Anyone Feel Like They are Spending WAYYYYYY Too Much on Groceries?

[Marionnette]

Simple solution, send the husband to buy milk. This is the biggest difference I have found between my wife and I with shopping. Any time she walks into Walmart, it is $50, even just for a gallon of milk. If I walk into Walmart for a gallon of milk, I walk out with...... a gallon of milk.

Really? My husband is the one who cannot be trusted to "just buy milk". And I can pretty much be guaranteed that whatever he buys in addition to the milk will not be on sale or even sold at a good price.

I think that the real advice is to not buy your milk at Walmart!

 

[Marionnette]

3) contrary to what others have said-DONT stock up. this was a hard habit to break because i was accustomed to feeding two very large young men, but what i have learned is that it creates a huge amount of waste as things age out before they get used, even if you have the best of intentions. Same with the "buy two turkeys, hams ect advise-two people do not need a huge meal like that and if you buy something that large generally it will freezer burn before it all gets used. I have found i do much better both cost and waste wise if i purchase ONLY what we will eat that week-not stock up-regardless of the special. the exception is things like flour and sugar-and they should still be purchased in reasonable not stock up quantities

I'll concede that there can be a lot of waste if you don't plan properly. That's why it's important to know the sales cycles and to project your usage between cycles.

I almost always have a turkey and/or ham in the freezer as a result of free or cheap deals during the holidays (Thanksgiving/Christmas and Easter/Passover). That doesn't mean that I'll be thawing one out just for the two of us. But I will surely plan ahead for the leftovers when I do. One of our favorite meals in the summer is deep-fried turkey and we'll make one when we have a group over for a BBQ.

Stocking up certainly makes no sense if you're only going to toss it out 6 months to a year later. But it can be a smart move if you approach it with a plan.

 

[Sadie22]

Taking advantage of sales and stocking up is pretty much the key to bringing your grocery bill down. You can still enjoy nice cuts of meat every day if you stick to the sales. Do you have a freezer and a Food Saver vacuum sealer? Both were great investments for us.

I don't have a garden but I do grown my own fresh herbs. It's amazing how some fresh basil or parsley can liven up the flavor in a recipe.

Lose your brand loyalties. If Post raisin bran is on sale and you have a coupon that makes it dirt cheap, then forget Kellogg's this week.

Skip the bakery and the deli when you shop. Just because most of the healthy stuff is located around the perimeter of the store that doesn't mean that it all is. My sister sold me her spare meat slicer and now I just use that to slice down a boneless ham or turkey breast for sandwiches.

Don't hesitate to freeze leftovers. They don't seem like leftovers when you reheat them two weeks later. Plus it saves you time on a hectic day. Almost no cooking to be done!

But all in all, I don't think that $600/month is outrageous for two people who are eating 3 meals/day at home.

Not many families actually eat all meals at home, so the OP's grocery total is not comparable to what most of us spend, unless we count all those dining out and drive-through meals, as well.

I make multiples of favorite recipes and freeze the extras so we can just heat and eat. I found a great deal on lean ground beef last week which yielded a lot of frozen burgers, meat balls, chili, taco filling, spaghetti sauce, pizza topping, and so on.

I have two freezers. I make breadsticks, muffins, and cornbread for the freezer. Someday maybe I'll make loaves of bread in quantity, but that's something I haven't tried lately. I have more time to cook now that the children are grown.

 

[KELLY]

I save by doing meat packages. My butcher down the street has a big meat package for 300.00. That usually last us a little over a couple of month maybe 3 months the tips are so yummy and pre marinated. There is 4 of us. Then I just go to walmart for our other things we need to complete meals. We also have haddock and scallops every other week and we get that at our local grocery store. But yes food is getting really expensive. Last week I spent 165.00. We do go threw a lot of beverages so that is a huge expense of our graocery bill.

 

[Marionnette]

I save by doing meat packages. My butcher down the street has a big meat package for 300.00. That usually last us a little over a couple of month maybe 3 months the tips are so yummy and pre marinated. There is 4 of us. Then I just go to walmart for our other things we need to complete meals. We also have haddock and scallops every other week and we get that at our local grocery store. But yes food is getting really expensive. Last week I spent 165.00. We do go threw a lot of beverages so that is a huge expense of our graocery bill.

Beverages, particularly bottled water, are the highest mark-ups at grocery stores. Most budget mavens will tell you to reduce or eliminate the majority of beverages from your grocery cart in order to cut costs.

 

[serendipity]

Hi Everyone,

Thanks so much for all of the detailed responses. I should have mentioned earlier that we have a few things going against us:

1. We live in the middle of a city. Even when driving 15 minutes outside of the city, the prices are still inflated. Also, because we live in the city we have a SMALL kitchen and fridge. Our freezer isn't much bigger than a large cooler, which makes stocking up more than 1-2 weeks of food difficult.

