GROCERY SHOPPING HACKS THAT STILL SAVE MONEY RIGHT NOW | HOW TO SAVE ON GROCERIES

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#frugalliving #grocerybudget #frugalfitmom

[@FrugalFitMom]

Get your free Sample Pack with any drink mix purchase at drinklmnt.com/FrugalFitMom

[@diml664]

People in those cost of living tiktoks complain about stuff being expensive but all they buy are brand name stuff and pre-cut/pre-prepared veggies and fruit.

[@wunderwriter1]

Fourth generation native Californian here, no sales tax on food in CA!

[@yanak7159]

I am shocked at how some people REFUSE to shop at stores like Aldi or Walmart. They’re loyal to one expensive store like Whole Foods or sprouts. You can save so much money with just trying out a different store. Aldi has so many organic clean ingredient foods, and saves you so much money.

[@brendabrowning8721]

ALDIs is our fave!!

[@jowinder5566]

Walmart produce is not good where I live...

[@dianasimplifies]

I agree with you but sprouts has great sales. I do prefer organic and I get a lot at Aldi but sprouts has good produce sales every week.

[@sometimeswrite239]

I have friends like this.

[@judymitchell27]

I’m not against these stores, but Aldi doesn’t have some of what I need. Walmart… ours are high crime areas.

[@DistractedDaisy]

And there are Mexican grocery stores everywhere where veggies are always cheaper! And the theme of your video is very important! It’s so easy to starve if you don’t know how to shop!

[@deltorres2100]

This is why I’m growing my own carrots, potatoes, onion, garlic, zucchini, squash, melons, and all that Texas 🌱🌱🌱

[@theresahanson-rf4id]

I rarely buy chips/snacks for teenager daughter and she understands but will get them as a treat and not as a food group

[@nelliebly6616]

I was shocked when I found out,the English children brings Crisps( chips...) ,in their Lunchboxes....😢

[@susanperkins358]

When I had teens, we had loads of kids on weekends. I would make popcorn, using an oil popcorn popper. It was fast, very easy to clean, and really cheap!

[@Cynthia2v]

Ordering groceries(ie, sales, weekly specials) and picking them up saves us money-no impulse buys! Order at night, pick up the next day.

[@gladyschandler6724]

Thank you Christina for hopefully helping that single dad how to shop smarter & cheaper

[@kaythegardener]

Also by teaching those teenagers how to run a household, that would split the chore load & help them prepare for living on their own!! Never too late to start them out on the road to independence!!

[@staceylynch9751]

I only buy meat when it's on sale and freeze for later use. ( I was lucky and someone was giving away a deep freezer when they moved. But, its so small I could have purchased it for under $250.) It holds plenty of meat and bread oroducts, etc . That alone has saved me a few thousand dollars.

[@mikeyserrano9748]

As a CA-resident myself, I gotta hand it to Trader Joes! I thought it was gonna be a Whole Foods-esque store, but the produce (and coffee beans) is pretty affordable! Same price as (or a little more expensive than) Walmart, but the produce quality is far better. It is cheaper than the Albertson's or Kroger chains (Vons, Ralphs, etc). I do buy proteins at Costco or Walmart since those are a lot cheaper

[@divitiae]

I am Canadian, and years ago there was a legal scandal where people started selling Trader Joes here under the name "Pirate Joes". I thought people were exaggerating how great it was, but I visited a Trader Joes for the first time last year and I was amazed. Great product for super cheap. As a whole though, I am jealous how you guys get so much more variety and options for shopping than us up north. We're so close, yet so far.

[@wallashakalla]

Me again. The girl that drives an hour to Sam’s once a month because It’s totally worth it. While I’m in the area, I go to Smiths for the smaller items. I know that driving that far for groceries sounds ridiculous, but even with fuel added, it’s saving me money vs buying local. I know this because I’ve compared my receipts. I haul a cooler in my pickup and some cold packs to help keep the cold stuff cold. I only buy ice cream locally because it’s a local brand

[@intuitive_duck]

I’ve probably saved a thousand over the last 1-2 years by prioritizing a weekly shopping trip to Walmart 60min away from home vs a store that’s 10min away. I have to go to the city once a week anyway so I do a grocery pick up after the appointment. Worth it!!

[@GenRN]

Walmart order online and pick up has saved me. As I think of something I need, I go in my app and add it to my cart. I can shop while standing in my pantry to see what I actually need.

[@maryssaann]

I do this too! My husband used to tease me for doing pick up but I’m a browser and I will find things to just add to the cart for things we don’t need. I can meal plan first, go through our fridge and pantry for that and add other household things as well. Works pretty great and keeps me in check more than anything 😂

[@susan_elizabeth]

Oh, I wish a Winnco store was in my area. But, I live in the middle of nowhere, in northern Michigan. I shop at farms, an Amish market, our tiny local grocery store, Dollar General, and a monthly trek to Costco. To live this way, you have to utilize a full size freezer and strategically shop to keep your pantry stocked.

[@sherryvietor5767]

I summer in Northern Michigan. I have to plan to spend twice my normal grocery budget those months. Maybe try going down State one a month for a huge haul and just fill in stuff you need locally.

[@brendabrowning8721]

Upper Peninsula here… garden, process our own food, drive to bigger city, about 90 miles away to shop discount about once a month or so. Less in winter. Other times DG and local groceries on sale and discount bins.

