10 tips to trim your grocery bill

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Consumer groups and coupon clippers say a lot of money can slip through your fingers every time you go to the grocery store.

Here are 10 tips from Foster Farms, the poultry company, on how to reduce your grocery bill. Some of the tips are obvious, others require discipline, and all are in line with what outside consumer experts suggest. And no one will force you to purchase chicken with your savings.

1. Make a list: Making a list and avoiding impulse purchases adds up to hundreds of dollars in savings annually.
2. Don’t take the kids: Some moms report saving $15 per shopping trip by going solo, Foster Farms says. The chicken purveyor suggests timing shopping while your kids are at school, at a friend’s or in the care of another family member.
3. Try couponing: The recession has spawned a new flood of coupons. Check out your Sunday newspaper and look online at sites such as Coupons.com and Couponmom.com. But don’t buy something because it is a good deal. Stick to the items you purchase regularly.
4. Check your receipt: Make sure you weren’t overcharged. Consumer Reports found that 70% of shoppers have discovered mistakes in their store receipts.
5. Write prices down: Keep track of the best prices for your weekly staples so you know which stores have the best deals. Look at the weekly supermarket advertisements to see if the items you purchase frequently are on sale. Shoppers who watch prices and stock up during sales report saving 20% or more.
6. Avoid snack food: You can save $40 month ($10 per trip) by forgoing just two snack items per week, according to Foster Farms. Make your own bulk snack mix when items such as raisins, nuts, chocolate chips, mini marshmallows and dried fruit are on sale.
7. Use club cards: Loyalty programs save you money. Make sure both you and your spouse are on the same account. Often you don’t need the card. Punching in your phone number usually works once you have signed up for a loyalty program.
8. Stretch protein: Protein often is the most expensive part of a main portion. You can stretch your protein in casseroles, stews and sauces. Foster Farms suggest bulking up casseroles with extra protein by adding beans or lentils.
9. Brew your own coffee: It saves you more than $1 a cup and the savings can be even greater if you switch from a fancy coffee drink at the local coffee stop to a home-brewed cup.
10. Pack your lunch: Foster Farms estimates that bringing lunch just three times a week can save you $100 per month, or $1,200 a year.

Foster Farms’ site has more information.

-- Jerry Hirsch