You can still eat like royalty without having to spend like one. Below are some tips on how to save money on groceries while keeping your budget on track.

1. Brand Names. You might be used to and trust a particular brand of cereal or drink, but the generic options are usually cheaper. “value” labels are a more affordable alternative to premium brands. Just check the ingredients to be sure you’re getting the same product.

2. Check Your Fridge. Don't head to the grocery store without first taking inventory of what you already have. Taking a photo of what you already have stocked will surely help you from over buying loaves of bread.

3. Shopping on an empty stomach. Many of us go to the grocery store after work and before dinner, which is when we start to get hungry. If you buy your groceries when hungry, you’ll purchase more than you need. Try to get the shopping out of the way on the weekends, when you can shop on a full stomach.

4. Bottled Water. The average 16 oz. bottle of water costs about a dollar, and it’s recommended that you drink four of them a day. Try getting a filter for your faucet if it is not already filtered. This will save you almost $120 a month.

5. Join a loyalty program. Depending on the program, input your rewards information (usually your phone number) at checkout to earn points on your purchases, which can be redeemed on future visits. You can also split your purchases across multiple stores to pinpoint the best deals.

6. Learn the sale patterns. If you want to snag a bargain, shop the clearance section after the holidays are over. Stores will deeply discount their seasonal merchandise, and you can stock up for a low price. There are also usually better deals at the first week of the month.