Maybe we've been spoiled. Food costs have been so low for so long that we're not used to thinking a whole lot about what goes into our cart.

Until the recent spike in food prices, coupon clipping had tapered off. Now, more people are leafing through their Sunday circulars looking for a deal. But there are more ways to save than coupon files and generic brands (though both are good ideas).

Check out these suggestions for making the most of your food budget:

•Start a price log, recording the prices of your favorite groceries, so you can remember if you're getting the best value. Note the size purchased, so you're making a fair comparison.

•If mental math isn't your strong suit, take along a calculator so you can calculate unit prices if they're not listed on the shelf labels.

•Keep reusable shopping bags in your car. Many stores offer a rebate of up to a nickel a bag for passing on paper and plastic.

•You don't have to buy them all. If a store is offering a 3-for-$4 sale, you usually don't have to buy all three items to get the sale price. You can just buy one or two.

•Try other brands. One brand of tuna may be on sale this week and another the next. If you're willing to buy a different brand, you'll be able to save on that product more often.

•Look for seasonal specials. Citrus fruits are more expensive in summer, but berries are less expensive. Grilling meats are usually on special in summer, while roasts and whole poultry products such as turkeys are priced better around the holidays.

•Buying in bulk can mean buying unpackaged products from bins. Not only are these products usually less expensive than national brands, you can buy only what you need. For instance, if you don't bake often and only use flour occasionally, you can buy two cups instead of a 5-pound bag.

•Consider the local farmers market. You'll be able to find fresh produce at prices that often rival the grocery store. And, because the food won't have been shipped in from across the country, it's likely to be farm-fresh.

•Save those coupons you get at the register. Since those coupons are targeted to customers who already have a history of buying that type or brand of product, those coupons are often worth more than the ones in newspaper circulars.

•Look for patterns in coupons and sales. Many manufacturers run specials on their products in cycles (even dictating sale prices to the stores) which is why coupons in the Sunday circular sometimes align with store sales.

•Plan your meals based on what's on sale each week.

•Make meals that you can stretch over a couple days with some simple tweaking. A pot roast one night can become shepherd's pie or a beef barley soup the next.

•If you usually buy rice for a side dish and find the price is rising, consider substituting other grains that are less expensive. Try barley, oatmeal, quinoa or whole-wheat pasta.

•Convenience is expensive. Learn how to break a whole chicken down into parts, freeze the pieces and make stock. The chicken will be more flavorful, too.

•Make your own pasta sauces, salad dressings and soups.

•Smart shopping isn't cost-effective if you end up throwing food away. Buy plastic containers with tight seals for dry goods and a vacuum sealer for meats and seafood.

•Check the per-pound prices of a whole turkey breasts or half hams, and consider roasting and slicing them for sandwiches. If the per-pound price works out to be considerably cheaper, it may be worth the extra effort (and it will taste great). The sliced meat can be stored in freezer bags and taken out and thawed as needed.

•Stock up on cheese (blocks, shredded or sliced) while it's on sale and store it in the freezer. (But be aware that some hard cheese have texture and crumbling problems after freezing.)

•Pass up single-serving containers – applesauce, yogurt, chips and pretzels – in favor of packaging your own. It's more environmentally friendly, and the larger version is usually much less expensive.

•Rather than buying frozen waffles and pancakes, make your own and store them in the freezer. Waffles can be reheated in most toasters, pancakes in the microwave.

•Don't assume milk is cheaper at the grocery store. Often, convenience stores and drug stores with a cold foods case offer the best price.

Sources: http://www.grocerysavingtips.com; http://www.allthingsfrugal.com; Price Chopper; Hannaford; Stacey DeHass, executive chef, Amish Naturals Foods.