by Mario Carini

Created on: March 29, 2009   Last Updated: April 04, 2009

In this time of economic chaos, we all need to find ways to shave off unnecessary expenses wherever we can. While the food budget doesn't leave much leeway when it comes to savings, there are a surprising number of ways you can save. Likely you can shave off as much as 30% on your food budget even if you're not into using coupons. Here are some tips:

* Before you head to the store, make a list of the essential items you need. Without a list, anything on the store shelves look good and you'll buy on impulse. Making a list enforces discipline. Your must-haves should come first. If there's money left over, you can spend on those things you like to have.

* Don't go shopping on an empty stomach, or when you're tired or in a hurry. You'll just buy more.

* Those shopping carts filled with dented cans and crumpled packages don't mean the contents have gone bad. They're a good buy.

* Buy in bulk whenever you can just as long as what you buy won't spoil. Never buy anything you won't use even if it is on sale.

* Buy in season. Fruits and vegetables cost less. Buy frozen and canned during the off season.

* Buy generic instead of brand name.

* Buy locally grown produce. They're fresher at farmer's markets than at the store.

* Buy organically grown food. They may be more expenseive, but their health benefits save you more in the long run.

* Comparison shop for bargains but don't travel halfway across town just to save on a single advertised item. The price of fuel may not save you on any savings on your food purchase.

* Buy plainly packaged foods. You pay for the sophisticated graphics and plastic wrapping.

* Buy simple products that don't come loaded with fat, sugar, salt and other unwholesome ingredients. Buy plain yogurt. You can mix in fruit, nuts and honey for a nutritious breakfast. I buy frozen fruit that I thaw out, chop and add to plain yogurt. The yogurt becomes more liquid which I can to work to drink.

* Avoid foods that are prepackaged and ready to eat. Fried chicken, pizza, ready-made soups and frozen foods like lasagna that you heat and serve cost more. It takes longer to make your own meals from scratch but creating meals with individual ingredients are healthier and can last longer.

* Check the shelves high and low at the grocery store where the lesser priced items can be found. Check the perimeter of the store where items are priced less.

* Buy right after holidays such as Christmas, Thanksgiving and Halloween.

* Consider growing your own produce. Freshly grown food tastes better and contains more nutrients than what you buy at the store. Many herbs can be grown right in your home at any time of the year.

* If you grow your own food but can't use it all, consider trading for something you do need with a neighbor or friend. Start a neighborhood food co-op.

There are, of course, many other ways you can save beside the food budget. With today's economy not likely to make a turnaround in the near future, it pays to make some changes to your lifestyle now so you can get into the habit of savings that will do you good when the economy makes a turnaround

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