2. We are both very into healthy food. I've noticed this tends to cost more.

3. My husband is a gym fanatic. This means he eats a ridiculous amount of protein, which inflates our bills dramatically (I don't even want to know what he spends on supplements and protein powder which ISN'T included in our groceries).

That being said, I think one of the big things I need to do is coupon, and buy some things in bulk where I can. I just find it difficult to accept that food costs so much. Even seven years ago (when we had our first place together) food seemed so much cheaper. It's tough.

 

[girli565]

There are 3 adults in my house (me, DH, and my disabled mother). She will buy her specific items (like the special juices she likes that no one else will drink, cold cuts, bread), but that's about it. My husband and I will provide most everything else. We spend about $100 a week between costco, winn dixie and Publix.

What I find saves money and stops impulse buys is not going to the store inbetween grocery trips. If I stay away from Publix for those quick trips (the closest but more expensive store in our area) I can save $30-50 a week. Those side trips are a killer, lol. And I never send my husband alone. He doesn't look at prices and will buy whatever he wants regardless of price.

I will look at the sale ads from winn dixie and publix and make out my list. I buy sale meats from winn dixie and the rest comes from costco. I have yet to find a better deal outside of costco on ground turkey. I try to buy things like rice and pasta in bulk when I find a good deal.

 

[Marionnette]

Hi Everyone,

Thanks so much for all of the detailed responses. I should have mentioned earlier that we have a few things going against us:

1. We live in the middle of a city. Even when driving 15 minutes outside of the city, the prices are still inflated. Also, because we live in the city we have a SMALL kitchen and fridge. Our freezer isn't much bigger than a large cooler, which makes stocking up more than 1-2 weeks of food difficult.

2. We are both very into healthy food. I've noticed this tends to cost more.

3. My husband is a gym fanatic. This means he eats a ridiculous amount of protein, which inflates our bills dramatically (I don't even want to know what he spends on supplements and protein powder which ISN'T included in our groceries).

That being said, I think one of the big things I need to do is coupon, and buy some things in bulk where I can. I just find it difficult to accept that food costs so much. Even seven years ago (when we had our first place together) food seemed so much cheaper. It's tough.

1. Even without the ability to stockpile, you should still be able to plan your weekly shopping trip and menus around the sales. Just buy stuff like milk and bread at the local market and use the big chain stores for your weekly stuff.
2. Everyone's definition of "eating healthy" varies. If you're talking about organic, free-range, grass-fed, eco-friendly, choices, then yes you will pay the price for your convictions. It's a trade off. But if you're just talking about leaner cuts of meat, fresh vegetables and whole grains, there are ways to find those things on sale if you try.
3. Protein can be found in many sources, beans and eggs being among the cheapest ways to consume protein. Beans and rice are a complete protein source and extremely affordable as well as being low in fat.

But I'll say it again...$600 for a month of meals for two healthy adults eating at home 3x per day is not an extraordinary amount of money to spend. There might be room to trim it up a bit, but you're not going to eat well on $10/day so don't even entertain the thought of slashing the grocery budget in half. You might do well to shoot for reducing it by $25/week to start as a goal and see how it works out for you.

 

[LuvLuvLuv]

i spend between 100 and 150 per week on groceries for me and my fiance. plus we eat at a restaurant once or twice per week, and fast food about 4 times per week. he eats so much, but i pay for the groceries and utilities and he pays the mortgage. i definately get the short end of the stick on this deal. we also both have 2 jobs so that's where all the eating out comes into play. we're always on the go, and when we're not... we want to be served

 

[Cin]

Whew! That is such a good way to break it down and our bill is nearly $550 too for only 2 of us and we aren't dining on prime rib or lobster either. I've been trying to cut our budget too but even just getting the basics, flour, sugar, ground beef, chicken, fruits and vegetables, milk, eggs, butter, and cheese and there goes all the money. Well, everything on our grocery bill isn't edible either, that includes toiletries, paper goods, pharmaceuticals, dog food, light bulbs, charcoal, and cleansers. I was thinking we were way overspending but couldn't find where to make cuts, now I am seeing that we aren't overspending that is just what it costs to get by. And I buy store brand when it's cheaper unless it compromises quality. Thanks for the breakdown.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

Coupons are a life saver. I usually can save $30- $45 on my weekly bill by using them.

It summer time so why not make salads for your main meal. Lettuce, cut up strawberry, mandrine oranges, cut up grill chicken happens to be one of our favorite meals.

Buy meat in bulk packages and then break them down into smaller sizes.

When produce comes into season shop at your local road side stands. Veggie are fresher, last longer, and are much cheaper.

We also get all of our toilet paper, shampoo, laundry soap/softner, cat food, cat litter, & toiletries from BJ's. Last year BJ's sent us an email that showed we saved $500 by using BJS coupon and mfg coupons.

 

[GinnyEmma]

Do you shop daily? When I was living in those circumstances, I would only keep a few days worth of veggies and a handful of frozen meats, etc. Someone suggested eggs, maybe substituting a nice quiche once a week with whatever veggies you need to finish up would stretch the budget a bit. They also freeze nicely for lunches. A good hearty soup works well too. Both healthy, both relatively inexpensive, allowing a more comfortable fit elsewhere in the budget.

