Here is my basic grocery list with insights into my purchasing strategy:

Basic Core Staples (purchased almost weekly):

• Milk
• Eggs (2.5 dozen package)
• Bread
• Butter
• Yogurt
• Cheese (American slices, shredded cheddar and mozzarella)
• Apples
• Bananas
• Lemons/limes
• In-season fruit/veggies
• Beer
• Wine

All are hard to get on sale, but when they do gone on sale-- stock up (See my post, Basic Food Staples Never Seem to Go on Sale)

Regular Opportunistic Purchases (purchased almost monthly and on-sale):

• Toilet paper
• Paper towels, napkins, and plates (We have dramatically reduced these- See my post, Save Money and a Few Trees)
• Dish detergent
• Laundry detergent
• Beef (chopped and steaked)
• Pork
• Chicken (whole, breasts, wings)
• Turkey (whole or breast)
• Meatloaf mix (chopped beef, pork, veal)
• Bacon
• Hot dogs
• Potatoes
• Rice
• Pasta
• Frozen veggies (See my post, Our Frozen Assets)
• Onions
• Garlic
• Olive oil
• Canned tomatoes
• Tomato pastes
• Canned goods
• Spices (as needed)

Unusual-- Highly Opportunistic (usually purchased on-sale and with coupons only):

• Fish (that I can't catch myself of course)
• Snacks
• Juice boxes
• Crackers
• Cookies
• Cereal
• Oatmeal
• Maple syrup
• Shelled nuts
• Popcorn
• Soups (canned)
• Salad dressings
• Marinades
• Soaps
• Shampoos
• Toothpaste
• Dryer sheets (See my post, Dryer Sheet Savings)
• Sponges
• Sugar
• Flour
• Ketchup
• Mayo
• Peanut butter
• Jelly/jam
• Drink mixes
• Teabags
• Orange juice (See my post, Loss Leaders: Use Them to Your Advantage)
• Apple juice/cider
• Cranberry juice
• Tomato juice
• Drink mixers (tonic water, etc.)

Finally, review my posts, The Real Grocery Shopping Secret and Four Key Ways to Make the Most of Sunday Morning Grocery Coupons and Circulars