Why Your Grocery Bill Feels So High—and 9 Smarter Ways to Shop

Look at the unit price

A large package is not automatically a bargain, especially if some food will spoil. Check the price per ounce, pound, or serving and consider what your household will realistically consume. Store brands can sometimes offer comparable products at lower cost, but compare nutrition labels and ingredients when those matter to you.

Shop your own kitchen first

Before heading to the store, look in the refrigerator, freezer, and pantry. Build a short list around ingredients you already own. Freeze foods you cannot use promptly when safe to do so, and label leftovers with a date. The U.S. Department of Agriculture offers food-storage guidance at FoodSafety.gov.