Where to save — and splurge — when you're grocery shopping

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Bargain hunting is a crucial skill to have when you're grocery shopping.

But it's just as important to know which grocery items are worth forking over more money for.

Not everything needs to be organic, but some items should be.

We consulted experts on where you should spend and save at the store. 

Splurge: The produce "dirty dozen"

Not all produce items were created equal. Some items are worth buying organic (which is generally more expensive), as the nonorganic versions often contain more pesticides. 

On her website Cook Smarts, expert Jess Dang advises readers and clients to buy the "dirty dozen" organic — and not to worry about the rest. These include apples, cherries, grapes, blueberries, strawberries, peaches, nectarines, celery, lettuce, spinach, kale, and collards, sweet bell peppers, and potatoes. 

Save: Other produce that falls in the "clean fifteen"

Items like onions, cabbage, corn, and mushrooms, among other fruits and vegetables — known as the "clean fifteen" — will be fine if they're not organic because they have little to no pesticide traces as they are. 

Splurge: Dark chocolate

"Good chocolate has way fewer additives and sugar and really allows for the cocoa to shine through. Otherwise, you're not really eating chocolate because you enjoy chocolate, but just getting a hit of sugar and other additives," Dang said to Business Insider.