Sanford Nowlin

It doesn’t matter whether you shop for truffled foie gras at Central Market or whether you obtain all your meals from a Taco Cabana drive-through window. You’ve probably noticed that food prices are up.

And I don’t mean just a little.

A gallon of milk costs 24 percent more than it did a year ago, according to people who track such things, and a loaf of wheat bread costs 15 percent more. Before you junk-food connoisseurs think you’re getting off easy, check it out: The cost of a 2-liter bottle of soda is up almost as much as the wheat bread.

I’m not about to suggest Dumpster diving or — even worse — clipping coupons like Aunt Tillie, but there are some simple ways to change your shopping habits and cut food costs. And with gas around $50 a gallon (or whatever it is), just who among us isn’t looking to cut costs? Here we go:

Make a list and stick to it: I know it doesn’t sound fun; I know it sounds like something your mom would say. But, admit it, she was right a lot of the time (especially about that first boyfriend of yours). Those tricky grocery store folks just love to grab our attention with neatly stacked displays, flashing lights and cardboard cutouts of beer-quaffing girls in swimsuits, and it’s all about getting us to make impulse buys. Stick with what you came for, block out those displays, and you’ll be amazed at how much you save.

Stay away from prepared foods: Those big bags of prechopped vegetables and ready-made salads might save you a few minutes when you’re cooking, but they’re sure not going to save you money. In fact, they usually carry a Prada-level markup. So do a lot of frozen dinners. If you can make the time, you’re better off spending a few extra minutes getting dinner together.

Avoid convenience stores: I know the allure of God-knows-how-old rotisserie hot dogs can be hard to resist, but try to steer clear of convenience stores. Their food usually has a much higher markup than grocery food — and it’s awfully hard to make a decent meal out of Big Gulps, Doritos and Laffy Taffy.

Keep your eyes low: Grocers just love to put the most expensive items at eye level and hide the bargains close to the floor. Man, they’re sneaky.

Keep your head together: An awful lot of people shop to feel good. (How else do you explain my wife’s overflowing shoe closet?) But remember to keep your emotions in check before you hit the checkout aisle. Buy only what you need. It’s also not a good idea to shop on an empty stomach.

Good luck, and keep your eyes on the middle of the aisle. Ignore those cardboard cutout bikini girls.