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Trying to save money on groceries? It can be almost like a
game as you look for ways to outsmart the supermarket.
Try these ideas for starters:
1) Buy cheese in large quantities on sale. Grate the cheese
and freeze in zip-top freezer bags. To use, just take out the
amount of cheese you need (bang the bag on the countertop
if frozen together), and keep the rest frozen.
2) Give store brands a try. If you find a tasty, high quality
store brand or generic product, you'll discover the prices are
often 20 - 50% below similar name brand products.
3) Think of meat as a side dish or condiment and serve in
smaller portions. Fill up on salads and vegetables instead.
4) Buy large packages of pretzels, chips and other snack
items on sale. Re-package them in small zip-top bags or
wrapped in plastic wrap to pop into lunches.
5) When cake mix boxes are on sale, stock up. Bake
several, cut into serving size pieces, freeze individually
for easy lunchtime desserts.
6) Don't buy non-food items at the grocery store. These
items can usually be purchased elsewhere for less money.
7 Take your time shopping. It pays to examine labels,
check cost per serving, compare brands, etc.
8) Check to see if your store offers any Preferred Shopper
programs for loyal customers.
9) Shop at a local farmer's market for fresh fruit and
vegetables.
10) Watch closely as the cashier rings up your groceries
with an electronic scanner. Occassionally the scanner
will come up with the wrong price. Some stores will give
you incorrectly scanned items for free.
11) Get a rain check if an advertised item is out of stock.
12) Ask the store manager if you can browse through
their dented can selection. Stores often sell diapers
and other products for a discount if the bags have been
ripped or opened.
13) If anything you buy is spoiled, return it.
14) Paper products can run up your "food" bill. Use cloth
kitchen towels and napkins, laundering them frequently.
15) Buy produce in season and on sale.
16) Buy grains, flours, sugars and dry beans from a grocery
warehouse or food co-op.
17) When purchasing pre-bagged produce (apples, oranges,
potatoes, etc.), weigh several to find the heaviest bag. They
sometimes vary by as much as a pound.
18) Substitute turkey ham and turkey sausages in recipes.
In many parts of the United States, turkey products are
considerably cheaper than the equivalent pork or beef
product.
19) Keep ingredients on hand for several quick and easy
meals. When time is scarce, you won't be as tempted to
run out to the local drive-thru for a fast meal. Storing
prepared meals in your freezer helps with this, too.
20) Turkey is usually a better value per pound than
chicken. Substitute cooked turkey in your cooked
chicken recipes, and use leftover turkey for sandwiches
and casseroles.
About The Author: Copyright 2002 Deborah Taylor-Hough - Used with permission. All rights reserved.
--Deborah Taylor-Hough (free-lance writer, wife and mother of three) is the editor of the Simple Times join-simple-times@hub.thedollarstretcher.com and Bright-Kids join-bright-kids@hub.thedollarstretcher.com email newsletters. Debi's also the author of several books including "Frozen Assets: How to Cook for a Day and Eat for a Month", and "A Simple Choice: A Practical
Guide for Saving Your Time, Money and Sanity" (Champion Press). Visit Debi at: http://hometown.aol.com/dsimple/
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