The entire country is confronted withthe rising cost of groceries, which is only expected to continue.

It really makes you think about just how badly you want thoseavocados, right?

The secret is shopping smarter.

A person, name unknown, stands in a grocery store produce section holding an apple, looking at it thoughtfully. Numerous fruits and vegetables are in the background

Experts who have mastered food shopping for cheap know the biggest pitfalls that trap people into overspending.

Want to avoid them?

Here are seven grocery mistakes to keep in mind the next time you do your weekly food haul.

Person in a kitchen preparing multiple containers of lasagna and green beans with a wooden spatula

This is where knowing some other common shopping mistakes can come in handy.

Its important to be realistic about your time and ambition.

That way, you dont end up with three half-used jars of salsa or other multiples at home.

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Not sure how to combine what you have?

Apps likeSuperCookandCooklistcan give you some ideas.

Moncel pointed out thatplant-based proteinssuch as lentils, chickpeas and beans are less expensive than meat.

Grilled, whole, barbecued chicken on a platter being served at a table with hands reaching in, beer glasses and other dishes in the background

No one will notice the difference, Guerzon explained.

If you buy ground beef in 1-pound packages, freeze the extra quarter-pound that you saved.

(Side-eye glance to mushrooms, berries and peaches.)

A man and a child are grocery shopping, choosing bell peppers from a supermarket vegetable section. The man is pointing out a pepper while the child holds one

When buying produce in the frozen section, Moncel recommends looking for them in their simplest form.

Anything thats covered in sauce or packaged in a microwaveable bag is likely going to cost extra.

Buying Tiny Jars Of Expensive Spices

Guerzon suggested buying spices in bulk when you cook with them regularly.

A hand with a metallic ring and a smartwatch reaching for a spice bottle on a grocery store shelf

But Guerzon said that simply checking the prices of items above and below eye level could save you money.

Stores know this and place the more expensive items there.

Next time you are in the store, take note of where items are placed.

A person is organizing jars of food on a supermarket shelf, focusing on arranging them neatly

You may have to reach up or down for better deals.

Avoiding this mistake and others will surely save you money on groceries, but sometimes thats simply not enough.

Grocery inflation is no joke, so you arent alone in seeking to save money on food.

Put the experts tips into practice and reach out for supplemental support if you need it.

With a plan in place, youll still be able to keep your kitchen stocked.This article originally appeared onHuffPost.