Tips for saving at the grocery store?

[Stacybaeasm]

Do you have an Aldi's store near you? I just started shopping there and my grocery budget was cut almost in half!!! You can't get the brands you are used to - you get their store brand - but in some cases, that is the more expensive brand name in a different box and in some cases, it is the Trader Joe's brand in a different box - but it is good. You do have to have a quarter to get your cart (you get the quarter back when you return the cart) and you need to bring your own bags, but it is less expensive and still delicious!

 

[queenofthehive]

Try to shop twice a month. Stretch those days out and menu plan accordingly. Make do with what you already have in the pantry, freezer, etc... The less time you are in the grocery store, the less money you spend. Also, watch your food waste. Schedule leftover nights on your weekly menu or have leftovers for lunch.

 

[greentea]

Do you have an Aldi's store near you? I just started shopping there and my grocery budget was cut almost in half!!! You can't get the brands you are used to - you get their store brand - but in some cases, that is the more expensive brand name in a different box and in some cases, it is the Trader Joe's brand in a different box - but it is good. You do have to have a quarter to get your cart (you get the quarter back when you return the cart) and you need to bring your own bags, but it is less expensive and still delicious!

They also only accept cash or debit, so keep that in mind, too!

 

[Mizzoufan]

Walmart has a price match program. which you can use other stores prices on Walmart items. We save A LOT doing that.

 

[ekatiel]

Staying at the Grand isn't a splurge?

I knew this would come up . DH has a conference at the Grand. We are staying there, but not paying for it . DH's job has a few perks and one of them is a certain amount of funds that are set aside for conferences each year. If he doesn't use it, he loses it. Work will pay for 6 nights at the GF, then we switch to POP for three nights when the hotel is on our dime !

Thanks so much for the tips. We got an Aldi's here about a year ago, and I've only been once. Maybe I need to give it a serious try. I'm hesitant because I'm pretty sure I won't be able to get everything there, and I'll need to go to the regular grocery store, too. I tend to spend more when I go to more than one place. I am obviously a bastion of self-control . We used to have a deep freeze, but it died awhile ago, and we never replaced it. It might be time to look into that again so that I can shop the meat sales more efficiently. I'm thinking of trying to make more casseroles-- a 9X13 dish seems to last us two nights, and it usually only takes half the amount of meat we would otherwise eat in two nights. Anyone else have "cheap" recipes they would like to share?

 

[JanaDee]

I knew this would come up . DH has a conference at the Grand. We are staying there, but not paying for it . DH's job has a few perks and one of them is a certain amount of funds that are set aside for conferences each year. If he doesn't use it, he loses it. Work will pay for 6 nights at the GF, then we switch to POP for three nights when the hotel is on our dime !

Seriously jealous. I can only hope DH has a conference at the GF!! I've stayed there once and it was beautiful. Have fun.

 

[Gr8t Fan]

Anyone else have "cheap" recipes they would like to share?

Not necessarily recipes, but we make a very large pot of soup every Saturday (split pea with ham, chicken noodle soup, pozole, chili, lentil, etc.) that lasts us several days and provides easy lunches for a few days too if our kids don't like what's on the school lunch menu.

We shop at Aldi regularly and supplement with the loss leaders for the week at our local grocery stores. We're lucky that we have 3-4 local stores that are all in close proximity and DH loves to grocery shop.

 

[dvc at last !]

Do you have an Aldi's store near you? I just started shopping there and my grocery budget was cut almost in half!!! You can't get the brands you are used to - you get their store brand - but in some cases, that is the more expensive brand name in a different box and in some cases, it is the Trader Joe's brand in a different box - but it is good. You do have to have a quarter to get your cart (you get the quarter back when you return the cart) and you need to bring your own bags, but it is less expensive and still delicious!

agree

 

[yoopermom]

My NY resolution (that I actually started in November) was to start a spreadsheet, with separate pages for meats/canned goods/paper products/ fruitveg/etc. I list the item, brand name, size, store, price, and date (and have multiple columns left open after the date, to track how often it drops to that price). It's really taught me what's a "sale" and what's not! Only takes me a half hour or so to update weekly (when the ads come out, we only have four stores).

