Grocery Store Prices

[Peppergirl]

Whew!

Anyone else gonna be subsisting on ramen and cup-a-soup soon? :(

My 17 year old has taken to complaining about there being less of or NONE of his favorites in the fridge lately.

I was very frank with him. I told him that if his favorite doesn't happen to be on sale or have a coupon this week, it's NOT getting bought. End of story.

[draggar]

Tell him to get a job and then he can buy all of his favorite that he wants. :)

Prices are insane. For the past few months I've bought a box of cup of soups, a box of bakjed chips, and a box of oatmeal (all from Sams) for my breakfast and lunch at work.

28 pound kitty litter - $10 last fall, $11.50 today. OUCH!!

[Peppergirl]

:lol: He has one. At a restaurant. They've all had their hours cut nearly in half.

Believe me, I've told him that his favorites need to be bought with his meager paycheck, or he just goes without till it goes on sale. ;)

Noticed this week that Kroger brand cheese its, which were 1. 20 about a month ago are almost 2.00 a box. :eek:

[Dreamstalker]

Obscene. I started buying rice milk due to it being cheaper than "normal" milk, but even that may change soon :( I've already given up cheese due to it being a tad too expensive for me.

$20 just now for milk, cereal, a few pears and yogurt. Even the store-brand cereals around here aren't much cheaper than the name brand ones.

[CaroPhoenix]

I buy my milk at Costco or Sam's Club (whichever one I'm in every few weeks). In my area, for 2% milk, at Costco, it's $2.99 for 1 gallon (at Sam's Club, it's 2 cents cheaper). At the Safeway (where we normally sohp 'cos it's the closest & hubs likes it for some reason), milk is normally 2 for $7 (but you have to buy 2, if you buy 1 it's like $3.99).

Went to Safeway today, bought necessities (made a list, followed it and everything, even used $6 in coupons), I still only saved 27% on my total food bill. :cry:

[RetailWorkhorse]

Even the store-brand cereals around here aren't much cheaper than the name brand ones.

It's a sad sick TWISTED thing when the "Cheapie" cereal is seriously more expensive than the namebrand. I have a box of namebrand because it was cheaper than Malto-meal bagged! :eek:

I buy my milk at Costco or Sam's Club (whichever one I'm in every few weeks). In my area, for 2% milk, at Costco, it's $2.99 for 1 gallon (at Sam's Club, it's 2 cents cheaper). At the Safeway (where we normally sohp 'cos it's the closest & hubs likes it for some reason), milk is normally 2 for $7 (but you have to buy 2, if you buy 1 it's like $3.99).


Buy my milk for me and send it my way. I just paid 4.80-something for a gallon of whole. :cry:

[Evil Queen]

Buy my milk for me and send it my way. I just paid 4.80-something for a gallon of whole. :cry:

:eek: And I thought it was bad when I paid $4.10 for a gallon of Whole!

HEB is currently running a sale; 2 for $6 (they're nice and give us a price break if you just get one so it's just $3.) so BF X bought 2 gallons. I immediately put one in the freezer. We don't drink milk so much anymore, we tend to just cook with it so I don't mind freezing the milk. Just make sure to shake it up before using it. Tastes just fine to me.

[Becks]

I work at a grocery store.

It's getting close to the point where I almost can't afford to shop there. :(

I wish we got an employee discount.

[iviles]

Obscene. I started buying rice milk due to it being cheaper than "normal" milk, .

Glad to know I wasnt the only one!!! But keeping to it mostly use it in cooking.

[powerboy]

Prices are shitty. I used to spend $30 on my groceries. Not now.

[draggar]

:eek: And I thought it was bad when I paid $4.10 for a gallon of Whole!

$4.39 here. I forgot how much it is at Sam's club, I think $3.49 a gallon.

[tropicsgoddess]

Man, these prices on food are ridiculous. I've been improvising on how I can cook good on the cheap. Mac n cheese with ground beef and/or tomato sauce = ghetto hamburger helper. I've taken advantage of 2fer specials and sales.

[Dreamstalker]

It's a sad sick TWISTED thing when the "Cheapie" cereal is seriously more expensive than the namebrand. I have a box of namebrand because it was cheaper than Malto-meal bagged! :eek:

Seriously?! Ye flipping GODS. I thought that namebrand was always going to be more expensive.

I've started cooking millet instead of mashed potatoes (doesn't take that much more time) and found that for the time being, bulk millet is cheaper. Only downside is once cooked it doesn't seem to last too well in the fridge (tends to dry out quickly).

Even produce seems to be more expensive for less quality.

[Emrld]

My biggest issue is that I only buy for one.
I only have so much room in my freezer -so the buy in bulk stores end up creating a whole lot of waste.
I do have some friends that are talking about going intogther and buying a"cows worth" of beef. (Buy directly from the farmer) They need to see how many people are really in on it. Then they will talk it over if I can get in for less due to only needing a small portion.

