Cheaper Grocery List??

I don't think it matters much where you buy it.
Food is food, if you know there is a better place to get fresh fruits and vegetables then I would go there.
I like Von's for most of my shopping, but I look at the ads that come in the mail.
It is nice to comparison shop, if you have the time to go to multiple places.
things that I like to keep on hand:
fresh veggies, ( carrots, celery, lettuce)
Yogurt
egg substitute ( I use the 99% egg whites in a carton)

good luck!

I don't think it matters much where you buy it.

Places like Whole Foods can be VERY EXPENSIVE! You don't have to spend a fortune to be healthy. I think it's a lot about planning out your meals/snacks for the week. (at least for me)

I should also say that we now find ourselves shopping only on the perimiters of the store where the produce, meats, dairy are found. The central part of the store has shelves stuffed with processed foods.

We get our weekly ads on Wednesday. The husband and I look them over to see what's on sale in the fresh produce, meat, and seafood departments; then plan our weekly meals around that.

In a few weeks, we'll start picking up our Co-op Farm veggies on Saturday and that will change our schedule a little... but it's a HUGE savings and we know the food is organic and local.

edit to add: For really great sales we stock up and freeze.

Here in San Francisco, Costco and Trader Joe's have been my pocket savers. Safeway is extremely expensive here...even Whole Foods is cheaper if you can imagine! It makes a huge difference where you shop.

I totally agree with getting your veggies (and frozen goods!) at Costco. Maybe it's my imagination, but "Bulk" doesn't seem to mean what it used to. It has actually proven to be perfect portions for my roommate and I to split for 2 weeks. If it will last longer, just put it in the freezer.

I like that Trader Joe's has unique items for cheap, just be sure that you look over ALL of the food labels. I originally thought that everything in the store was made to be healthy for you (hahahaha) The packaged foods are just as processed as any other brand, so still try to shop around the perimeter of the store, like you should be doing at most grocery stores anyway.

Edit: Adding my diet staples

Greek Yogurt (Fage...$5 for about two weeks worth)
Cottage Cheese; I eat 2%...I don't sacrifice taste, anything lower is nasty
Pineapple; this helps my sweet cravings tremendously!
Black beans; fiber and protein in one!
Double fiber bread
Turkey
Hummus
Smart Dogs
Soups; mainly for colder weather
Protein powder; there are food recipes where this replaces bisquik

Just wanted to mention to anyone (not just those struggling financially) can take advantage of Angel Food Ministries and purchase a food box (they offer a fresh fruits and veggies box as well as meats (stay away from the processed junk box lol). This is great, especially for those on low incomes although anyone can purchase as there are no income caps. Go to angelfoodministries.com to find out more information on this ministry and it's program to provide food to communities across 45 states and see if there is a pick up site located near you.

Things like frozen spinach, brocolli, canned tomatos, canned chickpeas and tuna are all really cheap and convenient. I only buy food for 1 so i always underestimate what i need, and plan my meals in advance so no food goes to waste. This really makes a big difference. I don't think you have to shop expensive to be healthy at all, and if there are local markets in your area they are worth checking out. I live in australia and when i go to the supermarket i'll buy their own branded products if that makes sense, they're always cheaper and taste just the same.
Also since joining mfp i've been cooking more at home, and eating out less which saves a lot of money too! I

You know people say it cost more to eat healthy, but I think it's how we look at things. I feed a family of six on one income, it's tough, but I decided that I want my kids to eat healthy, so the bag of Doritos stay, and I pick up the apples. If I shop at Aldi, I can get pineapple, strawberries, and bannanas for less than I would spend on a gal. of ice cream. Every spring and fall a local grocery store has a HUGE meat sale, and I always stock up. We also can and freeze summer vegetables, this helps cut cost too. Support your local farmer's market, or country vegetable stands, they save you money, plus your keeping it local. Or planting your own garden also saves money, and you don't need a huge yard to do it, a patio works great, too. My fil grows tomatoes, peppers, zuchinni, squash, and cucumbers on his patio, and up the fence in his small backyard. It saves me alot of money!!!

My favorite place to shop is at my local farmer's market. I can get eggs, veggies, fruit, flowers, locally harvested honey, fresh roasted almonds or an ice cream cone, and even wine! Where I live, in Flint Michigan, or farmer's market is amazing! If I go on Saturday afternoon in the summer, I can even catch a free concert of local talent, or a one day art fair. If I go on Tuesdays, which is my usual day due to having to work weekends, it is much less busy and a relaxing way to spend an afternoon. On those days, we always plan our dinner around the freshest meat and produce of the day. Also in the summer, I plant a big garden and grow the best tomatoes, peppers, onions, etc that I can get anywhere. I can or freeze or give away my surplus. There is nothing more flavorful than biting in to a fresh Michigan tomato, still warm off te vine. Gardening also gives me excercise and a sense of peace that is similar to meditation. I also always think of my mom as I dig into the dark, beautiful loamy earth. I know that in this small act of beauty and nurturing ethical eating, mom is always with me even though she died in 1999. By the way, growing organically is cheaper, safer, healthier and, believe it or not, tastier than using chemical fertilizers, pesticides and herbacides. YUM!

Local Farmers Markets
Large Quantity Stores (Costco, Sam's Club...etc)
Fresh & Easy has great deals for fresh fruit/veg
Vine Ripe (Local SD Store...I think but it's great middle eastern shop which has great low prices)
Super Walmarts


You could check the weekly mail for what the major shops have going in regards to sales.

banquet tv dinners are a little help for people on the go most dinners are under 500 calories

I am also a fan of the farmers market here in Sarnia (ON).

I find it cheaper than the grocery store--especially the organic. I can buy enough for the week and not waste anything. Our farmers market has literally everything--including my weekly treat (deep fried spring roll--I have to work out twice as hard but sooo worth it!)

And you should always spring for local honey-my allergies have disappeared and it satisfies my sweet cravings.


If farmers markets aren't an option for you (I'm lucky, ours is open all year), once you stop buying the packaged garbage the cost balances. Of course it's more expensive if all you're buying are lean cuisines and other name brand boxes of sodium.

One thing i have learned to do is use coupons!! I went shopping last weekend and got over 100 dollars worth the stuff for 60 bucks! Our sales papers come in on wednesdays as well as some coupons. On Sunday i go buy 3 or 4 papers "they also have coupons" Then I plan our meals around what i have put away and what is on sale. I take my whole book of coupon and just write the date they came in on the front then file them away. Once a week i go to couponmom.com and they will list what your local stores have on sale and if there is a coupon to match it they have the date that coupon came in on so all you have to do is go to your files pull that 1 2 or 3 out and go shopping. I know you said your busy and this seems like alot, but if you dedicate a little time in one of your evenings youll only have to do it once a week and save some money. Btw im not one of those extreme couponers. But im sure i save us 100 to 150 per month, and that adds up! I also enjoy going to our local farmers market ours grows almost everything there and what they dont they get within a 20mile radius.