Get Tips on Saving Money at the Grocery Store

April 17, 2008 — -- Surging grocery prices have hit the pockets of many Americans, with many food staples seeing double-digit percentage increases during the last year.

In fact, the price of a dozen eggs has increased by 38 percent and the cost of one loaf of white bread has jumped 19 percent, according to American Farm Bureau data.

With households spending 15 percent of their total income on food and drinks, families are searching for ways to cut those grocery store prices without making drastic sacrifices.

Aside from clipping coupons, there are other ways to save. Check out the tips below to see how you can keep more green in your pocket when you stroll down the grocery aisle.

One way you can save money on fruits and vegetables is to buy what's in season. For example, oranges are in season now.

Buy white eggs. They are cheaper than brown eggs.

Try buying skim milk, which is cheaper than 2 percent milk.

Meat lovers don't have to become involuntary vegetarians because of high food prices. When it comes to breakfast meat, bacon actually is less expensive than sausage.

Many shoppers would assume a rotisserie chicken is more expensive than purchasing uncooked chicken cutlets, but the opposite actually is true. Because the cutlets are all white and deboned, it makes them more expensive.

You have to shop smart to save. Make a grocery list and stick to it. This way you avoid wandering through the store and grabbling things you don't need.

Set a weekly spending limit to curb costs.

Shop without your children or spouse, who may encourage you to pick up things you don't really need.