1.  Clip coupons. They put those in the newspaper for a reason. If there is a new item you want to try, use a coupon to get it at a discount. If you like it, you have saved some money. On the other hand, if you don’t take a liking to it, you didn’t pay full price. You can also use coupons to save on your favorite items that can’t be replaced by a generic substitute. One of my favorite coupon resources is www.thegrocerygame.com It’s not free but it saves me lots of time and helps me get the best use out of my coupons.

2. Buy more staples than prepared foods. It is easier to buy a box of macaroni and cheese, but is it more economical? A large box of macaroni and a block of cheese will make more servings for your family than one box of prepared macaroni and cheese. The next time you go shopping and pick up a box or bag of a pre-prepared item, ask yourself if you can make that at home for less. If you can, then consider buying the less expensive staple ingredients and make it yourself.

3. Buy in bulk. Make a list of the food items that you use most often. Cereals, meats, vegetables, condiments, juices, and paper products can be bought in bulk usually at a lower price at food warehouses like Costco, BJ’s, and Sam’s Club. Although you will have to pay an annual membership fee, the amount you save on your grocery bill can make it worth your while.

4. Don’t shop when you are hungry. You’ve heard this for years and it’s still a great tip to follow. Shopping on an empty stomach means that you will pick up more things than you need. You are also more likely to pick up that bag of chocolate chip cookies or that box of donuts when the growling gets underway.

5. Take a grocery list with you. If you don’t know what you’re planning to buy, you’ll buy things you don’t need and things that aren’t on sale. Also, how many times have you gotten to the store and in all the commotion of shopping forgotten something you intended to buy? Check your cabinets and the fridge to see what you need and write everything down. Remember, the goal is to stick to the list as much as possible.

6. Shop at the same stores. This can save you a lot of frustration. In a new store, you spend most of your time looking for things and walking up and down every aisle, which can lead to forgetting an item or two. Going to the same store each time also makes you more familiar with the prices so you can estimate your bill as you write your grocery list.

Rising prices don’t have to mean a lean dinner table. Always be on the lookout for new ways to make your food dollar go further. If you take the time to implement the ideas listed above as well as others of your own, you’ll see savings each and every time you shop.

1. Flour.

Flour is a starter item for many recipes. You can add it to some water and make gravy in the pan for many meat dishes. Flour is used to make bread (biscuits, rolls, loaves) and to coat chicken. It can also be used to coat a round or square cake pan to prevent the cake from sticking. Of course, a favorite use for flour is in yummy cookie recipes.

2. Rice.

If your family enjoys eating rice, consider buying a fifty pound bag from a grocery store or membership club. Rice is a side dish, but it doesn’t have to be plain. It can be jazzed up with veggies to accompany dinner. Just add evaporated milk and some sugar to a bowl of rice. Warm it in the microwave to create a sweet dessert dish. Another popular dessert is rice pudding. Rice can also be mixed with leftover meat and a cream soup to form a casserole. Rice has many uses and you’re sure to find a few that your family will love.

3. Pasta.

There are many different pasta choices and all have great uses. Manicotti can be stuffed with tomato sauce and cheese. Macaroni can be used to make a creamy salad and is great combined with cheese or spaghetti sauce. Spiral pasta is used in many different pasta salads. Spaghetti can be used in a casserole topped with cheese or in the traditional way with tomato sauce and meat.

4. Spices.

There are other ways to season food besides salt and pepper. In fact, many spices taste better than salt. Cayenne pepper, chili powder, nutmeg, cinnamon, oregano, and garlic powder are all useful tools in your flavor arsenal to give foods a fresh new taste.

5. Beans.

Beans can top your salad (edamame), make an awesome dip (black beans), and go well with grilled foods (baked beans). They provide a good source of protein with very little fat. Beans are good in soups, stews, and over rice for a simple yet filling meal.

Do you have these staples in your kitchen? You can probably think of several more that will enhance your pantry and save money. Even if someone in your family has food allergies, you can stock up on the particular flours and pastas that your family uses on a regular basis. Start by stocking up on these five food items and gradually grow your own list of basic kitchen staples that are versatile and economical.