Trying to cut down on grocery costs? There are ways to save at the checkout counter without having to pull out a fistful of coupons.

Some tips I've heard before include "Don't go shopping on an empty stomach" and "Don't buy things you normally wouldn't just because they're on sale."

I'm going to add to the list these thinking-outside-the box ideas from the American Diabetes Association:

• Buy boneless cuts. That way you're not paying for the bone, which adds a lot to the weight of meat.
• Pick white eggs over brown eggs, which are pricier but aren't any more nutritious. They're only brown because of the color of the hens that lay them.
• Avoid buying buying small containers of yogurt. Instead, get a quart and separate it into servings yourself.
• Use nonfat dry milk for drinking, cooking and baking. It's cheaper than fresh milk and doesn't expire
•Make your own cooking spray by pouring some cooking oil into a spray bottle (This one gave me pause, but I won't knock it until I try it.)

Have tips? Share here.

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