Board 8 > So how are you all doing for groceries?

(+) Yeah! (+)

Trying to figure out the most effective way to go through/handle them. Generally try to do some stuff in bulk and freeze. Also focus a lot on circulars. Pretty much every grocery near me is pretty close so I have options.

is there anything I could do to help cut cost a little? I guess an ALDI opened up by me which helps quite a bit. Maybe some other things that could come to mind. Or maybe there are some good standard recipes that come to mind that make things pretty easy. Just want to see how you all do it or if theres something tasty/healthy I forget about!

Costco most everything, and farm share during summer. That provides enough savings to spend higher on smaller local things like farmer's markets. Key thing is to go to the right store to get the cheapest/best things, since they each have different loss leaders. Aldi seems great for that but even Whole Foods has some good loss leaders (sliced turkey, avocados, sometimes meat/fish).

BJs and a CSA mostly

Aldi and Walmart for most things, plus getting the BOGO free offers at other stores.

foolm0r0n posted...

Costco most everything, and farm share during summer. That provides enough savings to spend higher on smaller local things like farmer's markets. Key thing is to go to the right store to get the cheapest/best things, since they each have different loss leaders. Aldi seems great for that but even Whole Foods has some good loss leaders (sliced turkey, avocados, sometimes meat/fish).

the thing with Costco is their produce has been very hit or miss to me. I guess the package date being there helps for me. That said its generally awesome for chicken/beverages/essentials like toilet paper etc

I also like to do this a lot, which is why I generally hit Trader Joes + ShopRite cause they are within a minute of each other. (Even sometimes the Local Asian Market in between)

FFDragon posted...

BJs and a CSA mostly

may do a CSA this year. Never done one though so a little nervous

Kroger delivery came to my area recently. Theres an annual cost but you get free next day delivery on $35 minimum order.

Highly recommend seeing if theyve got a free trial if its in your area.

honestly the csa around here has been fantastic

fresh produce that forces me to eat better and supply rotates through what is in season

LiquidOshawott posted...

the thing with Costco is their produce has been very hit or miss to me. I guess the package date being there helps for me. That said its generally awesome for chicken/beverages/essentials like toilet paper etc

I basically never get Costco produce yeah. Exceptions are the 1lb spring mix lettuce (during winter due to lack of farm share) which is very affordable and good. Also raspberries/blueberries can be great (but not strawberries).

Kroger is by far the best quality-price ratio for produce, and Whole Foods typically has good prices and quality for anything in season.

I'm fairly fortunate to have both an Aldi and Lidl nearby because between the two the produce and the store brands line up to have very decent coverage for both good prices and quality. Lidl frequently has great sales while Aldi is generally quite cheap for their regular prices.

Walmart accounts for maybe 10-15% of my budget otherwise, since there are still plenty of things I can't get from the other two.

the Turkish place down the road for meat rice and spices, the asian market downstairs for asian stuff and Rewe for everything else

Wal-Mart is same-day delivery for minimum $35 order, its been something of a lifesaver as it gets warmer out and me being without a car.

Trader Joes + Costco + whatever grocery store Im near if the former two dont have something Im looking for.

Aldi + Costco for 95% of my groceries. The occasional trip to a regular grocery store when I need something particular.

It's hard to go back to brand name pricing, even when on sale, when Aldi's normal pricing is less (assuming you don't care about branding).

Aldi + Walmart mostly.
Buying a lot of store brand stuff.

Costco for bulk meat, household items, and things on a good sale

Trader Joe's for bakery, prepackaged produce, dairy, and most non-perishables

Sprouts or asian grocer for other produce and bulk bin

Giant (mid-atlantic supermarket chain) for the few random things that I can't get elsewhere.

Oh yeah I have a cattle farmer friend who I order quarter beefs from (100 lbs @ $7/lb). It lasts about 2 years in my house, on my 2nd order now.

If you can find a hookup, buy a freezer and do it. It will pay off so hard in the upcoming economy.