[@KJDogluv]

Snyders pretzels are at dollar tree, full size bags.

[@FrugalFitMom]

I know, it's such a good deal!

[@darcyjane8031]

Synders pretzel are actually REALLY GOOD !

[@Collageartist69]

They are the best.​@@darcyjane8031

[@YourPinayMomma]

Thank you for being realistic. Not everyone can cook from scratch and not everyone can shop the low-price stores. These tips have got us through the inflation blows for the past couple of years. Also a hard YES on the takeout/ fake takeout games. It won't save a lot at first but really it adds up. Love your channel!

[@uweschroeder]

Everyone can cook from scratch. It's a matter of priorities. Stores are a matter of where you live, cooking is not. Put that phone down and cook.

[@svgarpaws]

@@uweschroedermy bad g I will simply stop being disabled and cook a 4 course meal tonight. such an ignorant statement. maybe you should put the phone down instead...

[@kelseyfludd5926]

@@uweschroedereveryone doesnt have time to be choppimg and and cooking from scratch. Some people are tired after work or it could be due to physical or mental issues. Also it could be due to time. You never know

[@uweschroeder]

@@kelseyfludd5926 I've never encountered anyone who wouldn't have the time given they wanted to. The entire "people are too busy or too tired" thing is the biggest marketing success the food industry ever had = they started perpetuating that myth over 50 years ago when they tried to sell more TV dinners but people cooked at home for less. Ever since that's the message of every advertisment for processed food: convenience, time savings etc. Check your phone usage log: if you don't find an hour in there you're really busy. Fact is, Americans spend on average almost 6 hours per day entertaining themselves in front of a screen - small or large. 6 hours! It's a matter of priorities and convenience, not a matter of time. I'm ok with that - everyone can decide that for themselves, but the entire "I don't have time" is simply a socially acceptable excuse for other priorities. If you want convenience and you don't want to cook that's perfectly ok, just don't whine that someone else doing that for you is more expensive and lower quality.

[@sw3et24x7]

My local grocery store had the take and bake 16' pepperoni pizza on sale for $0.97. A few of my family members went with me and we each bought quite a few and threw them in the freezer. Went back a few days later and they still had a ton. I couldn't believe it. It was like no one was buying them! Great video and advice.

[@StillSwirling]

Dude it's a lot. My closest Walmart is an hour and a half away. 😔 My local grocery store isn't a major chain and tries it's best. I actually use Misfits Market delivery. I like that their mission is to rescue perfectly good food and produce that would otherwise get wasted. I save so much money on my produce this way. And most of it is organic! It comes right to your door. It's been a lifesaver for me. I'm the only one working right now and my husband's health isn't the best and our toddlers pretty much exhaust him every day so I'm trying to do little things to feed my family of 5. Appreciate your videos so much!

[@brendaleick]

We don't have tax on food, yet, here in California. Yes, WinCo is so awesome.

[@susannesanchez2987]

WinCo is the best for groceries, but I find the quality of the meat isn't very good.

[@elizabethbrown1276]

California has a chain of stores called Grocery Outlet. It's been almost four years since I visited California but they always had amazing deals on high quality food items that cost so much more at stores like Kroger or even Walmart.

[@darcyjane8031]

we are so lucky here in CA. Tons of options and good prices are not that hard to find. !

[@maureenlongdo5551]

I love going to Grocery Outlet. Always find something for a great price.

[@lsgdaria]

lol now I can’t stop the radio outro song from playing in my head 😂 “Grocery Outlet, bargain market”

[@AC-sn5io]

Washington, has them too. 😊

[@amys8842]

@@lsgdaria LOL as soon as I read "Grocery Outlet" I sang the jingle. They got us!

[@theresaanndiaz3179]

We live in California, we shop sales at Safeway, we use our "rewards" to get money off gasoline. Safeway has great sales. Their gasoline regular price is right in line with other stations. I have never seen a WinCo. The ricotta cheese is with the cheese not by the cottage cheese. I find the Safeway App helps me plan my shopping trip and we have a freezer. I compare the ads too.

[@debbiepowell8172]

I love the penny sticks pretzels. They are so good and very budget friendly.

[@wurdnurd1]

I get anxiety from shopping in large grocery stores or warehouse stores, so I prefer Aldi and their limited choice; the prices aren't too terrible either!

[@amandakench4079]

Yes me too!!

[@EvelynSaungikar]

Even better is reverse meal planning, shop the sales and build your meals around them.

[@vickidiodato9834]

A snack you can MAKE is popcorn with a silicon popper and put your OWN spices on it!!

[@katieallen909]

Curb side is a game changer. If I walk into heb I’m spending $250-300. If I curbside it’s $120-150. You miss out on clearance food but it’s fine.

[@Macfam4ever]

Field trip, field trip!! Love Kim! You and Kim are the only two channels I watch regularly!

[@ladybliss101]

Lol. Kim's new video sent me here. Someone in the comments suggested it.

[@lisacarson6223]

Hi! Who is Kim? I'd be interested in checking her channel.

[@Macfam4ever]

The wads

[@hplovinmama631]

Same here!

[@hplovinmama631]

​@@lisacarson6223I highly suggest watching Kim! The Wads is her KZbin channel.

