider most Americans to be overweight and one-third to be obese. One way to spend less is to consume less. find out what real portion sizes should be and make less pasta, less rice, less meat.

Skip the expensive beverages: Stop drinking sodas (diet or not) and bottled water. Drink tap water, dropping a slice of lemon into your glass to boost the flavor.

Use coupons and loyalty cards to save money: Always leaving your coupons at home? Keep the coupon organizer in your car or purse.

Source: McClatchy Newspapers, August 27, 2008