Cross These OFF the Grocery List

For your next trip to the grocery store, we've got some stuff to cross OFF the list....

Most people spend a little more on certain foods for convenience, but Reader's Digest has a list of rip-off items that are really easy to make yourself. Here's what NOT to buy:

Gourmet frozen vegetables. Opt for the less expensive plain variety and add your own butter and herbs.

Iced tea mixes are a rip-off. It's much cheaper, and really easy to make your own. Tea bags are inexpensive and you can flavor and sweeten them any way you like.

Frozen fruit bars. They usually cost about $2 per bar! You're better off splurging on one of those 99 cent plastic ice-pop molds. Fill them with your favorite juice, or mashed up fruit combos.

Rice entrees or side-dish mixes are also a waste of money. Most of them just consist of rice, and herbs and spices you probably already have in your pantry.

Energy or protein bars usually have as many calories as a regular candy bar, at three times the price! You're better off with a handful of nuts.

Spice mixes and rubs. Check the ingredients, the first one is probably salt, followed by vague herbs and spices. It's super easy to make your own, and costs a lot less.

Trail mix costs about $10 a pound! You can buy the ingredients you like and toss them together for a fraction of the cost.