Nine ways to cut your grocery bill without coupons

Groceries are one of the few big expenses you can change week to week. These habits work at nearly any store.

1. Read the unit price. The small number on the shelf tag shows the cost per ounce or per count. The bigger package is not always cheaper.
2. Try store brands. For staples like flour, canned tomatoes and frozen vegetables, the difference is often hard to notice.
3. Plan dinners around sales. Check the weekly ad and build meals from what is discounted.
4. Cook once, eat twice. Planned leftovers replace a takeout lunch.
5. Shop your pantry first. Build one meal a week from what you already own.
6. Buy frozen produce. It lasts longer and cuts waste.
7. Set a weekly cash or card limit. A firm number changes how you shop.
8. Shop less often. Fewer trips mean fewer impulse buys.
9. Watch the drinks aisle. Bottled drinks and snacks add up faster than most people expect.