Make the Most Out of Your Grocery Shopping: How to Eat Better and Try New Foods Without Spending Money

Grocery shopping is something everyone does but there are many ways of making it better that people just don't know about. This guide will help you make the most out of your next trip to the store.

Most people do their grocery shopping in one of the big chains: Ralphs, Von's, Albersons. Which chain you get your groceries from isn't that important. All three are mostly the same. What is important is manager of the store. He's responsible for everything that goes on inside. What items are stocked, how well the displays are set up, the layout of the store and the kind of service you can get there. How do you tell how good the manager is? Try a few of the different ones near you and notice how they are different. A good manager will make sure popular items are well stocked, the employees at the store are knowledgeable and that customers questions and needs are met.

You're best friend at the market are the people behind the counters. They know more about their department than anybody. If you buy beef, ask the butcher when they got it in. He'll also cut pieces for you for free, even the prepackaged ones if you need meet in smaller slices or cubes for stew. Ask how fresh the fish is before you buy it. The butcher can also tell you how to tell what good pieces of beef or pork should look like.

The deli is great for getting prepared foods. Ask for samples of the different meats and cheeses before you decide which to buy. Not sure if the potato salad is good? Just ask for a sample. The people there should be willing to let you try whatever you want before you buy it.

Same rules apply with the baker. Ask when the french bread was made or what's in that piece of cake.

Not sure how to tell when fruit is ripe or how to pick a good watermelon. Ask the produce clerk. She'll know more about choosing fruits and vegetables than anybody.

You can even ask to try food in the aisles. Want to know if the store brand chocolate creme cookies taste like Oreo's? Ask a clerk if you can try it out. See a new flavor of potato chips and you're curious? Just ask. What nobody knows is that many opened and damaged goods can be sent back by the store and it doesn't cost them a thing.

Sales often draw customers in but sometimes items run out. If what you want is gone, ask for a rain-check so you can get it next time at the cheaper price. Another great but overlooked place for grocery shopping is Trader Joe's. Many don't even know what kind of things are sold there. They sell a lot of specialized and gourmet foods but at a cheap price. They carry a lot of things you can't get at the big chain supermarkets. You don't even need a club card. They're wine selection isn't too shabby either. Try it out sometime to add some variety to your meals.

I hope these tips help you eat better. Trying new foods can help spice up your eating routine. Just remember that to make the most out of your grocery shopping, all you need to do is ask.