…grocery store style. I’ll be the first to admit that when it comes to clothes shopping, I struggle. In fact, if I could have some go buy clothes for me for the rest of my life, I’d be thrilled. I suppose I’m missing that girl gene.
However, I make up for it with a STRONG penchant for grocery shopping, and I’m a bit of a food snob. I like my organics (though not everything I eat is organic… and that’s OK, too), I get giddy at farmers’ markets and I prefer meat, eggs and dairy that are antibiotic-free, grass fed, etc… I understand that some people pick on me for this… oh well, I guess I’m the weirdo that would rather have an organic sweet potato than a Chanel purse.
Usually this kind of food elitism makes for an expensive grocery bill, but I’ve found some tricks that work for me and keep our grocery bill around $85/week for 2 people… something I am very proud of 🙂
Here’s what I do…
1. Make a list : I think of the week. Monday… Hubbs has crazy days… it may be late… I’ll make a soup or chili… you know something that can sit on the stove a while. Tuesdays I have more time to cook, maybe a more elaborate dish? We should get fish in at some point… Wednesday! With broc?
Also, I’ll think about leftovers, and if there will be a lot for me to eat for lunch, I don’t worry about getting other lunch items. Otherwise, I’ll usually make a soup or get wrap ingredients to eat for lunch for the week.
One more tip on list making… know the expensive stuff! If we’re going to have steak one night, maybe I’ll make a different dinner meatless to even out the cost. Good for your wallet AND your health 🙂
Look you finally tried brussel sprouts… YUM!!!!!
2. On Your List, Mark the Amount You Need : If I’m making muffins and need milk and eggs (2 ingredients I haven’t been buying a lot of lately), I’ll get only what I need. You can buy a small bottle of milk for your recipe and a 6 pack of eggs instead of 12. Every little bit helps save money, and ensures nothing goes to waste.
3. Put Last minute Grabs in the Top of Cart : Once I make a list, I stick with it. If I pass by anything in the store I really want, I’ll grab it and put it next to my purse. I’ll decide at check-out once I see my total cost of all the necessities if I want to add on the extra items or not. Usually it’s only about 3 extras, so if I don’t want them, the cashiers don’t mind putting them behind the counter.
My favorite ‘extra’? A new flavor of PB&Co!
4. Don’t Buy TP at the Grocery Store : Household items like tp, paper towels, shaving cream, bottled waters, laundry detergent, dish soap, etc are cheaper if you buy them elsewhere. We have a membership to BJ’s and about once a month I’ll go there and buy our necessities in bulk.
5. Go to More Than One Grocery Store : I realize this may sound like a pain to a lot of people, but it really is easy and works well for me! During the summer when there are farmer’s markets, I can make 3 stops during a grocery run, but when the farmer’s markets begin to dwindle in selection, I usually make 2 stops. I’ll go to my local Health Food store to buy: organic, local fruits and veggies, meats, spices in bulk and any specialty items I prefer (like La Tortilla wraps). Then I’ll stop by the ol Harris Teeter to pick up other foods that I don’t need the fancy, special version of… hummus, bread, crackers, cereal, pasta, etc. This actually ends up saving me a lot of money because instead of spending $5.50 on a little container of hummus, I get a large container for $2.50. Things like this add up.
…and ‘ll probably drive to Charlotte once a week once them gem arrives next year…
Your turn!! What’s your best grocery store tip?!
Melissa says
I absolutely agree with planning the week and sticking to your list! I’ve gone so far as to write up my list with the grocery store ads in hand, adding in the dollar amount I expected to spend along the side of my list to keep a running total. Buy up an item when it is on sale if you will use it and if it will keep well. Buy things that are in season.
“oh well, I guess I’m the weirdo that would rather have an organic sweet potato than a Chanel purse.”
lol, you are not alone in that!
Katie @ Healthy Heddleston says
Oooo I have a comment about #3 since I used to work at Target and it was one that sold food. Depending on the food item you ask us to put behind the counter it may or may not actually end up back on the shelf. Some may have to be “defected out” if it was “perishable.” Same goes for returning food items and that is even MORE strict.
Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen says
I have had a similar-type post in the works for about 4 months now, so I’m glad you beat me to it. Most of what you said is what I would say, as well!
I like to adapt Coco Chanel’s mantra for dressing yourself to grocery shopping: rather than look your mirror and removing one item before leaving the house, I look at my grocery cart and remove one item before checking out. [Also, I definitely go to multiple grocery stores every weekend.]
If I ever finish that post, I swear I wasn’t copying you. 🙂
Maria @ Oh Healthy Day says
I love your tip on putting items not on the list at the top of the cart. Brilliant!
