The grocery store, a place that many people dread. I, however, am not most people. I LOVE grocery shopping (most of the time). It is where your weekly menu really comes together and you get the chance to learn so much about food.
The first step of a successful trip should start at home. Think about what you think you might like to eat that week. Have you had a hankering for something or found a recipe you would like to try. Then open your cupboard. What do you NEED. Are you out of staples, do you need anything special for a specific idea? Then make a list. You will be amazed how much time and money you will save when you go in with a plan. You always want to go to the store with a purpose. Once you have your list, crack open the Sunday paper and/or hop online to one of the many online coupon resources. What stores are having sales on things you need, and find manufacturers coupons for more discounts. You may get lucky and get a double discount! Yes it takes a little time, but it can end up saving you plenty over time. This is also a good time to start thinking about your "want" items. Gotta love a deal on your favorite snacks.
Ok so you have your list, your coupons and a plan for which stores to hit. If you are like me and are fortunate enough to live near several stores, hit up a few! It takes more time, but you can get better prices if you break it up over 2 or 3 places. When you first get to a store, make sure you have a bonus card (most stores have them, and they generally are free. You can often get extra savings and some will offer deals on other items like gas!). If you don't have a bonus card, head to customer service. It only takes a few minutes and it is worth it!
So things to look for at the store. Obviously generic or store brand items are generally going to be cheaper, and often they are just fine products. I will often splurge more on items that are eaten as is, such as olive oil, where you can really taste a difference. But that is pretty common knowledge. A not so obvious tip is to buy in bulk when it makes sense. When cooking for one person, many will shy away from club packs and large sizes. In some cases this is true, buying a perishable you don't use often will just lead to waste. But if it is none perishable or can be frozen and you have the room to store it, stock up when the price is right! For example, for 11 dollars I was able to buy a club pack of boneless skinless chicken breasts that when cut in half, put in baggies and frozen will last me for 22 (!) meals. Thats 50 cents a serving. Can't beat that.
Also always try to avoid products that are pre-processed (i.e. a package of pre-cut veggies for a stir fry) or come in a specialized package, like 100 calorie packs. Sure these things can be useful and can be great in a pinch, but you pay for the luxury. Instead of a 100 cal. pack of nuts, buy the big container and put handfuls in individual baggies, which is roughly the amount you find in one of those packages. Sure it takes a little time, but you will save. I know, I know, I buy boneless skinless chicken breasts when buying split chicken breasts would save me money. I hate handling raw meat, and while I will cut breasts in half for storage, ripping it off the bones just grosses me out and takes to much effort, so I gladly pay for the convenience. It's all about what you are willing to do, there is no "right" way to do things"
Happy Eating!
