1. Fresh & Easy. This one is my all time favorite for two reasons; first they have the BEST coupons, I never leave home without at least three $10 off any $50 purchase. this saves me right around 20% on my bill already. Secondly, they have a "clearance" section of foods that usually expire that day or are not selling fast enough. These items are great for that nights meal or for freezing! Not to mention they are very generous in their expiration dates, items usually last quite a few days longer. Now your probably telling yourself "but they don't have a wide variety", true you won't see your usual big name brands, but that's not what your looking for. Look for "Fresh & Easy" brand items. Most of the time these items are organic, but even if they are not labeled "organic" read the ingredients, you will find even their regular items contain some organic ingredients. They also refuse to use HFCS or all kinds of preservatives. You will see an occasional preservative but usually its organically derived. They have very high standards when it comes to their own brand. So that is why I will buy 85% of my stuff F&E brand.
2. Sunflower Market. There are only 2 that I know of in Las Vegas but I think they also have a few in Arizona, Utah, and Texas. This place is like a farmers market version of "Whole Paycheck". Their deli prices are really good and they have great sales. If you go on Wednesdays you can shop their double sale day. Its the day of the week that both sales flyers are valid. So hold on to your sales flyer every week and compare on Tuesday nights and then shop on Wednesday! Some great deals not only on food but sundry and supplements too.
3. Trader Joes. This place is third on my list because you still have to read labels. Some of their things contain all organic ingredients and somethings will contain things you wouldn't expect from them like HFCS or MSG. BUT their prices on some staple items are not to be beat! Also they have a great tasting section and the best variety in dairy and by far the best and cheapest wines!!! (don't judge ;)
And finally! Costco. OK this is last because you have to buy in bulk and their produce is hit or miss on what is available in organic, but if your looking for dry goods then this is definitely the place! Plus they have coupons of their own!
Now if your the kind that doesn't like shopping all over the place then I will tell you I have successfully fed my family off of $150 or less twice a month at Fresh & Easy alone!!! The only thing they lack is more gluten free items, Like bread. I wish they carried some gluten free breads or even sprouted grain breads. They do carry high quality honey though!! That's a favorite of mine!
Well there is the skinny on grocery shopping on a budget! Next?? supplementing your grocery bill by making your own from scratch! Think dairy items, breads, drinks and more!!!
3 comments:
Target's Archer Farms has a few awesome organic choices that are also really cheap. I've added Target to our regular shopping trips because of their low prices, granted you have to go to the right location to get the greater variety!
I, too, store hop. And since we moved to tiny podunk ass flagstaff, I'm bereft of all 3 of your top choices, which are mine 3 favs as well. I make lists, based on the sales fliers we get on Wednesdays as to what we use that are on sale at which store and plan accordingly. I work in a bashas grocery, but as i like to say, i can't afford to shop there since i work there...
There is only one natural food market and with its monopoly, it makes whole paycheck seem like walmart... at least price wise, it also lacks seriously in the bulk section.
I use bountiful baskets for about 90% of my produce which saves a lot of cash and hassle.
Awesome! I need to check out Fresh and Easy!
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