Aldis can't be beat 90% of the time on items that they carry (which isn't everything, but most things, although I don't buy meat there). They also carry plenty of "basics" that I'm trying to learn to cook more with, rather than convenience products. I noticed yesterday that they've introduced an organic line, as well, if that's of interest to you.

Couponing really only seems to benefit me for paper products, which I use at Family Dollar or Dollar General like the PP above. Stock up!

I also "stock up seasonally". I now have enough french fried onions and stuffing mixes to last me through until next Thanksgiving .

My new house has a really good sized pantry, but at our old house where it was hard to see what I had, I kept a running inventory, also, so I wouldn't be caught short.

Most importantly, I cook many of the same meals, and I cook simple. Soups, stews, beans and rice, etc. Sttttrrreeeetttccchhh!

We're still working on waste, since it's frustrating to throw out food that's gone bad or we just got bored of....

Terri

 

[kaytieeldr]

I tend to spend more when I go to more than one place. I am obviously a bastion of self-control .

Make a list and get someone else to shop for you.
Or plan on spending extra time at Aldi, and make that one store work for you.

beans and rice

Nutritious and cheap! My local favorite store has 20 pound bags of rice next week for $7.99.

 

[robinb]

I knew this would come up . DH has a conference at the Grand. We are staying there, but not paying for it . DH's job has a few perks and one of them is a certain amount of funds that are set aside for conferences each year. If he doesn't use it, he loses it. Work will pay for 6 nights at the GF, then we switch to POP for three nights when the hotel is on our dime !

That is AWESOME!

Thanks so much for the tips. We got an Aldi's here about a year ago, and I've only been once. Maybe I need to give it a serious try. I'm hesitant because I'm pretty sure I won't be able to get everything there, and I'll need to go to the regular grocery store, too.

I love Aldi's for fresh fruit and vegetables. I often see the same produce brands at Aldi's as I do in the regular grocery store at a fraction of the price. I started with produce but I have branched out to some frozen food, snack food and canned goods.

 

[kymom99]

In many cases we simply get what we pay for. I would not be happy buying the cheapest toilet paper, for example. However, you might be surprised at waht you can get at the dollar store. I use the toilet cleaner and surface spray from there. They aren't as potent, but for general cleaning, they work fine. They also carry regular crest toothpaste, which my husband uses. I have not gone for the laundry detergent from there, because I can get decent prices with coupons on name brands, but I do not favor any particular brand. I buy Tide when I have a good sale combined with a coupon, but also buy Purex and All frequently.

These are the items I find I can stock pile and save the most on.

 

[KKB]

We just got one here & love it! I am gluten free & they have nice selection of VERY affordable options. Love there Fit & Active ("healthier" versions) brand.

Some tips--they always have NEXT weeks flyer out as you leave so you can plan ahead.

Apples were cheap--but I didn't feel they had a long shelf life as apples usually do. Only product I won't buy there again.

Pineapples are often $1.29 at ours!

Ours only has skim, 2% & whole, not 1% milk.

Don't go on a Sunday morning--ours gets very cleaned out.

There brand product is very good. Have been very happy with everything we have gotten.

I can't get everything there. Some products come & go, so stock up if you like something.

Seems at the regular store almost everything is $2-3+. At Aldi it is more like $1-2, and not because the sizes are smaller.

I NEVER buy non-groceries at our grocery store (way overpriced) but Aldi's prices are terrific. Lady products run 1/2 price or more for the same brands.

They do take Discover.


I wasn't a Sam's fan; but skinless boneless chicken breasts for $1.88/lb. everyday has a bout locked it for me these days; also All detergent pods & Finish dishwashing pods are a great deal. Wasn't going to renew, but basically got it free with a rebate. I have a friend who has 4 kids & a grandbaby at home. She said her DH spends $300-400/wk at Sams--WHHHAAATTT???!! Dude, Sam's is COSTING you $!!! (Or DH is...)

For me it is ultimately about shopping sales--or where I can get it cheaper than sales everyday (like Aldi or Sam's), stocking up on non-perishables when on sale, menu planning & trying to use things before they go bad (I am very good at this, my family on the other hand...) DH & I both love leftovers for lunch.

But our grocery bill alone is around $600/month for 5, 3 of them teens.

 

[Dashzap]

I spend around $200 most weeks for groceries for 3 of us (2 are teen sons). I try to shop sales and be flexible.

