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What are the items driving your grocery bill up? The price of lettuce and tomatoes shot up the most last month, and a number of sweets were near the top of the list too, according to the latest Consumer Price Index.

Explore the data and our tips for tackling grocery inflation head on.

5 Ways to Tame Your Bills

Take a quick inventory before you shop. Check your fridge before shopping to avoid buying produce, meat, and other perishables you already have.

Be patient. If it’s freezable or non-perishable, don’t pay full price until it goes on sale – and then stock up. If you scan your supermarket app or flyer, you may even start to notice discount patterns. This is a great way to save on those pricier items you can’t live without.

Swap proteins. Pork and poultry prices haven’t gone up like beef prices have. Making chicken tacos, turkey meatballs, or bean-based chilis can free up some room in your budget.

Experiment with generic brands and different stores. Test out private label items at big box stores (Target’s Dealworthy or Walmart’s Bettergoods brands, for instance). Or branch out and see whether you’d get better deals at a supermarket you don’t normally go to. Even if it’s not a chain known for discounts (like Aldi’s,) you might be surprised by how much variation you can find in prices.

Cut “nice-to-have” extras to offset hikes on “must-haves.” Some ideas: Skip the paper plates and cups, make your own salad dressings, or switch to brewed teas (hot or iced) to cut back on coffee or soda.

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