Does a quick trip to the grocery store leave you feeling like you’ve endured a highway robbery? If so, maybe it’s time to explore some new ways to cut down on your grocery bill. If your usual shopping strategy is just not working, start considering some of the many ways that you can reduce your grocery bill each week and each month.

According to Money magazine, the average American spends nearly $6,000 a year on food, and 14 percent of what we buy ends up going to waste. We crave foods that are quick and convenient, but our pocketbooks feel the pain of our unwise grocery spending.

While it may take a little extra time and effort, the payoff can be huge. For example, a family of 4 that spends $700 a month at the grocery store is paying a whopping $8,400 a year on groceries. If this grocery spending could be cut down to $400 a month, it would amount to a yearly savings of $3,600.

Fortunately, cutting down your grocery bill doesn’t mean subsisting on beans, rice and Ramen noodles. Whether you’re a picky foodie or a microwave chef, try using some of the following tips to reduce spending on your next trip to the grocery store.

Planning Ahead to Dramatically Cut Down Your Grocery Bill

If you are like many people, you often find yourself frantically worrying about what is for dinner when 4PM rolls around. This last minute rush is what leads many consumers to spend more than they should on food, either by purchasing convenience food or ordering out at overpriced restaurants.

How can you avoid this trap? Start by creating a meal plan at the beginning of the week. Determine what you will prepare for dinner each night, and then determine which ingredients you already have and which ones you need to purchase. By having a plan, you can reduce impulse spending and slash your weekly grocery bill in half.

Use What You Already Have

As you are creating your weekly meal plan, start by making an assessment of the food and ingredients that you already have on hand. Rather than buy new items to make a specific meal, consider how you can adapt your meal plan to use the products that you already have. This simple step alone can go a long way in cutting your grocery bill.

Never Shop On an Empty Stomach

Entering a grocery store when you are ravenously hungry is a sure-fire recipe for a grocery spending disaster. Shopping on an empty stomach inspires more impulse buys on items that you would normally pass up. According to some experts, shopping when you are hungry can inflate your grocery bill by up to 20 percent. Avoid this by only shopping for groceries after you have eaten.

Buy Frozen Concentrated Juice

Stop wasting money on expensive pre-mixed juice and switch over to frozen concentrates. Frozen juice costs an average of 50 percent less than pre-made, which can lead to big savings over time. Not only is frozen concentrated juice cheaper, it often tastes fresher and allows you to mix it to suit your personal preferences.

Shop Early in the Morning

Crowded grocery stores often cause shoppers to rush through their trip, simply grabbing items without really considering the cost. Stop shopping during the after-work rush and start making a trip to the grocery store in the morning. In addition to having more time and space to consider your purchases, mornings are a great time to get the best pick on deals on fruit, vegetables and meat.