At the first of the year I set up a budget I could be comfortable with . . .not feel like I was living paycheck to paycheck and having to do without on. With gas and grocery prices (and yes, gas has a lot to do with everything else) on the rise . . .I am going to have to refigure and cut some things out.

Friendly thought . . .if you cook big holiday meals. Start buying your butter now. It freezes easily and at the holidays goes up in price. Start thinking about what you could buy ahead and store and gradually add in to your weekly shopping. (canned items, freezables etc) Then when the holiday comes you don't have a heartattack when you get the total due.

[Evil Queen]

It helps to buy foods in bulk, divide the price out and sell what foods you can't eat (because you know you purchased too much) to friends or neighbors.

I buy my butter in bulk because it tends to be cheaper during spring/autumn then summer and winter (big times to be cooking) and freeze the excess. I've also discovered the ease of making your own freezer meals. The only thing that costs extra is heavy duty containers that will last in the freezer without becoming brittle and those pay for themselves after the third or forth washing. But it does help to have a large freezer.

[FuzzyKitten99]

Try buying food for a family of 4, with two kids under 5, and a boy that I nanny for who is also 4yrs old. I buy 3 gallons a week, minimum.
Our average grocery bill is about $125 per week, depending on what we buy/use.

A good money-saver I have found, which is even tastier, is Rotini pasta and diced tomatoes. I wrote up the recipe in another thread, but here it is again. It makes a TON and tastes good even cold. If you eliminate the chicken, I found it makes a nice potluck salad when chilled.

16 oz box rainbow rotini (regular is fine)
1 14oz can of diced tomatoes (not drained)
3 Tbsp Oregano
2 Tbsp dried Basil
2 Tbsp Lemon-Pepper seasoning (i use McCormick Grill-Mates)
2 Tbsp Extra-virgin Olive Oil
1 Tbsp garlic powder (or 2 cloves, fresh pressed)
1/2 cup green onions
1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast, cut up/cubed
1/4 cup grated/shredded Parmesan cheese
Tub of feta cheese

1.Prepare pasta as directed.
2. Heat the tomatoes (and liquid) in pan, to simmer. Add in oil, oregano, basil, onions, garlic, and chicken. Cook on Med to Med-hi heat until chicken is nearly done. Turn heat down, cover, and let simmer for another 5-10 minutes, until chicken is fully cooked.
3. When finished cooking, drain the excess liquid, leaving only a small amount.
4. Toss with cooked pasta, and add Lemon-pepper seasoning with the parmesan and feta cheese and toss again.

Serve on fresh spinach leaves.

[Evil Queen]

Oh, I remember that recipe. I have something similar but instead of Feta (it's pricy where I'm at) I dump in a cup (or two) of cubed Mozzarellas cheese. Then you have my mom's "I Don't Know" recipe.

[Hello Kitty]

Recently I've become a couponer. I'm sure checkers groan when they see my wad of coupons come out. Anyway, it is a huge hassle but you can match up store coupons with manufacturer coupons and sales and get stuff for really cheap. There are forums for this - everybody talks about what deals are on this week, what coupons to use, etc. Some stores run monthly rebates, with a few free things. PM me if you want details. :)

[FuzzyKitten99]

Oh, I remember that recipe. I have something similar but instead of Feta (it's pricy where I'm at) I dump in a cup (or two) of cubed Mozzarellas cheese. Then you have my mom's "I Don't Know" recipe.

Feta is pricey there? Here it ranges from $1.99 to $6, depending on size and brand. I usually get the lower-priced brand, and it tastes just as good as the higher-priced stuff. I am into greek food lately, so Feta has been a weekly buy for us.

[Evil Queen]

Recently I've become a couponer. Ditto. I got to websites like coupons.com and just print off what I know I use. Which reminds me... *goes there to get new coupons*

Feta is pricey there? Here it ranges from $1.99 to $6, depending on size and brand.

Wow, $6 is as cheap as it gets in the grocery stores near me (I have four near me; Viet Hoa, HEB, Food Town and Wal-mart).

[Peppergirl]

Recently I've become a couponer. I'm sure checkers groan when they see my wad of coupons come out. Anyway, it is a huge hassle but you can match up store coupons with manufacturer coupons and sales and get stuff for really cheap. There are forums for this - everybody talks about what deals are on this week, what coupons to use, etc. Some stores run monthly rebates, with a few free things. PM me if you want details. :)

I am too. I didnt even know what a coupon was until my divorce...then it became a necessity. :(


I find that it's easier on me and the cashier if I go at off peak shopping times. They seem to really appreciate this, and there are very few people in line behind me to hold up.