[@marlenecooper2656]

The 2 lb bag and blocks of Lucerne cheese occasionally go on sale at Albertsons for 5.99 per package. I buy them in bulk then! Maybe Safeway runs the same sale sometimes.

[@williamwarren9448]

Last summer we had red peppers for 19 cents each at winco ! I stocked up chopped and froze!! Glenda

[@freeinghumanitynow]

You're right on the money!! 👍Food preservation is so important!! I really wish folks understood that knowing HOW to shop is super important. Even if you may not need it now, if you see it for sale at a very cheap price, buy it and preserve it for your pantry and/or freezer. When you need it, you'll have it and not have to go buy it when it's not on sale. I especially like this when meat is on sale.

[@sarahbuchanan2222]

Love your videos so much! It's just frustrating watching all the store choices you have when in New Zealand we literally have like 3 different options at best. There's basically 2 'parent' companies, one NZ owned that's responsible for 3 stores (cheapish, standard and crazy expensive convenience) and an Australian owned company that has 1 store. There are a couple of random discount stores - an hour from where we live - but they are all full of the food no-one really wants. The only bulk store is 1.5 hours away and you have to be a business to be able to use it and Costco is only in Auckland (an 8 hour drive away). I'm not sure if it's possible, but it would be all kinds of amazing, if you could do a video where you shopped from our stores to see if you'd do anything to save money on groceries that I haven't thought of (or already learnt from your videos) when you are really restricted in terms of store choice?

[@debbiehekel2871]

I live in California and a Little Caesars classic cheese pizza is over $9 dollars. I have been watching your videos for awhile now and your food prices often are significantly less than mine. I do totally agree with you that there are things he can do to lessen his food budget if that is important to him.

[@Pajali]

The biggest cost-saver for me (as someone who only has one store that’s practical to shop at) is adjusting the menu for what’s cheap at my store. Sometimes it’s as simple as using a slightly different ingredient (I can get one can of plain tomato sauce for 1/4 of the cost of the same amount of “pasta” sauce and then add my own seasonings), but often it’s planning meals around cheaper ingredients. If one ingredient is going to cost me $6, I’m swapping that ingredient out for something cheaper or swapping the meal entirely.

[@susankirby4607]

Last Friday afternoon I found boneless, skinless chicken breasts on sale for 40% off at my local Food Lion. I purchased 6 packs for a sale price of $22.25 - because I purchased more than $20 in the meat dept I got an extra $3 off my purchase!! That's $38 dollars of fresh chicken for $19.25 - that's a 48.1% savings!! And yes it went into my freezer!!! AND NO I DID NOT BUY IT ALL - I left 3 packs for other shoppers....

[@Desertthorn11]

Not only meals for busy families, but I had a mini stroke in Jan and a disabled husband. Need meal ideas that take no time to prepare as while I'm getting better, my old body is taking its sweet time to heal. Thanks for your great ideas

[@marytubis3807]

Hope you feel better soon ❤

[@melnissen7188]

I'm so sorry to hear you. Had a stroke! I pray you have full recovery success soon! Crock pots are your best friend. Look up dump and go crockpot. Recipes, along with simply just baking something like chicken with a little bit of seasoning on it. You could even throw vegetables in it for a Feet PAN dinner. Are so many recipes for easy cooking on KZbin? That's what I use, because I am chronically ill. And legally blind. I also when I'm feeling a little better. Make double of a meal and freeze it. So the next time I just have to either put it in the crockpot. Or a sheet PAN, and don't have to think about anything. Hope this helps!

[@sherryvietor5767]

Grocery delivery is such a time and money saver. Meal kits would also be less expensive for this guy.

[@FrugalFitMom]

That's actually a great point about the meal kits!

[@micahmiller5923]

