Do you cringe when checking out at the supermarket? Do you get good deals?
What really helps you save at the supermarket? Consumer Reports recently researched shoppers to find out how to get the best deals. 
• Check Unit Prices – Shelf tags on items in the store give the unit price. This is the only way to be sure you are getting the best deal, as it breaks down the price by ounces or unit. Although bigger is usually cheaper there are some exceptions. Be sure to check the difference in the name brand verses the store brand, as well as the size differences, making sure the comparison is using the same measurement.
• Check out Store Brands – Most store brands sell for about 22 percent less than national brands. Some stores have a premium store brand (may be organic) as well as their store brand. Prices vary but most store brands are good bargains and with quality merchandise. Tests from Consumer Reports have rated some store brands above name brand items.
• Beware of Convenience – Be a detective before you purchase items that have been precut, sliced, diced, chunked or prepped. Those items may save you time, but prices can be two to three times what it would otherwise cost. Prepping your own food usually saves you big bucks for a small time commitment. Individual items priced per pound are usually more expensive than bags of potatoes, oranges, apples and lemons, etc.
• Use Coupons – Coupons can save you dollars, and many find online coupons convenient. Some stores have online coupons accessible through their store loyalty card with the coupons added to your card. Coupons may encourage you to purchase less healthy choices, with 25% of online coupons being for processed snack foods, candies and desserts according to a recent study by the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They found only 1 percent of the coupons were for unprocessed meats and less than 3 percent of coupons were for produce.
• Sign up for the Store Loyalty Card – Many chains have special deals and bargains for their customers enrolled in their loyalty programs. Besides saving on groceries many have discounts for gasoline when you shop at the store. Many stores have online coupons you can click and add to your card, making it convenient at check-out.
Be a smart shopper and check the weekly specials in addition to understanding how the store markets and places items. Knowing the store layout can help you avoid some items which can tempt you to over-spend. Realizing staple items go on sale at regular intervals allows you to stock up when the price is lower. If you only need one item, avoid buying 10 for 10 dollars as you can buy just one for one dollar on that special. To purchase the healthiest foods check the nutrition facts labels.
