It may seem like there is no way to cut costs on groceries every week, but here are a few things you can do to help cut down on how much you spend at the store.

Be prepared
The more prepared you are, the less likely you are to go over your grocery budget. Plan your meals for the week to avoid buying more than you need. You can also save money by buying and cooking in bulk if you freeze meals.

Make a list
Don’t go to the store without checking your pantry and refrigerator first, or you could end up buying unnecessary items or making extra trips during the week. Plus, if you have a list of items, you’ll be able to avoid impulse purchases more easily.

Buy frozen
Many people prefer fresh over frozen, but think about how many times you’ve thrown away meat that has expired or vegetables that have gone bad. Frozen fruits and vegetables are picked and frozen at peak freshness, so their just as healthy as fresh.

Go generic
Most “generic” goods are private label, meaning they are produced by a major brand with a store label. Buying generic items can help you save money on your grocery bill and in most cases, you won’t be sacrificing quality.

Avoid the trash
After you cook a meal, think about what else you can make with the leftovers. There are websites and apps that let you type in the ingredients you have and then give you recipes. Use restaurant leftovers to create new meals as well.