I shop at my Kroger store, Smith's, all the time. It's less than a mile from my house and is my closest store. To add to that, most of my other stores are over 2 miles away, Walmart is 4 and WinCo is 6 miles plus on a busy highway that has been under construction for years. Anyway, I spend about $80-120 a week for my family of 3 (temporarily 4 while we wait for my mom's new house in our area to be ready). Now, my husband hates chicken, so chicken is off our dinner menu. And I'm big on healthy living and eating while still getting my family all the snacks they like. I use deals and digital coupons to get the snacks. I only buy chips when they're on sale, and I buy the max amount I can when that happens. Same with the oreos (my son's favorite) and the soda (my husband has an addiction). I also shop the sales on produce and try to stick to what's on sale for meals. I actually wake up at 4 on Tuesdays to check out the ad on the app so I can start meal planning for the next week. We stick to whole foods in my house for the most part, and I only ever venture down aisles for baking needs and sales items. I'm currently working on a sourdough starter to switch my family to sourdough and, eventually, whole wheat sourdough. I tend to buy my meat in bulk either on digital sales at Smith's or at Costco because I prefer a high quality meat. In fact, bone in ribeyes are going for 6.97/lb in the family packs at Smith's right now, which equals out to 2 very large steaks for around $20. I picked up 3 packs and stored them in the freezer because I know we'll enjoy them throughout the summer. When they, along with the flanks, tri tips, burgers, and hot dogs go on sale again, I'll repeat the process to keep quality meat on hand for meals for 6 months. In the fall and winter, I do the same thing with the round roasts, briskets, prime rib, turkey, and ham. Produce is also purchased on sale and seasonally, when they're at their cheapest. And my meal plan follows a Great Depression pattern I picked up from my favorite grandmother, who used to always tell us she was serving leftovers when we asked what was for dinner at her house. On Sundays, I do seasonal spreads. I either roast or grill our dinner based on the season, and I serve it with seasonal produce to match. Mondays are Meatless with dinners relying on legumes, eggs, or dairy for protein, and they're often made with the leftover veg from Sunday's dinner. Tuesday is takeout-inspired, often utilizing the leftover meat from Sunday's dinner. Wednesday is my Wild Card day in which I make either a family favorite, a new recipe, or a viral trend. I try to incorporate fish or shrimp in our diets this day if I can. Thursday is my Thrifty day, where we either eat whatever is left over from previous dinners or (in the rare instance when nothing is leftover) I'll make a meal based on my pantry, fridge, and freezer contents. This often results in another vegetarian meal. Friday is Seafood, so another fish or shrimp dish. And Saturday used to be my night off, but now it's just my KISS day (keep it super simple)-either a soup, salad, sandwich, sheet pan, or stock pot dish that requires minimal effort and time. I prefer one pot/one pan meals or easy ones like salad because I usually still have the ingredients prepped for salads and they're likely to go to waste if not eaten on Saturdays. It's also usually the night we dine out, or it's when I'll make any meal we didn't have during the week due to schedule mishaps. As for lunches, my husband usually takes leftovers or a sandwich to work (along with snacks, cheese, yogurt, fruit, and veg). My son rotates through his favorites like pb&j, Lunchables (I stock up when they're on sale), chicken nuggets, mini waffles, quesadillas, pizza, and sandwiches. He takes a bento box with one of these as a main, a treat (like an oreo or two), seasonal fruit, and seasonal veggies to school for lunch. I do a mix and match lunch at home. On Sundays when I do my weekly prep, I prep salad greens, crudites, a seasonal veg, black beans, a grain (like farro or brown rice), and a sauce or condiment (dressing, hummus, tzatziki). I keep bread, low carb tortillas, condiments, and tuna on hand. Sometimes I'll also do a chicken breast (or plan to have an extra one ready to grill that night for the week). Then, throughout the week, I just mix and match for my lunch. Breakfasts are cereal (bought when there's a sale), protein pancakes (kodiak cakes mix), protein muffins (made with Kodiak Cakes mix), eggs and toast, bagels with cream cheese, yogurt parfaits with homemade granola, or baked protein oats. I'll pick a couple of options each week based on sales and pantry items and prep the components for us to choose our breakfast each day.

[@kymrichardson884]

Native Californian and here I’ve lived here all my life. California does not have sales tax on food all other retail goods do but food does not. Unfortunately the prices are still high though. I totally agree that you have to know your local stores. I live near Los Angeles and you definitely would want to shop at Stater Brothers not Vons. We have Winco which is cheaper than Walmart. It’s all about educating yourself on the prices.

[@cindytabacchi1242]

I also live in CA. Our Safeway/Vons are comparable in price to Ralph’s. Walmart and Winco are 40 minutes away. I shop at a different store each week depending on what’s on sale and stock up on sale items. Living in California is just really expensive.

[@lizpimentel2566]

My tip for cheap snack foods is buying them at Aldi. I only buy one snack a week per person (just my boyfriend and I). A pack of cookies and a bag of chips would only be around $4. I try to make most things from scratch, but its nice to have something quick to grab when its too hot to turn on the oven!

[@Krankykrew]

I got Kroger Boost for $25 on a Black Friday deal. I have not set foot in Kroger all year. My grocery budget slashed to $350-$400 a month and the bring it to me FREE in their refrigerated blue truck AND they don’t allow tipping because they are Kroger employees making a regular wage. It’s literally saving me time and money. Plus I’m getting coupons every month specifically for Boost members for free items. Unlike Walmart delivery where I have to tip the driver and I’ve found sometimes the items cost varies as well. (And sometimes it’s lower online than in the store). But who knew delivery would be the way to go!!!

[@brookecarrillo3432]

I wish our Kroger had their own drivers! What held me back was ours is delivered by instacart and I’m not into tipping. Like you said just pay a livable wage like Kroger!

[@desertfamilyhomestead3127]

I have found the prices online to order from Walmart are higher than shopping in the store.

[@brookecarrillo3432]

Yeah some do that. Kroger’s are the same in store and online.

[@desertfamilyhomestead3127]

@@brookecarrillo3432 I will do pick up orders from our local Kroger affiliate occasionally.

[@Hannah-lc7de]

I wanted to love Boost delivery, but in my area it was delivered by Instacart. I cancelled before the trial ended 😢

[@VL-gs2wr]

Couple of things (you probably already know)! Most teenage boys want junk food. I know you've trained yourself well but that's not going to be the case 90% of the time. Plus, most of the time, since they are men and young, they can take the hit. So I say let them enjoy it while they can! Secondly, I am so picky about the canned tomatoes and jarred pasta sauces. I've definitely noticed different flavor profile based upon the brand I am using. Thirdly, I am really weird about the grated parmesan cheese as well. I have different pastas I make with each one so I understand that. The take-and-bake pizzas are usually at the front of the store no matter where I shop. I don't really like any of them except for The Fresh Market. And then finally, a lot of "sit-down" chains have family meals you can order to go for about $45. I think these are great values, especially for time crunched parents.

