Grocery shopping can get expensive fast. You walk in with a short list, add a few things that weren’t planned, and somehow the total at checkout is much higher than you expected.

The items eating into your budget aren’t always big purchases. A lot of them are everyday foods and drinks that seem harmless because you buy them so often. Some come with a big markup for convenience, while others cost much more than a basic homemade version.

If you’re trying to lower your grocery bill, take a closer look at what you’re buying each week. You don’t have to give up everything you enjoy. A few small changes can make a noticeable difference over time.

Here are some grocery store purchases that may be costing more than they’re worth.

Single-Use Water Bottles

Buying bottled water week after week can add up quickly, especially if you already have safe tap water at home. You’re paying for the bottle, packaging, transportation, and convenience.

A reusable bottle paired with a basic water filter can be a much cheaper option over time. You can still take water with you without buying a new bottle every time you’re thirsty.

Pre-Sliced Fruits and Vegetables

Pre-cut produce saves time, but that convenience comes with a higher price. A container of sliced melon, chopped vegetables, or peeled fruit can cost considerably more than buying the whole item.

There’s also the issue of shelf life. Once produce has been cut, it can spoil faster, which makes it easier to end up throwing away food you paid extra for.

If you have a few extra minutes, buy whole produce and cut it at home. You can prep several days’ worth at once.

Individual Snack Packs

Those little bags of crackers, nuts, chips, or dried fruit are handy for lunches and quick snacks. The problem is that you’re usually paying more for each ounce than you would with a larger package.

Buy the bigger bag and divide it into reusable containers or snack bags at home. You get the same convenience without paying a premium for all those individual packages.

Prepared Meals

Ready-made meals can be a lifesaver on a busy evening, but they can also take a big bite out of your grocery budget. Frozen dinners, deli trays, and prepared entrees often cost much more than making a similar meal at home.

You don’t have to cook elaborate meals from scratch, either. A large pot of soup, chili, pasta, rice, or another simple meal can give you several servings for much less money.

Exotic or Out-of-Season Produce

Fresh fruit and vegetables can be expensive when they’re out of season or have to travel a long distance to reach your store.

If you’re buying things like imported berries or specialty fruits during their off-season, check the price before tossing them into your cart. Seasonal produce is often cheaper and can taste better, too.

Frozen fruit and vegetables can also be a good choice if you want something that’s out of season without paying a premium.

Bottled Salad Dressings

Salad dressing is one of those products that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. A few basic ingredients such as olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, mustard, and seasonings can make a dressing in just a few minutes.

Store-bought dressing is certainly convenient, but you’re often paying for the bottle and ingredients you may already have in your pantry. Homemade dressing also lets you control the flavor and sweetness.

Specialty Coffee Drinks

Bottled cold brews, flavored coffees, and ready-to-drink frappes can be tempting when you’re walking through the refrigerated section. The problem is that buying them regularly can turn into a surprisingly large expense.

If you already have coffee at home, try making your own iced coffee or cold brew. Milk, ice, cocoa, cinnamon, vanilla, or another simple flavoring can give you plenty of variety without the coffee shop-style price.

Frozen Yogurt Cups and Individually Portioned Desserts

Single-serving frozen desserts are convenient, but that little cup can cost quite a bit compared with a larger container.

If you go through these treats quickly, buying a larger package can bring the cost per serving down. You can also portion it out yourself so you’re still getting the convenience of individual servings without paying extra for the packaging.

“Diet” and Low-Fat Processed Foods

Foods labeled low-fat, low-calorie, or diet aren’t automatically a better deal. Some specialty products cost more than their regular counterparts, and the ingredient list can be much longer.

Instead of automatically reaching for a diet version, compare the nutrition label, ingredients, serving size, and price. Sometimes a basic food with fewer ingredients is cheaper and works just fine.

Non-Dairy Milks When You Don’t Need Them

Oat milk, almond milk, coconut milk, and other plant-based options can cost more than regular dairy milk. If you prefer the taste or need a dairy-free option, the extra cost may be worth it to you.

But if you’re buying a specialty milk simply because it seems like the better choice, compare prices first. Making some types of plant milk at home is another option, though the savings depend on the ingredients and how much you use.

Bottled Smoothies

Pre-made smoothies can look like a healthy grab-and-go option, but they can be expensive for what you get. Some also contain a surprising amount of added or naturally occurring sugar and may have less fiber than you’d get from eating the whole fruit.

Making smoothies at home gives you control over the ingredients. It’s also a good way to use up fruit that’s getting soft instead of letting it go to waste.

Brand-Name Medications

Brand-name over-the-counter medications can cost much more than their generic counterparts. For many common medicines, the generic version contains the same active ingredient and has to meet the same federal standards for quality and performance.

Check the active ingredient and dosage rather than choosing a product based only on the brand name. If you have questions about which medication is right for you, ask a pharmacist.

Gourmet Oils and Specialty Vinegars

Truffle oil, flavored vinegar, infused oils, and other specialty products can look appealing on the shelf. But if you only use them once or twice, they may spend most of their lives sitting in the pantry.

For everyday cooking, a good olive oil, vegetable oil, or other basic cooking oil will cover most needs. A standard vinegar can also work for salads, marinades, sauces, and plenty of other recipes.

If you love a specialty oil or vinegar and use it often, there’s nothing wrong with buying it. The real savings come from skipping the products you buy on impulse and rarely end up using.