Fwiw, we've found dried egg whites to be one of the most cost effective means of increasing protein. Beans and brown rice also show their heads about once a week. I have healthy teenage boys who are on the rowing team. Health and calories are vital. You can say all you want that healthy is more expensive but I haven't found it to be true.

I would also say that serving sizes apply even to people who work out. If your husband is takin supplemental protein then he doesn't need 12 oz. Steaks, etc.

 

[rigs32]

I realize the PP didn't mean it like that, but it made me laught to see a reference to a sale on ham at Passover time....

 

[ChristinaDennis]

We save a TON on our food bill right now because we are on the Body By Vi Challenge. For the nonchallenge items I google for coupons and save alot that way. With the challenge we have refered 3 friends so we are doing it for free which means that's 60 meals a month we aren't paying for and it's NOT a diet so anyone can take it. You can also search for great couponing blogs, I love southernsavers.com

 

[GinnyEmma]

We save a TON on our food bill right now because we are on the Body By Vi Challenge. For the nonchallenge items I google for coupons and save alot that way. With the challenge we have refered 3 friends so we are doing it for free which means that's 60 meals a month we aren't paying for and it's NOT a diet so anyone can take it. You can also search for great couponing blogs, I love southernsavers.com

Well, that is nice. Talk your friends into spendig their money on a pyramid scheme, and get free food. Nice.

" Clearly, Body by Vi is no scam- only people who fail on their own merit consider Visalus a scam!"
Per their website....

Sounds like the faith healers. Those not healed are at fault for not having enough faith.

 

[BCV2003]

Hi Everyone,

Thanks so much for all of the detailed responses. I should have mentioned earlier that we have a few things going against us:

1. We live in the middle of a city. Even when driving 15 minutes outside of the city, the prices are still inflated. Also, because we live in the city we have a SMALL kitchen and fridge. Our freezer isn't much bigger than a large cooler, which makes stocking up more than 1-2 weeks of food difficult.

2. We are both very into healthy food. I've noticed this tends to cost more.

3. My husband is a gym fanatic. This means he eats a ridiculous amount of protein, which inflates our bills dramatically (I don't even want to know what he spends on supplements and protein powder which ISN'T included in our groceries).

That being said, I think one of the big things I need to do is coupon, and buy some things in bulk where I can. I just find it difficult to accept that food costs so much. Even seven years ago (when we had our first place together) food seemed so much cheaper. It's tough.

Do you live in Downtown Pittsburgh? If so, within 15 minutes in any direction you should be able to find some grocery stores with reasonable prices. I live within 15 minutes of downtown and can name a few options. Pretty much in any direction youcan find Giant Eagle which doubles coupons up to .99 and has reasonable prices, Shop N Save, Aldi's Trader Joe's. To the North, off the Camp Horne Road exit off 279 is a Giant Eagle, Trader Joe's is in East Liberty, another Giant Eagle on the Southside orWaterfront, big Market District Giant Eagle in Shadyside and also off 376 before Robinson. Just to name a few.

Also if you live in the center of the city, you should be less than five minutes from the Strip District. This is where I would do my shopping. There you can find tons of fresh veggies, fresh meat, lots of options at reasonable prices and you don't have to buy in bulk. Wholey's has great deals on not only fish but also chicken and beef. There are several stores that have fresh produce for reasonable prices. A Penzey's for spices. The only thing you would need to go somewhere else for might be dairy although I know Wholey's has some but not sure of their prices on that.

Just some suggestions...

 

[GinnyEmma]

Frankferd farms. I love their bulk food.

 

[mel&me]

Every time we go grocery shopping. We feel that way.
Although we only go every couple weeks so it probably
seems worse than it is.

 

[MomToOne]

I live in a large city, in a high cost of living area.

One thing I have found is that one grocery in my area is much less than others I had been shopping at. I found a Kroger affiliate in my area that caters more to the Mexican-American population, which runs close to 30% less for non-meat items compared to the other "regular" (i.e. not upscale) supermarkets in my area like Safeway, Raleys and Target. Most name brand items they carry are the same as you get in the other stores, just labeled in both English and Spanish so they look a little different. It is about 7 miles each way so I have to drive a bit further, but it's worth it for the prices. The selection is also a bit more limited, but I can find 90-95% of what I need there, and the rest I just pick up at the regular market down the street as needed.

I also buy all our bread-type items at an Entenman's/Oroweat bakery outlet store. That saves me well over 50% on those items.

 

[satorifound]

We spend a small fortune on groceries. There are 6 total of us with two adults, a 16 yr old, a 15 yr old, a 12 yr old, and a 9 yr old. My two girls were both vegetarians, but now only the younger one is. It is a pain in the rump. I have to have vegetarian options for her and those are even more expensive. Oh well, it is the cost of life.