Shop sales as often as possible to get the best prices, but consider your time and the price of gasoline. Shop alone when you are not rushed or hungry. Taking children or a spouse along usually means that you buy items you do not have on your list. When you are hungry, you tend to buy items that are not on your list and are more expensive. If your children shop with you, give them some responsibilities such as comparing prices or finding specific items on the list.
National brands are usually several cents more expensive than the house brand of the same food.
Shop early in the day and early in the week if possible. Compare prices before buying prepared foods such as cake mixes, slice and bake cookies, and frozen dinners. Sometimes, however, sliced meats and cheeses at the deli counter are less expensive than the packaged foods in the meat and dairy sections. If you have storage space, buy the largest packages or quantities possible. Be cautious when shopping with coupons.