[@tomikotomihewitt657]

Nah. Let’s feed our boys well and NOT junk food. They’re literally growing like weeds and need the better quality of food.

[@melnissen7188]

That's perfectly fine. But if you're saying you can't afford it and making a video about it, then don't complain.. I'm not being mean. I'm just saying if you choose to live like that, then don't make a video about it.😅

[@naelyneurkopfen9741]

Kinda sounds like more dollars than sense, to me.

[@yanak7159]

@@melnissen7188if his intention was to make that type of video for views, that’s messed up. You can totally save money on food shopping if you meal plan and budget. If the person can’t afford groceries but chooses organic only or only specific brand, then the priorities are off. And teenagers don’t need unhealthy snacks. If you don’t buy them, they won’t eat or crave them. Tested that on our kids and that totally works.

[@rik80280]

And they can buy snacks themselves! Having to walk to Dollar General when you want junk food and spend your own hard earned money is a good deterrent.

[@leannhotchkiss9382]

Thank you for speaking about single, busy parents that just can’t. I would love to hear more of your ideas on this. Help!

[@kimhefley1683]

Walmart's produce is terrible unless you pick it out yourself. Last time I did a pick up, my strawberries were frozen and turned to mush. And half green. Never again! The only thing I will buy is lettuce, English cukes and Bananas. Even my onions got moldy super fast. I like the produce at King Soopers (same as Kroger, I live in Colorado). And they have sales quite often. I miss my Aldi from Texas!

[@darcyjane8031]

Walmart is not a good place to buy groceries. Meat is especially expensive. The grocery depts subsidize the lower prices on other consumer items.

[@tammywheeldon7767]

California doesn’t have a tax on food they have a high state tax and sales tax, but not tax on food unless it’s like at convenient stores.

[@FrugalFitMom]

Wow, we pay 6% here on all food items!

[@tammywheeldon7767]

Grocery items are exempt

[@FrugalFitMom]

@@tlr1604 I think you might be totally right!

[@tammywheeldon7767]

Yes! Its gotten infinitely worse! I love California from way back L O L but these days it’s very very sad! We moved from California two years ago to Tennessee, where our daughter and family live. We are taxed on grocery items here, but there’s no income tax. I think no matter where you live There’s going to be things you don’t like, but some states are pretty horrific😢

[@SandiMacDougall]

I was going to point this out. When we moved from CA to MO I was shocked that I had to pay tax on food!

[@jenniferfondry2656]

I just paid $1.99 for the EXACT same size of Takis at my Grocery Outlet here in Long Beach, CA. Dude would benefit from finding a good Food 4 Less or Grocery Outlet, both are all over LA county. Great video, BTW! 😊

[@coral.walker]

yes more videos like this. I would love to see you meet up with a subscriber or friend to do it in person (again lol). Fantastic tips, love that you don't shame busy parents. If you ever come to Canada come find me ;) Thank you Christine for helping us save money!

[@milliesimmons7252]

I spent $445.00 for a month of groceries at Stater brothers for the two of us. Costco is 45 minutes away from me so I go when I need to be in that area for other things. I live in Southern California, gas is $5.20 a gallon and food prices are crazy high.

[@ellooellooo]

Can you please do a video on which stores are best for which food items (eg, Kroger for protein, Aldi for ready-made, Walmart for produce)? I have heard you mention in passing that a store is better or worse for deals on certain products but can’t keep them straight and would love a guide as I plan my grocery hauls!!

[@justachick7761]

One of the things I did was, when i didn't have kids, i looked after my neighbor's kiddos while she shopped. Gave her a break, me a fun few hours and she paid me in groceries! And i didn't have to shop! When my kiddos were little, i shopped at night when they were asleep. We don't have the great coupons in Canada like you guys do, but i still clipped em and used em. I even mail ordered for em! I bulk bought and shared with my friends to get better prices. I also would ask for the department manager to get a discount on clise to date stuff then buy all they had left. I fed my family of five on $300 a month! And i only got that in half every 2 weeks so $150 usnt much to spend! I got good at meal planning let me tell ya!

[@angelag669]

I have been much more cognizant of prices at different stores. Lately I have been doing most of my shopping at Walmart which has the best prices here. I go to Publix (which is typically more expensive) when they have a really good sale like 2 for 1 or 10 for $10 yogurt. Publix is good about letting you buy just 1 on 2 for 1 and charging you half or I can get 3 yogurts for $1 a piece. It is important to make sure your store does that. They do have some good sales and there are some things they have there that I prefer. Note however that I am cooking for one and I am retired so I can make trips to multiple stores if necessary.

[@chocolatetickles]

Field trip field trip! Kim Wad!! 😂

[@JamieMarieKY]

I buy the store brands most of the time. That saves tons of money. I will buy name brands on certain things but usually there are digital coupons for a lot of those purchases too. I shop mainly at Kroger but on Wednesdays I go to Aldi!

[@debrabyrd592]

Recently a tornado took out a Dollar Tree warehouse in Oklahoma. Could start causing some problems in store instock. $1.75 prices already started showing up in the NW Arkansas area ☹️

[@madelineeverritt8874]

Hey Christine, i usually buy everything store brand. When it comes to chip, i check to see if there are any fuller bags, because you're basically buying air. We gave a few so called discount stores. A kot of their stuff cost even more. We have a grocery outlet. i think our taxes in Alabama is 9%. Then 10% added to that. So, it you get something thats $1, you're actually paying $1.20 I do shop there for some things. Its been a while since I shopped there. ❤

[@stellaz2595]

The domestic Cento tomatoes are just about as good as the San Marzano canned tomatoes. Very clean (no extra junk) and packed in tomato juice. They also have San Marzano tomatoes.