I'd say I spend a good hour every week matching up store ads with manu coupons in order to maximize savings. I am VERY fortunate that I have 3 big chains within a mile of my house so that I'm not out alot of gas from going to three stores.

Bottom line: If you have the time and the energy to do it, it can save a TON of money. I just hate the rep that couponers have because of the few idiots that harass and drive the cashiers crazy with them. :(

[Evil Queen]

I find that it's easier on me and the cashier if I go at off peak shopping times. They seem to really appreciate this, and there are very few people in line behind me to hold up.

For the 24 hour stores it seems that just about any time after midnight (not midnight, not before because there's the 11:00 rush, when most people (like me) get off work) is the best time to go. I haven't really found any other time that's slow enough... but then again, I live in a bigass city with lots of people. -_-'

I miss small towns.

[Peppergirl]

For the 24 hour stores it seems that just about any time after midnight (not midnight, not before because there's the 11:00 rush, when most people (like me) get off work) is the best time to go. I haven't really found any other time that's slow enough... but then again, I live in a bigass city with lots of people. -_-'

I miss small towns.

My grocery shopping night is when I get off work at midnight on Mondays. The only downside is having to dodge all the stocking crew and having to practically climb their carts to get to things they've blocked. :lol:

[patiokitty]

I am a mature university student AND a single mom of a 16 year old boy. plus we have two cats. I hear all of you loud and clear about food prices going higher and higher. I'm sure that it doesn't help that I live on an island where everything is ferried or flown in, at least what isn't able to be produced here in Newfoundland.

I have started buying store brand as much as possible in order to save money, and I will stock up when things are on sale. I'm also a fan of making things like soups so I can make up a huge batch and freeze individual portions. Makes it easier for those nights when I have to work so my son can eat a nutritious meal, and I can eat when I get home.

Sometimes I can find cheap alternatives at the local Dollarama...no more Mr. Noodles, instead I get something from the Dollarama that amazingly tastes better.

There are some things I will not cheap out on though. I can't stomach no-name mac and cheese...ewww. Ditto goes for mayonnaise, ketchup, and a variety of other things. I learned early on that if I don't like it and won't eat it that it's an even bigger waste of money than just buying name brand. I just buy less or stock up when there is a really good sale on. Gotta do what I gotta do to make my student loans, and part-time job pay last as long as I can.

[Evil Queen]

Patiokitty. I'm sorta the same way with things I won't cheap out on.

Dukes brand mayo. Best mayo I've ever eaten and has no sugar of any sort in it. Oddly enough, it's terribly hard to find in the western states and makes me sad. I did find something similar at Trader Joe's in Albuquerque but it's not quite the same.

However, this is where I'm quite the opposite; I can't stomach name brand mac&cheese. Weird, right? Not because of the price but because of the cheese sauce powder. It gives me a tummy ache always. Store brand? Just fine. Odd, don't you think?

[DGoddessChardonnay]

I work at a grocery store.

It's getting close to the point where I almost can't afford to shop there. :(

I wish we got an employee discount.

I echo the sentiment.

I just buzzed into the Kitty this morning for a few things . . .

4 2-ltr Dr. Peppers
24 pk Aquafina water
12 oz tub of Cool Whip
2 packs of dessert cups

guess what my total was (after my store card discount?)

$15.42.

And, like some people, there are items that we just don't skimp on:

Canola oil . . . has to be Crisco brand (none of the others work as well and Mom will bless me out if I bring home any other brand.)

soft drinks . . . store brand versions are not allowed in our house. It's either Pepsi or Dr. Pepper for Mom, Diet Pepsi and Diet Mountain Dew for the brother.

mayonaise . . . has to be JFG brand.

bread: has to be Merita Autumn Grain. Otherwise, I may have to leave home:wave:

Anything else we can get cheaper brands of pretty much . . .

But even mac and cheese and ramen noodles have jumped . . . the Oodles of Noodles brand used to be 6/$1.00 at my store . . . they are now 5/$1.00.

Sad when even the cheap stuff ain't so cheap anymore . . .

[Primer]

I'm lucky enough to be at the age and stage where I can afford to buy just about whatever I want, however; I'm too cheap to. I rarely use coupons as the store brands rarely offer coupons. I buy hamburger when it's cheap, and freeze it into 1/3 lb patties that can be used for just about anything, including hamburgers.

One of the few things I have to have is my cheese. I will try to get it on sale, but sometimes I'll bite the bullet and pay full price. What's hurt me the worst lately (besides the price of gasoline) is the price of eggs. I yearn for the days of $1/dozen, jumbo size (btw, if the difference in price is 10 cents per dozen or less, get the bigger size!).

The animals also get their Purina. I don't like the really cheap stuff for them, and I can't see getting the premium stuff unless somebody actually needs it.

