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Simple ways to get food discounts and freebies every time you eat

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Whether you like the finer things in life, prefer fast food, or eating at home, there's no reason to pay full price.

You just need a smartphone and you need a few insider tips on how to save the most.

That's where I come in. I did the research so you don't have to -- and here are my favorite free apps and ways to save on food.

 Grocery IQ lets you build your grocery list and it searches for coupons and discounts for everything on your list.

Retailmenot is one of the apps I check before I spend any cash. You can find online and in-store promo codes, store sales and discounted gift cards.

Dealnewsshows you top deals, articles to help you save, and you can search for deals on whatever you're looking for.

At Restaurant.com you can buy discounted gift certificates to restaurants across the country.

For example, spend $10 and get a $25 gift certificate.  Be sure to read the fine print because most of the gift certificates have restrictions including a minimum you have to spend to use the certificate.

Daily deal sites are a great tool for finding restaurant deals wherever you are.

Another must-do: sign up for reward programs at your favorite restaurants and grocery stores. Typically, the places you shop the most will give you the biggest rewards.