[@snuassauns]

A microwave popcorn popper, popcorn kernels, butter and a few shaker toppings might cost you $25 but will save you a lot of money on chips in the long run.

[@tenthz]

POPCORN is my favorite snack! Butter+Salt, Butter+Salt+Shaker Cheese, and Butter+Peanut butter are my favorite combinations. For the 2nd two... a 1:1 ratio of Butter to Peanut Butter or Parmesan. Melt in the microwave & stir. drizzle over the popcorn and mix together. I like to eat it with a spoon so my fingers don't get so messy. Those "recipes" are from the Klutz kids cookbook I had growing up. I think it's the only recipes in the book that stuck with me!

[@lizzy9975]

I literally go through our store catalogues and am at the point where I will on buy items if they are on sale. Items like Olive Oil, washing powder, coffee and other long life staples, I buy when they are 50% off. And I buy in bulk. When I'm down to the last bottle, can or box at home. I then put it straight onto my shopping list to stay until I see it on sale. Dishwasher tablets, I get from ALDI.

[@lindamedeiros4618]

I am so glad you did this video. I live in an area that food is about 20% higher than the national average. I do shop at an Albertson's store for their lost leaders. I think they have the best loss leaders. Then I go to either Aldi's or my local less expensive store Market Basket for the rest. I have a friend who lives in the San Francisco area Albertson's. She showed me her flyers. She got ground beef (80/20) for $1.99/lb where my local store had it for $2.99/lb. Same with b/s chicken breast, her's was lower. There are a lot of ways to reduce our food bills. I am like you, I think I could cut people's food bill in half if they want to do all the things. If not, at least 25%. I do wish we had a Winco. I saw a post on FB comparing food prices from 2020 to 2024. I actually get food regularly for less than the 2020 prices. I am sure you do as well.

[@tammytackitt8713]

Love your channel love the food that you fix the ones that are cheap some people are buying groceries with lobster crab T-Bones you know brisket you can't go and buy food nowadays if you have a hot dog celery on a lobster budget you just can't do that people need to learn how to cook now to conserve money that's why I like to watch your channel because it shows that you can eat good food but cheap cheap as in not spending a lot of money

[@lenettasmith-murray2145]

But lots of people like their snacky food or sweets and won't change that for anything 🤷🤷. I gave up sweets & snack foods because my Hgb A1c was 5.7 last blood work. I'm an Aldi's shopper all the way ❤

[@melnissen7188]

Woo hoo, you go! That is a huge blessing to your life. My blood sugars were out of control for a while and I went blind. Stick to it! It's worth it!

[@dianasimplifies]

Girl mine was at 5.7 as well..now I'm doing cardio every day bc just changing diet didn't bring it down much....

[@wildflower4380]

I live in California. An issue we’ve been having down here is bigger corporations buying out our local grocery stores and turning them from budget friendly into more expensive specialty item stores. The grocery store closest to my home had this happen. These expensive stores are placed in low budget areas where lots of people who don’t have cars are forced to shop the crazy expensive store because it’s the only one within walking distance. Our weather is extreme in the summer with temperatures already reaching 107 Fahrenheit. Convenient isn’t so convenient anymore.

[@wildflower4380]

Also yes sales tax on food is high here, .08 cents tax for every dollar you spend. The 99 cents store didn’t charge us food tax, but they are out of business and not an option anymore.

[@tanishahogan9396]

My DT has the Snyder's pretzels all the time!

[@jlw7189]

Costco chicken saves the day in my house! 😂 Plus all the mark down veg and meat and bread. We eat on the cheap but super healthy between Costco, TJs and FM. I shop my freezer and food storage and come up with dinner. Love a challenge when it comes to finding deals - so fun!!

[@ckinsellagh]

5.97 for a WHOLE cooked rotisserie Lemon Pepper Chicken at Walmart in TX (2.65/lb). Seasoning is just like a normally flavored rotisserie chicken (which they have, also). It is reallllly delicious and moist, with a crispy skin. I don't need Costco anymore bec it's just that good! Walmart rocks. I'm a happy convert. The overall money savings on generics there is approx 30-60% on average cheaper for most generic items vs. name brands and cheaper for mostly everything else than most grocery stores (produce, dairy, etc...). Thanks for converting me...watching your videos has saved me thousands . Thank you!!🫶🫶🫶🫶

[@TheRealJules]

The one thing that really REALLY sucks about pickup is when they are out of something they don’t give it to you or if they are running low on say produce and it’s picked over you get limp lettuce. So there are times I had to park and run in anyway to get what I needed. This is why I just bite the bullet and go myself to shop.

[@dianasimplifies]

Our WM is just terrible with pick up. I've perfected being in and out of both WM and Aldi in 20 min or less. And I stick to my list so going in doesn't break the budget.

[@marybratton5514]

We are DINKS living in Los Angeles County. We are sad when I cheap out on the block cheeses. I’ll usually buy other generic items and check the per unit prices. The grocery prices are out of control!

