The Inner Aisles (01 of19)
Open Image ModalBrand Names(02 of19)
Open Image ModalYou might be used to a particular brand of cereal or sugar, but the generic options are usually cheaper. The grocery store brands often use name-brand products with their own labels on it; and they offer it at a better price. Just check the ingredients to be sure you are getting the same product. (credit:Alamy)
Toiletries(03 of19)
Open Image ModalWhile buying toiletries at the supermarket may be easy, you're paying a price for that convenience. Save those items for the pharmacy, where they are usually cheaper. (credit:Alamy)
Middle Shelves(04 of19)
Open Image ModalPre-Packaged Foods(05 of19)
Open Image ModalDon't buy the pre-made foods such as potato salad at the store, when you can purchase the ingredients and make it for a fraction of the price at home. And it'll taste much better fresh too. (credit:Alamy)
Shopping With Children(06 of19)
Open Image ModalWhile sometimes we can't avoid shopping with children, it's best to try to buy your groceries when they're not around. Children will often want to buy food items that you don't need, and it isn't always easy to say no. (credit:Alamy)
Pre-Grated Cheese(07 of19)
Open Image ModalJust like with pre-packaged lettuce and pre-cut fruit, grated cheese costs you extra for the convenience it brings you. But it's not that hard to grate your own cheese. With a less expensive block of cheese, and a cheap box grater, you can start saving money on this ingredient. (credit:Alamy)
Shopping When Hungry(08 of19)
Open Image ModalUnit Price(09 of19)
Open Image ModalAlmost all supermarkets list the unit price of their items. It's wise to look at these as they make it easy to see which brand really gives you the best deal for your money. This way you can avoid being fooled by overly packaged items with little inside. (credit:Alamy)
The Offender: Pre-Packaged Salad(10 of19)
Open Image ModalYes, it's convenient to have your lettuce in already-clean-and-trimmed plastic tubs, but it also costs nearly three times the price. If you buy your own head of lettuce, wash and trim it right away, and have it ready to use, you won't even notice the difference (and you'll save quite a few bucks a month). (credit:Target)
No Shopping List(11 of19)
Open Image ModalYou might have an incredible memory, making it able to remember everything you need from the supermarket without having to write it down (an admirable and uncommon skill). And while writing a shopping list does help many of us remember what we need to get, more importantly, it keeps us from buying the things we don't need (if we stick to our list). (credit:Alamy)
Canned Beans(12 of19)
Open Image ModalPre-Cut Fruit(13 of19)
Open Image ModalIf someone is getting paid to do a job that you could easily do yourself at home (like cutting up a mango) you're going to be paying for it. (credit:Getty Images)
Out-Of-Season Produce(14 of19)
Open Image ModalYou've heard it before, and you'll hear it again: eat the produce that's in season. Not only will it taste infinitely better, but it will save you serious money. Because it costs them less to produce fruit and veggies that are local and in season, it costs less for you to buy it. (credit:Flickr: photon_de)
Bottled Water(15 of19)
Open Image ModalBottled water is a multi-million pound industry, and it's coming out of your pocket. (credit:Amazon)
Spice Mixes(16 of19)
Open Image ModalFancy spice mixes can be a biggest waste of money since you can make your own spice mix with seasonings you most likely already have on hand (a large portion of most of the mixes being salt). (credit:Amazon)
The Offender: Fresh Herbs(17 of19)
Open Image ModalYou're literally throwing money away by not starting your own herb garden. Fresh herbs cost a small fortune at the grocery store. Often times you can buy an entire plant for less than you can a few sprigs at the supermarket. And while not everyone has space for a garden, most people can fit at least a few pots somewhere in their home. (credit:Flickr: liza31337)
Exotic Spices(18 of19)
Open Image ModalWhile experimenting with your cooking is a good idea, it's not always wise to buy those spices at your local grocery store. Taking the time to make a trip to an international market can save you a ton (almost 10 times in savings) on spices and specialty ingredients. (credit:Amazon)
Microwaveable Popcorn(19 of19)
Open Image ModalThis item is a major culprit of wasting your money. Sometimes you can pay almost double the price just for the convenience of having individual microwaveable bags. But what you're really doing is paying more for inferior popcorn. Save money, pop your own, and enjoy the real flavor of freshly popped corn. (credit:Alamy)