Grocery shopping is an essential part of life, but it can put a serious dent in your budget if you’re not careful. The good news is, with some planning and the right techniques, you can cut your grocery bill significantly each month. Here are some of the best ways to save money on groceries.

First, make a meal plan each week based on items that are on sale and in season. Check your store’s weekly ad to see the best deals, then build your meals around those ingredients. You’ll avoid wasting food and save money by not making impulse buys. Buy in-season produce which is usually cheaper. And stock up on non-perishables when they’re on sale.

Second, make a grocery list and stick to it. Only buy what’s on your list to avoid making unnecessary purchases. Don’t go grocery shopping when you’re hungry, either. Shop the perimeter of the store where whole foods like produce, meat, and dairy are located. The center aisles contain more processed, pre-packaged foods.

Third, compare prices online and at different stores. Buy certain items like meat, seafood, and produce at warehouse stores like Costco or Sam’s Club, which often have lower prices. Buy non-perishables in bulk when possible, and look for coupons to save on packaged goods.

Fourth, avoid pre-cut or packaged fruits and vegetables which can cost more. Buy whole foods and cut them yourself. Also avoid pre-marinated meats and seafood, and fancy shaped produce like zucchini spirals. Opt for regular zucchini instead.

Fifth, buy generic or store brand items instead of name brands. Many times there is little difference in quality and you can save up to 50% on staples like food, over-the-counter drugs, and household goods. Also avoid impulse buys at the checkout counter.

Sixth, freeze leftovers and reuse them. Don’t throw away extra food – freeze portions to enjoy later. You can also repurpose leftovers into new meals, like turning leftover rice into fried rice, leftover meat into chili or soup, etc.

Seventh, grow some of your own produce if you have space. Even a small garden or container garden can yield tomatoes, lettuce, cucumbers, and other crops. Herbs are also easy to grow and can save money versus buying them pre-cut.

Eighth, meal prep on the weekends to save time during the week. Cook a big batch of rice, grains or beans to add to meals, or prep snack bags with cut veggies, hummus and nuts. Roast a whole chicken or tray of vegetables to use in multiple dishes. Meal prepping also prevents you from dining out, which costs more.

Finally, donate or repurpose any leftover food to avoid waste. Donate unopened, non-perishable goods to a food bank or shelter. Repurpose leftover bread into croutons or bread crumbs, vegetable scraps and peels into stock, and overripe fruit into jam or chutney. Reducing waste is an easy way to cut your grocery bill over time.