3 tips to beat sticker shock at the grocery store

Earlier this month the United Nations announced that food prices hit a record high globally and prices are expected to continue to climb to new heights, increasing by 3 percent or more over the remainder of 2011.

And the U.S. Department of Labor's January Consumer Price Index showed food prices rose 2.1% over the past year.

Jeanette Pavini, household savings expert for Coupons.com, offers these three strategies to combat sticker shock when you're out at the grocery store:

Incorporate coupons.

Coupons are almost always available on household basic necessities and these items rotate on sale at most grocery stores. Plan ahead and use coupons on sale items at the grocery store to deepen your savings.

Compare unit prices of package sizes.
One trick manufacturers are using to fight the rising cost of food is adjusting package sizes. Make sure you’re getting what you pay for – the package may look similar to what you used to buy, but the actual volume might not be the same.

Load up on “loss leaders.”
Paying attention to prices and sale ads will help you determine the best deals and steals as you maneuver through grocery aisles.