Some brands I can't buy because one son has serious food allergies. We tend to buy more ingredients than cans/mixes for the same reason.

Some brands I won't buy because the production grosses me out (so I spend $16 for a Smart Chicken).

I shop at Aldi's and Meijers, with an occasional trip thrown in to Jewel.

It's not like we are eating steak...

 

[Marionnette]

I spend around $200 most weeks for groceries for 3 of us (2 are teen sons). I try to shop sales and be flexible.

Some brands I can't buy because one son has serious food allergies. We tend to buy more ingredients than cans/mixes for the same reason.

Some brands I won't buy because the production grosses me out (so I spend $16 for a Smart Chicken).

I shop at Aldi's and Meijers, with an occasional trip thrown in to Jewel.

It's not like we are eating steak...

You're not doing anything wrong. You're doing it right by your family's needs. Having raised 2 boys (both are now young adults), I understand that there is never enough food in the house when they are teens!

Add in food allergies/sensitivities and a desire to adhere to specific principles, and you end up with a higher grocery bill when compared to others.

For the OP:
If your goal is to cut $50 off of your own grocery bill, then the best thing to do is to examine where your grocery dollars are going and target the areas where you seem to waste money. You're not going to reach that $50 mark by going meatless a couple of times per shopping trip. But you might have a bigger impact on your savings if eliminate purchasing items where you're spending money on convenience packaging (individual snack bags and juice boxes) or loading up on 6 cases of bottled water each trip instead of refilling a Brita bottle.

I know that if I needed to shave 25% off of my grocery budget, the first thing to go would be my Keuring k-cups. I'd have to add other things to the chopping block, but those k-cups are a spendy indulgence and a good start.

 

[JanaDee]

They also only accept cash or debit, so keep that in mind, too!

MN Aldi's accept credit.

 

[JanaDee]

For the OP:
If your goal is to cut $50 off of your own grocery bill, then the best thing to do is to examine where your grocery dollars are going and target the areas where you seem to waste money. You're not going to reach that $50 mark by going meatless a couple of times per shopping trip. But you might have a bigger impact on your savings if eliminate purchasing items where you're spending money on convenience packaging (individual snack bags and juice boxes) or loading up on 6 cases of bottled water each trip instead of refilling a Brita bottle.

I know that if I needed to shave 25% off of my grocery budget, the first thing to go would be my Keuring k-cups. I'd have to add other things to the chopping block, but those k-cups are a spendy indulgence and a good start.

Ours would definitely be pop, chips and liquor/beer.

 

[TravelMommy]

Costco makes eating organic not break the bank!!!! (Love Costco!!) and Aldi, seriously organic grape tomatoes, $2.29!! Between Costco, Aldi and shopping the sales, we try to maximize our food budget (but we spend $700.-$1000. monthly)

 

[DonnaL]

When I posted above that I purchase all paper, household, cleaning, laundry, etc. products at either Family Dollar or Dollar General I neglected to state that I don't usually buy their store brand, but, rather national brands and using manufacturers coupons plus the $5.00 store coupon for simply purchasing over $25 worth of merchandise. The detergents and soaps in particular are priced WAY below grocery store prices. I've paid as much as $4.00 per bottle less than grocery store prices even before using a coupon.

 

[Vernie822]

Favorite casserole recipes.. we usually make these with a frozen veggie on the side and get a good 6-8 servings from each.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole From PlainChicken:
We enjoyed this - it was VERY rice though.

6 cups diced cooked chicken (1 whole rotisserie chicken) -- I just shredded some chicken in the crock pot.
8 oz diced honey ham
8 slices baby swiss cheese

For the sauce
4 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons flour
3 1/4 cups milk
2 Tbsp lemon juice
2 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp pepper

For the topping
1 1/2 cups panko bread crumbs
6 tablespoons butter, melted
1/2 tsp seasoning salt
1 1/2 tsp dried parsley

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Light spray a 9x13 pan with cooking spray. Put chopped chicken and ham in baking dish. Cover with baby swiss cheese slices.

