Just a general comment - Shop the sales! Use those coupons!

[pinto]

Went to a major supermarket chain by my house today. My list - sale items only - some were very good deals.
For $22 I got enough produce, protein and fruit for ~ 15 meals. That's $1.50 a meal.

I repack, date and freeze a lot of the meat, chicken and fish. It's worth the time, which is free.

One person household, but the savings work out for larger households.

[Curmudgeoness]

1. I'll second that.

I try to only buy the sale items, and buy in bulk when it is a good price. I have a chest freezer and that definitely was worth every penny.

I rarely use coupons, because they are so often no longer for essential items, but for processed crap. But sometimes, there are a few good coupons, and I don't let them go to waste.

I also find that if I do not go into the grocery store often, I can avoid temptations.

Another one person household here, and I bet it would work better for a larger household, since some fresh veggies and fruit on sale can only be bought in small quantities for just one person.

[Sherman A1]

2. I also suggest using those green bag things

and Rubbermaid Produce Keepers. They really make a difference in how long fresh produce will last.

I shop the ads and sales and coupon just as you suggest, like anything else sometimes you do good, sometimes less so.

[RebelOne]

3. Most of the coupons are for name brand items.

I usually buy store brand products that are cheaper than name brands on sale.