How to cut your grocery bill without coupons

Four plain habits that lower the total without making dinner sad.

Groceries are the bill that feels flexible and somehow never is. You do not need coupons or a spreadsheet. A few habits do most of the work.

Start with what you already have

Before you write a list, open the fridge, the freezer and the pantry. Plan two or three dinners around what is already there. Food you already paid for is the cheapest food you will ever eat.

Shop with a list, and one rule

Write the list in the order of the store so you are not wandering. Then one rule: if it is not on the list, it waits until next week unless everyone agrees it is worth it.

Check the unit price

The small number on the shelf tag, the price per ounce or per item, lets you compare a big box and a small one fairly. Bigger is not always cheaper, and the tag will tell you.

Cook once, eat twice

Make a double batch of something that reheats well, like soup, rice or chili, and freeze half. A busy Thursday is a lot easier when dinner is already done.