Spending traps to avoid at the grocery store

Saving money at the grocery store is fairly easy. For example, you can take advantage of sales, stock up on non-perishable items and stick to a strict list. However, there are still ways that supermarkets will try and trick you into buying more expensive items. The following are some spending traps you should avoid at the grocery store:

• Don't shop at eye level - In many stores, items that are found at eye level are the most expensive brands, according to MSN Money. That said, when buying products, you may want to look up and down to see if there are any cheaper alternatives. Grocery stores stick expensive items at eye level because these are the first ones that you'll see, so you need to be willing to browse to find additional products. 
• Avoid display end caps - This feature in grocery stores is designed to grab your attention for an item, according to the Food Network. Generally, it is a new item from a brand name or products that are on sale. These are also items that have cheaper alternatives if you're willing to search further, so don't be drawn in by these displays. If you are, you could find yourself spending more money than you hoped. 
• Stay on the perimeter - Impulse buys are one of the biggest reasons you spend too much money at the grocery store. For this reason, you may want to stay on the perimeter of the store, as this is where the essentials are generally found. Grocery stores try and lure you down aisles because this is where luxury items are found. 
• Bulk doesn't always save you money - The general consensus among grocery shoppers is that buying food in bulk will save them money. But, that isn't always the case, which is why it is recommended that you compare the price of bulk items to what it would cost to purchase it in a single serving. Supermarkets can be sneaky in this way, so don't blindly think that bulk is better. 

Groceries are an essential expense no matter how little money you make each month. For this reason, it is important to understand how grocery stores can try and trick you into spending more money.