Popping into the store for just milk rarely ends with just milk. Each extra trip is another chance to pick up snacks, drinks or something from the bakery, and those small add-ons can easily outweigh the item you went in for.

Planning one main shopping trip a week, with a solid list, can cut down on these stops. It also saves time and fuel, which are costs people rarely count when thinking about groceries. If you run out of something midweek, consider whether you can substitute something you already have or wait until your regular trip.

For the trips you can't avoid, set a simple rule, such as using a basket instead of a cart or only buying what you came for. Some people find pickup or delivery orders help here, because shopping from a list online removes many in-store temptations. Just watch for added fees and higher item prices that can offset the benefit.