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On the whole, grocery prices fell for the first month in almost a year, according to the March Consumer Price Index. While tomato prices spiked again — driven by tariffs and higher fuel and fertilizer costs — shoppers got some relief on a number of foods, including condiments, lettuce, and hot dogs. Plus, beef wasn’t on the list of big movers, for a change.

Explore the data and our tips for keeping your grocery bills from getting out of hand.

5 Tips for Cutting Your Grocery Bills

•   Use unit pricing. You want the best deal, but it can be hard to compare prices when things are sold in different-sized packages. Compare the unit prices instead of the retail prices, using the shelf labels or an app like this one.

•   Make a habit of taking inventory before you shop. Check your fridge before shopping to avoid buying produce, meat, and other perishables you already have.

•   If you regularly throw out fresh produce that’s gone bad, look for frozen or canned alternatives. Frozen versions are often harvested at peak ripeness and will last longer and potentially cost less. You can also buy produce on sale or in season and then freeze the savings.

•   Choose your protein wisely. Given how expensive beef is, now’s a great time to learn about cheaper protein sources, whether that means moving toward a vegetarian diet with beans, nuts, and dairy or finding ways to make a pound of chicken stretch further in casseroles and soups.

•   Switch grocery stores. Grocery store prices can vary a lot, so it’s worth branching out to stores you don’t normally use in order to compare. You can also do online research to see what others like and dislike about various chains.

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