How to grocery shop smarter

[Vanessa]

Inflation is out of control and now my normal grocery run is at least $100 more than usual. How are you saving on your groceries or making your food last??

[ShelleyW6]

Sticking to store brands for staple items. I live not far from a rural area with farms so I go visit them for eggs, honey. I visit the crafts market on Saturday's where local farmers will set up veggie/fruit stands...not only are they fresh but free of pesticides and a lil lower in price than brick n mortar.

[Vanessa]

@ShelleyW6 I went to the farmers market this part weekend and the fruits and veggies were amainggg - thanks for the tip!

[GirlsInSpace]

Sadly, I’m buying less organic. Mostly sticking to the Dirty Dozen/Clean 15 but definitely not shopping as organic as I used to. Buying more store brand and stocking up on staples when they go on sale. Trying to not feel so bad/guilty about not being 100% perfect at shopping either. These are stressful times, money is tight, so I’m trying to not beat myself up about trying to survive in this economy.

[Vanessa]

@GirlsInSpace yeah I've been buying more store brand items because they're cheaper. It does hurt but my wallet is a lot happier. I think we all have to do what we need to so I'm with you!

[WhollyWellAub]

I do a lot of shopping at Costco !! Prices are gone up there too but it’s soooo much more economical than the grocery store! Lots of healthy options too! I also buy frozen- fruits and veggies picked at their most ripe (full of nutrients) and flash frozen! Quick, easy, healthy, and accessible!!

[Vanessa]

@WhollyWellAub Love Costco!! A good reminder to search for some good things 😄

[Blee]

I agree with you!  Can get more organic options for less expense at Costco and no they are not the same as Sams Club. Shop their sales and stock up. Their clothes are affordable and when on clearance are down right cheaper than garage sale! Just got some linen shorts for $3 today😊

[GoodbyeVal]

@Vanessa utilizing my freezer! I try to buy low cost frozen meats and vegetables or will freeze food that I buy. Makes my money last a lot longer

[Vanessa]

@GoodbyeVal Love this tip - thank you!

[Newari23]

I've started to shop at Costco and Aldi as well. My regular groceries from Whole Foods, Weis offered smaller packaging and wouldn't last as long. E.g. cheeses, yogurt sticks for my kids lunches etc..

I make larger size meals so I'm not constantly cooking. 

I try not to buy many "meal kits." I usually cook from scratch like salmon, etc. Exceptions are macaroni and cheese, soups, occasional salad kits. I feel prepared frozen food aisle can get pricey especially when you have kids. 

[BubblyMom]

I'm militant about meal planning every week. It makes me take inventory of what's in the house, helps me think about how to utilize groceries more efficiently, ensures a healthy variety of meals, and reduces food waste! After a couple years of doing it, I've got it down to a science and is now only about 20-30 min out of my week to plan/make a list.

[Jojo3]

OMG!!  Prices are OUT OF CONTROL!  It hurts somewhere deep inside when I check out at the grocery store.  I used to go to the grocery store a few times a week and would never really meal plan, but now, I plan Sunday most meals for the week, I definitely buy more store brands, and I try to home make staples as well. (Applesauce, pasta sauce, bread, tomato paste, etc). I make sure to scan the "load to card coupon" before I go incase there are any additional savings.  It's tough out there!  I do buy less snack items which is good for my health...if I have to have a positive!  HAHA! 

[Megs905]

I recently started using preservation techniques from Amy Cross of The Cross Legacy.  I can get two to three weeks out of my produce now with just a bit of extra time…so worth it!