[@CookingwithCatLover0330]

Great video. Living in a small town with 2 small town stores, I try to watch sales and go in even if I don't need anything to look for the clearance items. I won't buy if it's not a very good price.

[@jenniferliegeois5365]

These videos are so helpful and love ur cooking videos thank you. Im a SAHM husband works and we live in New Jersey(I know expensive). My weakness is ice cream and chips 🤤😂😂, I only buy it on sale or at dollar tree. ❤️❤️❤️

[@chrismiller4544]

I can't get over the variety and choice you have in the U.S for grocery shopping, its just not like that here in Australia and don't even start me on the price of groceries.

[@dianasimplifies]

We are OVERRUN with choices!!! It's insane.

[@desertfamilyhomestead3127]

I was doing the Walmart pick up order for awhile and then I had to run in for something and decided to pick up a 2lb package of the great value cooked ham lunch meat and discovered I was being charged over $1 more for it by ordering online and since then I go to Walmart once a month for my shopping there because it is worth it keeping the extra money in my wallet. There were other items that I was being charged more for too.

[@dianasimplifies]

That's crazy. I didn't realize they are doing that. 😢

[@desertfamilyhomestead3127]

@@dianasimplifies I don’t know if they all do it but our local one does sadly. I am not really an impulse shopper so I can go in to do my shopping. I pretty much buy the exact same items there each month.

[@dianasimplifies]

@@desertfamilyhomestead3127 our pickup is absolutely awful so I stopped using it a long time ago.

[@crIms0ngen]

I shop at a safeway mostly but always shop the sales, get the extra coupons, and the markdown stuff in the store, I save so much money just doing that. And with the strategies I usually don't find better deals just at a diff store. I have a deep freezer and a garden so that helps a ton too. Buy on sale, pick when fresh, freeze and use later. I'm in WA and we don't have food tax here, so that concept is foreign to me.

[@jenniferrosenthal7731]

I also saw that short video showing what that guy bought for groceries and I was flabbergasted

[@crybebebunny]

I am in Southern California. Ralph is an experience grocery stores as is Albertson's. We do have Winco's but they are far from most people. The closest to me is 45 miles away plus traffic. Aldí's are available in about 10 miles away from each other. El Super would be a better choice. It is a Hispanic community Grocery chain.

[@KristinaSkaggs-m2u]

That KZbinr is the one and only Kimberly Wwhhhhhisk.😂 Enjoy you both ❤

[@lisaphares2286]

I never bought chips unless it was for a birthday sleepover. I always kept shell on nuts. 3 reasons. They are better nutrition. They are cheaper in the long run because they are more satisfying so less is equivalent to more. And having to shell them slows down eating so you have time to feel full, or full enough that you don’t want to crack anymore nuts. Bonus? All my sons’ friends said they loved that I had nuts to snack on instead of the standard chips!

[@casanova0191]

Good for you for talking about him and his situation. So Cal is very expensive!! I love your videos!! I've been watching for a couple of years before covid hit. You're my favorite to watch behind Exocontralto and Steve Meade. They do car audio stuff. lol. Will Tennyson is the other one I watch a lot of. He does workout and eating videos. Your awesome, real and pretty! Keep up the Amazing work!!

[@0341-g8g]

I would say some places in SoCal are expensive. I live there and shop at Winco and Costco. I find prices still much lower than when I visit family in the Midwest.

[@outinspace3083]

Love Winco! Sometimes their produce is meh, but they have bulk goods and decent prices. They also do digital coupons on some name brand goods. I have found some things, like Tillamook cheese, cheaper at Costco, but I spend way too much there so it’s overall saving me money to shop somewhere else 😅

[@grannyprepper1181]

I watched his video and thought the same thing. He could do so much better at another store. I have a good friend that wouldn’t shop anywhere else except Safeway. About a month ago she told me she is learning Walmart… I feel she suffers from agoraphobia. Leaving her house is a huge deal for her and so is doing things on her own.

[@joannaazar7396]

Good afternoon Christine! I love your uplifting energy! Thanks for sharing. Have a good day! Love From: NewJersey ❤❤

[@justmare111]

California does NOT charge sales tax on groceries (food). Some things like sodas, yes (plus CRV - refundable deposit). Sales tax is charged on prepared foods - fast food, restaurants, etc... Ralphs might be owned by Kroger, but they are just as expensive as Safeway/Albertsons/Vons here in California. Yes, you can use their digital coupons for good sales, but that's about it. If his only choices are Safeway and Ralphs and he doesn't have the time to shop the sales ads and stock up a pantry only when things are on sale, he's not going to have a reasonable grocery bill here.

[@lynnloehr1566]

This was a great video! So informative! I switched to real parmesan cheese years ago, and it makes such a difference. It would be so fun to see you help that single dad learn how to shop better. Hope he contacts you.

[@tonihayes4064]

I agree snack foods like chips are way over priced. It's better to get a microwave popcorn popper & pop Orville Redenbacher or your favorite brand & sprinkle with popcorn cheese or your favorite flavor. Fun to pop, flavorful, & fiber! I learned about Bare frozen chicken strips & nuggets from you, they're great!

