How to Be a Wise Consumer When Shopping for Food

Grocery shopping does not have to be a scary endeavor. Sure, the store might be filled with rows and rows of food options. But experts suggest planning and research can help you become a smart shopper, saving money and finding healthy food options in the process.

Things You'll Need

• Paper
• Writing utensil

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Instructions

• 1

  Plan your trip to the grocery store before you go, making a detailed list of items to be purchased. Planning meals before going to the grocery store can save you 20 percent on your grocery bill, experts suggest. Meals that can be saved for leftovers are also a good money-saving option.

• 2

  Avoid deviating from your shopping list. Savvy in-store marketing can derail shopper's plans. Stay on task.

• 3

  Compare generic products against name-brand items. Many times, the two products have identical ingredients and may taste very similar.

• 4

  Purchase items that are both low-calorie and heart-conscious. The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute recommends stocking up on staples such as fish, skinless chicken, rice, pasta, whole-wheat breads and fresh or frozen vegetables.

• 5

  Look for food items that are high or low on the grocery store's shelves. The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service says such items are often cheaper because higher-priced, brand-name manufacturers pay to have their items placed at the consumer's eye level.

• 6

  Buy in bulk when possible. However, don't buy more than can be used before the items spoil.

• 7

  Use coupons. Manufacturers hand out thousands of opportunities each week through newspapers and via in-store specials. Americans cashed in about $3.2 million in coupons in 2009, with that number expected to rise in 2010.