Plan to shop for canned goods and other heavy items first. Fresh produce, bread and other easily crushed products go into the cart next. Foods that need to be kept cold like frozen foods and meats should be chosen last. Think of substitutes while you plan in case items are priced too high, sold out or of low quality. For example, chicken can be used instead of tuna fish, or cabbage instead of lettuce.
Most people plan a meal around the meat group.
You can save money by learning ways to cook and use lower-priced meat cuts, such as ribs, shoulders and chuck roast. These cuts tend to be higher in fat though, so be sure to trim away visible fat. Chicken is usually less expensive than beef. Turkey offers a still better bargain with a greater proportion of meat to bone. Both are lower in fat, especially if you remove the skin.