[@deboramorrissey7442]

These are great tips that I currently use to save $$ on groceries. I also hit up the clearance bin at grocery stores. I found a small area at a local grocery store that had clearance meat this morning at 0830 am (Wednesday). I only buy what I plan to use in the next day or two, but every cost savings add up. I am curious if you commented on this single dad's video with some of your tips. Maybe he simply doesn't know about these tips.

[@anniemurray5174]

I also live in CA (northern San Diego County) and I WISH we had a Winco! the closest one is a good 45 minutes away without traffic near where my parents live. I keep praying they will open one here. We need it badly!!

[@312countrygirl]

we don't have a WinCo and Stater Bros has lower price then Alberstson or Vons. and I live in Southern California. (L.A county) to go to Walmart I have to drive to Glendora.

[@chantals579]

Good advice. Unfortunately I live in a rural area. Albertsons and Ridleys (both pricey) are my only options unless I wanna drive 2-3hrs. But I do shop sales and do Costco runs every few months to stock up. Also, no dollar tree in my area.

[@marlagonzalez5064]

As a Californian sometimes the only option is Albertsons. I live in a food desert. Albertsons is 1 mile away. Ralphs 3 miles away, Aldi/Costco 5 miles away, Walmart 9 miles, and WinCo 14 miles. Remember this is in miles and here a mile can take up to 5-10 minutes to drive depending on traffic. We are also assuming he has time to drive to a store farther away and with gas prices being over $5 a gallon sometimes what you save in groceries you waste in gas and time. I try to not to shop at Albertsons but only if I’m already in the general location of these other stores.

[@FrugalFitMom]

That's literally the opposite of a food desert ;)

[@loveGG3]

See I think the biggest thing is he's going to the store and just buying what he wants/needs. The fact that when you did it, it was over $30 cheaper seems to indicate there just happened to be better sales when you went. That's the key. Shop the sales. I don't meal plan the way you do. I check sales and if it's a good price and something we eill use, I buy it. Then the meapls are planned around that.

[@mpbeautyinsight]

As a Californian ~ food prices are high here + 7.25% sales tax (as others mentioned, not on food). The best deal in CA are Aldi, Walmart and Winco. Those Alani energy drinks are the bomb !! However, I'm on a "relaxed" caffeine journey .. ugh.

[@vwdaisy970]

I love to watch you!! You crack me up! Haha you make so much sense, thank you! ❤

[@hollysouthall7739]

I shop Vons (Albertsons/Safeway) for sales only. They do have some really good deals. The rest of my shopping I do at Ralph’s. I’m going to see if there’s a winco or food4less a reasonable distance from me. But I feed a family of 3 (3 meals a day) for $175 a week. I stopped buying chips unless they are on sale or store brand only. My teenagers have miraculously survived! Thanks for all your tips. I meal plan faithfully and stock up on deals. I found eggs on clearance last week and thought of you ❤

[@nurseshedevil]

I bought frosting out of the bakery at one Hyvee got a big container for $5.99. Went to a different Hyvee same size for $9.99.

[@lisavoegtly1475]

Appreciate the video; I too live near CA and no WinCo stores anywhere near where I live. My Ralph’s does not tend to have great sales or clearance items. I don’t understand how to use digital coupons so sometimes I clip the paper ones when I can find them; I have switched over to Smart and Final and their prices seem to be much more affordable. Hope this guy can get some help and guidance to feed his family on a cheaper budget.

[@hayleydawes7504]

For my busy work nights my oldest has freezer dinners and my daughter with limited taste in food eats microwave rice mixed with eggs and soy sauce (cook on the stove) and I’ll grab whatever I can.. no it’s not nutritious but neither is the takeaway that cost triple

[@amy2284]

Hi Christine - thanks for great video I live in Hawaii and prices in Safeway are different from California. (That’s where we were from) so the prices in albertson in California may have higher prices (same store) I know this for sure from the ads When you set it to Hawaii from California (it’s different prices) try it with your state Idaho and California

[@mirthfulllaugh]

You passed over The Home Run Inn pizza's! Those are the best frozen pizzas on the planet! I baked one today and have one in the freezer from Aldi's. You need to try that brand.

[@dominiquehazzard5925]

I get some of my stuff on amazon when on offer, I do bulk buy and use subscribe and save. always check the prices of your upcomming delivery though as if I pay £5 for something and next month or 2 months later you want £9 I just cancel. I also have 2 lists, one for what I need now and one for my stock that is running low so an OFFER list if you will. I never wait to run out completely of something that we use a lot and regularly, you always find deals when you don't really need it but always full wack when you need. I go to some store just to get the offers, Idealy I try to use 4 stores against each others, I buy lot of clearing items that I can freeze and also very important buy in season

[@greeneyedredhead61]

Breaking in here before the videos even over. Just because I want to say. I live in California. In Central California. And there is zero tax on food that you buy anywhere in this town unless it is hot food. So fast food of course is taxed any restaurant food is taxed. You go to Costco and you buy their $5 rotisserie chicken it's going to be taxed. Because it's hot you take that same $5 rotisserie chicken and you wait till it's cold and they stick it in the deli section not text. When I go to WinCo they have a deli section where they sell hot chicken and other things. If you buy it hot you're going to pay tax on it but they package it up and put it with the cold stuff and it's not taxed. When I retire I'm moving to a moving to a place that doesn't charge any sales tax on anything you purchase. And yes there is a place like that.

[@janicemeaders1453]

Two places Or and Alaska