My trick is an oldie, but goodie: do not go to the grocery store hungry! When I do, I always pick up more than I need and things will go to waste or I’ll end up making unhealthy choices.
I’m really bad at meal planning though as we both have lunch provided for us at our jobs and Brandon has breakfast, lunch, AND dinner at his job – so my dinners often consist of very simple items, since I’m cooking for one.
Christina @ Food.Fun.Fabulous. says
I know my mom usually hits up 3 different stores to get certain items on sale. And they are all along a strip of road about 5 minutes apart it doesn’t add extra time!
melissa says
NEVER go shopping hungry! When I do I want everything I can get my hands on. 🙂 My grandparents do the shopping at 4 or 5 stores for what is on sale. I just don’t have the time.
Corey @ the runner's cookie says
Great tips! I know that when I go to 2-3 different places I definitely save money – after a couple of years I now know which items are best to get at which stores. Practically though, I don’t make it to every store every week. Now I try (key word: try) to plan ahead and buy more in bulk of stuff that doesn’t go bad – like nut butter, almond milk, and vegetable broth that I know is cheaper at Trader Joe’s and I can keep in my pantry for a while, so I only need to go once in a while.
Sara @ Nourish and Flourish says
Thanks for the wonderful tips, Brittany! I completely agree that shopping at several stores for different items is completely worth the mini-hassle. My favorite organic turkey is actually cheaper at Whole Foods than it is at Safeway (cost difference=$3!!). However I get a better bargain on staples at Safeway.
I have to admit, I’m terrible at making lists…I buy so many items on a whim, so I love tip # 3. Great idea!
Tina says
I do all of those tips. Except driving to a place like WF or TJs. I wish they were closer!
John J. says
You are one wise and frugal food shopper!
Alexa @ The Girl In Chucks says
Great tips!
The one I really wish I could follow is stocking up on bulk items at Costco. There’s a Costco here in town…within a mile of my apartment. The problem is that I don’t have a car which makes shopping in bulk difficult…no way to transport it!
maya @ finding balance in tokyo says
I don’t think you practice elitism at all.. it’s common, practical sense and will save you more money in health costs in the long run. The problem is that the generally accepted standard for food quality has sunk to a ridiculous and unbelievable low in industrialized nations. Food is too cheap as a whole, and society is suffering because of it.
It saddens me that we are so disconnected from the effort that goes into producing food that it has been devalued this much. It doesn’t make a whole lot of sense that people are unwilling to part with more than a few dollars for a piece of meat, which came from a living breathing animal, but don’t think twice about shelling out $4 for one drink at Starbucks, or a couple hundred on a pair of designer jeans. Or that those who understand how much work went into producing their food and are willing to pay a bit more for it are labeled as elitist and mocked.
Personally, I set aside as much as I can from my budget for local, sustainable, organic food. Sometimes the final price is higher enough to give me second thoughts, but I like to think that I am making a statement with the way I choose to spend my money.
eek.. didn’t mean to rant on you there, but I’m really sensitive about food price and the stigma attached to caring enough to pay more.. it’s totally one of my trigger topics!
grocery tips: Go seasonal and be flexible! Be willing to change your meal plan/make subs if you see a deal on seasonal produce, etc. Also, I like to go for discounted old or bruised produce. It usually tastes just as good if you use it fast, and you can feel good that you saved if from being wasted. I chop and freeze older fruit for smoothies, and turn older veggies into soup or stock. 😀
I second shopping around! Here in Tokyo we frequent at least 10 different stores. Stores are a bit more specialized here than in the US, so it’s necessary to get what I need at a decent price. I spread them around as needed so it’s not as overwhelming as it sounds!
Nichole says
I love, not the amount the you need. I never thought of it like that!
Holly @ couchpotatoathlete says
What helps me stick with my budget is having a list and sticking to it — if there is something extra that I “want” — I write it down on my list for next time. That way I at least have time to think about it and I won’t regret my purchase once I get home.
I also pay for groceries with cash. I do have to mentally add up my items (and sometimes I bring a calculator to the store) to make sure I have enough, but it really helps me get creative and think about what we really “need”.
Toni says
Thanks for the great tips! I have such a BAD habit of not calculating things and just throwing them into my cart! I usually end up spending WAY more than I should! I think the paying in cash idea is great!
erica @ fashionmeetsfood says
Awesome tips. I do some of those, but I think I am going to start doing most of them. Thanks so much for the tips.
xo
Peggy Keithcart says
You girls put me to shame. I do try to eat healthy but my grocery bill is usually about $400 a month for two people. I enjoyed all your tips. You are great Brittany.
Grandma Peggy