Growing up in Spain, I used to go to the market at least every other day. My mom would plan out our meals for the day and we would walk together to buy “fresh” groceries. Although she worked full time from the time I was 4, we always ate fresh, wholesome food daily. Often times, I wish it was so easy to get to the grocery now as it was back then. We used to bring a rolling tote and bring it back home filled with that day’s produce. Now, I have to load the kids and reusable bags in my car and drive between 8-12 miles each way to get to a grocery. Now, I plan our week’s meals and shop accordingly. Some weeks, I buy more protein or grains than others in addition to our weekly staples: milk, fruits and vegetables, eggs and yogurt. I always try to take advantage of what’s on sale while planning my meals. Many of you have asked what my typical grocery cart looks like and how much I spend on groceries.
This week I stocked up on seafood. Louisiana crab meat and shrimp were on sale buy 1 get 1 free. I usually buy real block cheese but I had a Kraft coupon and these were also buy one get one free. I bought a pound of shredded cheese for $1.25. I already have pasta, rice, beans, oatmeal, flour at home and last week I stocked up on chicken. I save money by making my own bread and buying grains in bulk. I use my own seasonings in my rice instead of buying a box of seasoned rice (you’ll be amazed what a teaspoon of sweet paprika will do to your rice). In this cart, there are over $150 worth of groceries and I paid $105.
Some things I don’t buy weekly; like the big bag of prunes and organic bbq sauce. I also bought a bag of Oscar Mayer no nitrates, no preservatives hot dogs because we have other kids that come to eat now and then and want hotdogs. And, if my daughter wants one, I have to give her that kind or she’ll have an allergic reaction (to the nitrates). Because I’ve stocked up on some of the seafood and I am willing to do some from-scratch-cooking, I save up about $50-75 every two weeks. I don’t always buy organic fruits and vegetables (because I can’t get it it and organic isn’t always better) but I do wash my produce with Eat Cleaner and it lasts longer. The key is to have a plan and stick to it (most of the time). Unfortunately, couponing doesn’t work for me because I rarely find coupons for fresh items.
What are some of the things that you do to save money at the grocery?
emily bennette
I like the idea of planning weekly and shopping accordingly. That might help you prevent buying an excess amount of food. Do you have any tips on how to know where the best places to go grocery shopping?
Laura Fuentes
I use weekly meal plans and stick to them. I use the ones from MOMables.com.