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BEST BUYS: Don't buy fruit that is bruised, over-ripe or dried-out.

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• Living beyond your means?

Shopping expert Ringo Mdoda, a personal shopper, says always go to the store prepared and you will have a successful trip.

He has these tips for Sowetan readers:

Shop only at good, well-maintained and clean stores.

"Dirty stores can be a threat to your health, especially to children's health. Choose a store that is organised, clean and which has a good reputation," Mdoda advises.

Wipe the trolley handle and areas that are prone to high germ exposure.

"Some stores offer sanitizing wipes, but if yours does not, take your own wipe," he says.

Check the "sell by" date.

"You should buy the product long before the expiry date. Products, especially dairy products, need to be checked carefully. Look for the furthest date," Mdoda says.

Do not buy cans that are dented or glass jars that are cracked.

This can be a sign that the food contains harmful micro-organisms. Examine every bag or box to make sure there are no rips or tears.

Check freshness.

Avoid produce that is brownish, slimy, dried-out or damaged. Place fruits and vegetables in plastic or paper bags.

Buy pasteurised milk, cheeses and juices.

Pasteurisation kills harmful levels of bacteria.

Only buy eggs with clean, un-cracked shells.

People forget to check the expiry of eggs and forget to check them at the store and later, when they get home, they see that the eggs are damaged.

Buy from local growers.

Avoid buying food that was shipped over long distances or stored over long periods of time. Buying local also provides tremendous support to our local farmers. Moreover, it can often mean lower prices.

Buy in season.

Seasonal products are always cheap because they are inabundance.

Check the ingredients.

If you are having a hard time reading what is listed or are overwhelmed by the amount of ingredients, there are probably better food options available, Mdoda says.