Prepare the sauce. In a large pot, melt butter. Add flour and stir to form a roux. Slowly whisk in milk. Whisk until smooth. Continue whisking until sauce starts to thicken (2-3 minutes). Remove from heat and add mustard, lemon juice, salt, paprika and pepper. Stir to combine. Pour sauce evenly over the casserole.

Combine all the ingredients for the topping and sprinkle over the casserole.

Bake uncovered for 45 minutes or until top is golden brown. Allow to cool 5 minutes before serving.




Tuna Noodle Casserole from Skinnytaste - This is a hit with my fiance
Ingredients:


6 oz no-yolk noodles (Ronzoni Healthy Harvest, or brown rice pasta for gluten free)
1 tbsp butter
1 medium onion, minced fine
3 tbsp flour (gluten free use rice flour)
1 3/4 cups fat free chicken broth
1 cup 1% milk
1 oz sherry (optional)
10 oz sliced baby bella mushrooms
1 cup frozen petite peas (thawed)
2 (5 oz) cans tuna in water, drained (I used albacore)
4 oz 50% reduced fat sharp cheddar (I used Cabot)
butter flavored cooking spray
2 tbsp parmesan cheese
2 tbsp whole wheat seasoned breadcrumbs

Directions:

Cook noodles in salted water until al dente, or slightly undercooked by 2 minutes. Set aside.

Melt the butter in a large deep skillet. Add onions and cook on medium heat until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the flour and a pinch of salt and stir well, cooking an additional 2-3 minutes on medium-low heat

Preheat oven to 375°. Lightly spray 9 x 12 casserole with butter flavored cooking spray.

Slowly whisk in the chicken broth until well combined, increasing heat to medium and whisking well for 30 seconds, then add the milk and bring to a boil. When boiling, add sherry, mushrooms and petite peas, adjust salt and pepper to taste and simmer on medium, mixing occasionally until it thickens (about 7 to 9 minutes). Add drained tuna, stirring another minute.

Remove from heat and add 1 cup reduced fat sharp cheddar and mix well until it melts. Add the noodles to the sauce and mix well until evenly coated. Pour into casserole and top with parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs. Spray a little more cooking spray and top and bake for about 25 minutes. Place under the broiler a few minutes to get the crumbs crisp (careful not to burn).




Bubble Up Enchilada Casserole from EmilyBites Blog
INGREDIENTS:
1 ¼ lbs extra lean ground turkey (I used Jennie-O)
1 (10 oz) can enchilada sauce
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (7.5 oz) can refrigerator biscuits, cut into quarters (I used my store brand Tops “Homestyle” biscuits)
1 cup shredded low fat Mexican Cheese (I used Weight Watchers brand)

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly mist a 9 x 13 baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
Brown turkey in a large skillet or sauté pan.
Add the enchilada sauce, tomato sauce and black beans and stir to combine. Stir the biscuit pieces into the meat mixture.
Transfer the entire mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread out evenly. Bake for 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and sprinkle the cheese on top. Bake an additional 10 minutes. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.



Skinny Chicken and Broccoli Casserole from Yummy Healthy Easy
INGREDIENTS
1 small onion, chopped
1 Tbsp. olive oil
2 (8-oz) pkgs. sliced mushrooms
2 cups boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
1½ cups fat-free-milk
1 (16-oz) package steam-in-bag broccoli florets
1 (5.3-oz) container fat-free plain Greek yogurt
¼ cup light mayonnaise
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp. pepper
¾ cup Mexican style cheese blend

INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat oven to 350º F. Spray 2-qt. casserole dish with cooking spray. Cook broccoli in microwave according to directions; set aside.
Heat olive oil over medium-high heat, add onion and mushrooms and cook until mushrooms are starting to get tender. Add cubes chicken. Cook until chicken is cooked through. Drain pan, if needed.
Sprinkle flour over chicken & mushroom mixture and stir constantly, cooking for one minute. Stir in milk. Bring to a boil and cook for 3 minutes, or until thick and bubbly.
Stir in cooked broccoli, and heat through about 1 minute. Add yogurt, mayo, salt and pepper, stirring lightly to combine.
Pour into prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle top with cheese and bake for 20 minutes, or until cheese melts and it's bubbly around the edges. Enjoy!!



I would say most of these could be done pretty cheaply, especially with frozen veggies or even canned mushrooms. We have made each of them and we like them all!