The average American spends about $139 on food every week. Although many people may not realize just how much they’re spending, the reality is that lots of little food purchases add up. That combined with the other expenses that go into keeping your kitchen stocked and fully functional, and you could easily be spending hundreds of dollars a month in your kitchen alone.

Since food is a necessity, many people believe this is one area where cutting back isn’t really possible. But that’s simply not the case. Saving money in the kitchen is definitely doable, and once you learn how to do it, your pockets will thank you forever. Here are 10 ways you can save money in the kitchen.

1. Buy Generic Brands

It’s true that many people don’t even think to purchase generic brands when grocery shopping. But by avoiding name brand food, drinks, and condiments, you can save yourself some money without sacrificing the taste you love.

2. Buy in Bulk

If there are items in your kitchen that you buy and use often, purchasing in bulk is the way to go. Not only will you run out of things less frequently, but you’ll also save money. If you don’t necessarily need to buy a bunch of food and bulk, there plenty of kitchen necessities you can buy in bulk such as dish soap, water, and paper towels.

3. Get Creative with Leftovers

One of the keys to saving in any aspect, is to avoid being wasteful. In the United States alone, people waste 150,000 tons of food each day. Eating leftovers can help you do your part in cutting down on that number.

Since eating the same thing for 2 or 3 days in a row isn’t always the most exciting thing to do, you can try to get a little creative with your left overs. For example, if you make baked chicken for dinner one night, you can use that same chicken to make chicken salad for another meal.

4. Maintain Your Kitchen Appliances

Making sure your appliances are properly maintained is much more affordable than buying new ones. A home warranty can help you save money in the event that one of your appliances needs to be repaired or replaced.

5. Only Buy What You Need

This one may seem like a no brainer, but it’s something everyone could be reminded of form time to time. Before heading out to the grocery store, it’s important to make a list based off of what you already have. It’s also a good idea to plan out your meals before going to the grocery store. Otherwise, you could end up buying things you don’t need.

6. Use Coupons

Whether you’re shopping for food or accessories for your kitchen, it nevers hurts to see if there are any coupons available for the things you’re looking for. Newspapers, weekly flyers, and the Internet are great places to search if you’re trying to find coupons and other deals. When you can find things on sale, that’s the perfect time to stock up.

7. Purchase Items You Can Reuse

Single use items may seem quick and convenient, but items that can be used and reused are better for your budget. Things like dish rags and tupperware that can be used multiple times can be a great place to start when trying to cut back on your spending in the kitchen.

8. Shop at Dollar/Discount Stores

One of the best ways to save money in the kitchen — and anywhere else for that matter — is to shop at stores with lower prices. Dollar/discount stores are designed to offer items you need at prices you can afford. Most dollar stores will have many of the items and accessories you need for your kitchen.

9. Buy Produce in Season

All of your favorite fruits and vegetables have a season and you’ll usually have to pay a little more to get them outside of that time. Buying produce in season won’t just save you money, it’ll also ensure you get the highest quality and best tasting foods.

10. DIY As Much As Possible

If you love a good DIY project, then it’s time to head over to your kitchen. There are lots of things you can do yourself into order to save money. With a little bit of research and the right ingredients, you can make all sorts of things yourself including pasta sauce, seasonings, and granola bars.

Let the Savings Begin

Saving money in your kitchen can be easy and even a little fun. By following the tips above, you can save some cash and make sure your kitchen has everything it needs.