Buying groceries is one set of purchases you can’t eliminate from your budget, but there are plenty of ways to cut back on how much you’re spending each week. Because it’s a necessary expense, it’s also probably one of your larger costs and therefore even more important to re-evaluate where you can trim down. Next time you head to the supermarket remember a few of these easy to follow tips.

1. Shop at the Right Time: No, there isn’t some grocery store conspiracy where they change the prices from hour to hour, we’re talking about the right time for you. Try to plan a trip to the store after you’ve just eaten so that hunger pains won’t have you buying products you don’t need or may not even eat. Even though this may seem inconvenient, try to fit in a trip to the grocery store when you’re in a rush. If you don’t have all the time in the world to stroll the aisles, you’re much more likely to get out with just the things you need.
2. Make and Stick to a List: Having a set number of items you need will keep you from grabbing various items off the shelves because they are momentarily appealing. Don’t fall into the trap of the end-aisle displays. Whatever is on your list is there for a reason, and the same goes for whatever is not on the list.
3. Don’t be a Brand Snob: Just because you grew up with your parents buying the same brand year after year doesn’t mean it’s worth the extra dough. You can find almost any product in generic and if it’s the store’s own brand, there are often special deals on these groceries.
4. Re-think Bulk: Everyone always says buying in bulk is the best way to save money, and it can be effective, but it must be done carefully. Many people fall into the trap of buying bulk on principle without considering if they actually need or will ever use that much of a product. If you decide to buy in large quantities try and keep these purchases to non-perishables, which are less likely to go bad before you use them.
5. Don’t Forget the Dollar Store: Most people like to get everything they need from one place, which may be convenient, but can cost more. For paper, cleaning, and personal hygiene products, you are better off purchasing them at a Dollar Tree or Dollar General, where they cost a fraction of what they’ll be marked up to at a grocery store.