[Boochan]

For the 24 hour stores it seems that just about any time after midnight (not midnight, not before because there's the 11:00 rush, when most people (like me) get off work) is the best time to go. I haven't really found any other time that's slow enough... but then again, I live in a bigass city with lots of people. -_-'

Feel for me, and others here in my state of Australia.
Very tough laws in regards to shopping hours. Malls, and standalone Discount Stores/Department Stores/Supermarkets (denoted as having more then 6 people working at the same time) are banned from opening outside 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday, Till 9pm Thursday, 5pm Saturday and banned from opening Sunday.
Independent Supermarkets are allowed to open any time they like, as well as small businesses or stores running on 6 or less employees at a time (i.e Gas Stations). I'm surprised that most of the population actually finds any time to buy groceries. Stores are always busy as well, never seen any real dead time in any grocery stores or supermarkets here. When I'm getting off work at 5:30 and have to rush to the supermarket in my mall to get groceries before it closes, its always madly busy.
On top of that, a referendum was held in the last Gubernatorial Elections here to allow extended hours, it was knocked back with a very strong NO vote. I have a neutral opinion on it cause I don't want people having to work all hours of the day/been forced to work those hours, but at the same time I don't want to have to pay hugely jacked up prices at a small independent supermarket when theirs nothing else open.

Regardless, the food prices are rising just as quickly here. All kinds of meat and dairy have risen by 15% so far in the past year apparently according to inflation figures. Even fast food here has risen by about 10-20% in the past year.

[Jpurple]

In the 8 months we've been living in Tokyo, the price of a small block of cheese at our local grocery has gone from Y315 to Y420! (put a decimal between the first and second numbers and you've more or less got the price in dollars)
We use a LOT less cheese than we used to, because it was expensive when we moved here and has gotten more so. Fruit and vegetables are also tough, because they're very seasonal, very expensive, and my daughter and husband are VERY picky.
I'd love to use coupons, and I know they exist, but its really hard to use a coupon you can't read that has no pictures on it.
I did discover one great thing about my odd schedule- if you go grocery shopping late at night (after 8pm, I think) you get 5% off your whole order! I think it works out to essentially you pay no tax, but as the tax is included in the sticker price, it looks like a deal to me! However, that means I have to get my shopping done between 8 and when the store closes at 10. Luckily, they're a 5-minute bike ride from home, so it's not all that hard.

[draggar]

Man, these prices on food are ridiculous. I've been improvising on how I can cook good on the cheap. Mac n cheese with ground beef and/or tomato sauce = ghetto hamburger helper. I've taken advantage of 2fer specials and sales.


*raises hand* Guilty about the Mac&Cheese w/ ground beef or turkey. It's not that bad, especially if you add in cheese. :)

My biggest issue is that I only buy for one.
I only have so much room in my freezer -so the buy in bulk stores end up creating a whole lot of waste.

Learn what to buy in bulk. Shampoo, paper towels, toilet paper, laundry and dish detergent etc..

Also, a large pack of chicken is about 12-15 breases, doesn't take up much room.

Don't go hog-wild on massive meats, but also scan local grocerey store sales fliers for good deals, many of them will beat wholesale club prices (plus coupons).

Ditto. I got to websites like coupons.com and just print off what I know I use. Which reminds me... *goes there to get new coupons*


Some of the grocerey stores here don't accept printer / internet coupons. :(

I have a side by side so I have a little extra freezer space. I can buy large packs of chicken, ground beef, and ground turkey and freeze them (individual chicken breases and 12 ounce packages of the ground meats). Plus, items that are expensive in the grocerey stores, laundry detergent, dish detergent, shampoo, paper towels, toilet paper, etc..

Also, butter gets frozen and if needed I'll buy a gallon of milk and eggs at the wholesale club.

You also need to be careful, though, some items are not really that good of a deal or grocerey store deals are better prices (like when sodas are on sale). Sure, $7 seems good for a 24 pack of soda but when the grocerey store has it on sale, 4 12 packs for $10, then that is a far better deal (stock up then).

Work: bix box of oatmeal, ramen noodles, and (baked) chips. Breakfasts and lunches for a month for about $17.

Dollar stores can be great, too (bug again, some items in there are a rip off).

Living in Florida you also need to consider hurricanes (like a lot of places, you have to be proactive about planning for disasters). Whenever any canned good is on sale that we'll use, I'll buy in bulk (I really need a pantry!). Yes, I'll buy 10-15 cans of potatoes in a shot easily. They last for years and if they're coming up on their expired date (after hurricane season) then we'll use them and I'll buy more. Soups are expensive as hell here so I havn't bought any for a while. $4 for a can of progresso while they're $2.50 up north.

The most important part is knowing what to look for, who prices what about where, and when to shop.