Groceries are expensive, but they don't have to break the bank. Here are some tips to save

abcnews.go.com:

If you’ve noticed that you’re paying more than before for the same amount of groceries, you’re not the only one

NEW YORK — If you’ve noticed that you’re paying more than before for the same amount of groceries, you’re not the only one. Inflation is easing slightly, but grocery prices are still high — up 21% on average since inflation started to surge more than three years ago.

“When inflation rises, it reduces people’s ability to afford groceries by increasing the overall cost of goods,” said Cassandra Happe, analyst for WalletHub.

Unlike some other items, you can't just stop buying groceries when they get pricey. There's nothing you can do about inflation, but you can find ways to save on groceries so they don't heavily impact your wallet or your eating habits. These include using coupons, budgeting, and buying in bulk.

Here's are some expert recommendations for saving on groceries:

Kiersten Torok started using coupons back when she was in high school, after her parents lost their jobs during the 2008 recession. She began relying on them even more in 2020, when she lost her own job during the pandemic. Now she's using her social media platform to help others learn how to save.

“When times like these come up, coupons are a necessity for so many Americans,” said Torok, known on Instagram and TikTok as Torok Coupon Hunter.

Many might think that using coupons means cutting them out of a magazine. While you can certainly still do that, there are now easier ways to get the discounts. Many stores, like Walmart and Target, have coupons available on their apps.

“All you have to do is scan an item in a store, the coupons pop up on your app and then they automatically apply in the register," Torok said. «It’s become much