Weekly Grocery Shopping Hauls at Sam's Club, Kroger and Walmart

[@ellenfr3100]

Enjoyed this video! I live in south central Pennsylvania where the largest industry is family farms. I take empty egg cartons with me when I walk my dog and stop at a near-by farm. I pay $1.50 for 1 dozen large eggs. The farm stands offer fresh produce for a lot less than in the stores. I shop in family owned grocery stores and at Farmers' Markets too. Know I am lucky! I buy very little at the chain stores.

[@joyfullythriving]

That is wonderful! What a blessing to be able to purchase farm fresh eggs - as you exercise and walk your dog! I love it! And great point that small stores often have great deals too so don't Overlook them! 🙌

[@Trustbutverify2651]

My tip for the season coming up is if you want a cheap price on an extra turkey or two to use later in the year, the time to get them is at Thanksgiving (or even just after Thanksgiving when they are even more reduced.) They are never on sale as low later on - and even a small turkey can go a long way for several meals. Cook one for no other reason than to shred, portion, and freeze the cooked meat for all kinds of recipes in the winter months.

[@KarenLevy-e5w]

I try to buy several extra turkeys and will have a Thanksgiving in "July" or whatever month it is, to have a family dinner. Everyone loves it! Other turkeys I will roast and shred, make broth and can, etc.

[@joyfullythriving]

Buying extra turkey at Thanksgiving is such a great frugal thing to do! 🙌

[@joyfullythriving]

So smart of you! Love this idea! 🥰

[@noreenp.9858]

My challenge is the eggs as well. Our Aldi (Erie,PA) has large eggs $3.48 dozen. I got the Eggland eggs on sale last week 2 dozen large eggs for $6. I bought 4 dozen. Thank you for the Sams deal; however, prices may vary because the chocolate chips at my Sam’s were over $13. The meat sales at our Giant Eagle have been very good. I’d like to see a video on how long some foods can be stored…such as opened sour cream in the refrigerator, oatmeal in the pantry, ground beef in the freezer. Or even storage hacks that make food last longer. I store cottage cheese upside down and wrap celery in aluminum foil for a longer shelf life. This might help on less food waste since food prices are higher.

[@joyfullythriving]

Good job paying attention to the sales on eggs! It is interesting / sad that even Aldi egg prices are so high right now! 😩 Good idea about making food last longer. My 3lb container of sour cream will be gone within 2 weeks. 😂 But I find that sour cream - once opened - lasts several weeks anyway. Oats in the pantry last almost indefinitely. I have never had a problem with them going bad on me! And ground beef in the freezer is recommended to use with 6 to 12 months BUT I also don't track it super carefully and have never noticed a difference in taste or texture when using older ground beef from the freezer.

[@noreenp.9858]

@@joyfullythriving Thanks Kristen. I have 2 containers of oatmeal that expired in April. I’m think of investing in a one of those long term storage bins.

[@joyfullythriving]

I think your oatmeal is fine! I would totally still use it. But for the future, those long term packaged foods are handy to have!

[@soniab.estacio3008]

You are such a good shopper my lady ❤ I live in Illinois . I am a shopper too

[@joyfullythriving]

Thank you! I do enjoy shopping and finding the deals. It's always fun to have others here who loving shopping for deals too! 🥰

[@Finchlvr]

I make my own brown sugar when I get sugar on sale. Just add molasses and stir well. Keeps a long time.

[@joyfullythriving]

Yes! So handy to be able to do this!

[@elizabethteeter6284]

I have a blessed pretty full pantry right now since knowing I might be looking at surgery October depending on what they find out 14th keep me in your prayers I would appreciate it but bleeding is slowed down that's blessing to love your hair looks very nice on you

[@joyfullythriving]

Praying for healing and wisdom for the doctors and calmness as you wait for your surgery. 🙏

[@MsAngieCarter-o3r]

Great grocery haul ❤❤❤👍👍👍😊😊😊

[@joyfullythriving]

Thank you so much! I do love finding good deals! 🥰❤️🥰

[@kareneachus8630]

You know during the depression in our country most homes had their own chickens. Even people who lived in town. I now understand why. My parents grew up during the depression and they had chickens the entire time they were alive Plus the eggs taste so much better.

[@joyfullythriving]

I know! I totally understand too! If you had / have chickens, you have a continual source of eggs - and then the actual chicken, when you needed it!

[@bethanywarner5989]

Peter Piper is now in my head from your canning! 😂

[@joyfullythriving]

You and me both! 😂 I've been reciting it all week! 🤪

[@shelbylynnwilliams8520]

I bought a dozen of eggs today at Walmart for $3.97. I live in Washington state. We only have 2 grocery stores in our town Walmart & Safeway. The price for a dozen of eggs at Safeway is $5.49. Our local farmers market sells eggs for $5 a dozen.

[@joyfullythriving]

That's interesting that farm fresh eggs are cheaper than Safeway! And your Walmart price of a dozen still beats ours in Indiana. 🤪 Crazy egg prices!

[@Mrsmadison45]

You can't go wrong with Daisy ❤ eggs per dozen here in Southern Indiana is $3.77 just nuts 🤪

[@joyfullythriving]

It really is just plain nuts. I am with you there! 😂 And yes, we may be Daisy converts officially now. It is so good! And I love that it is just cream.

[@bethanywarner5989]

My challenge is looking at what I already have in pantry, fridge, freezer and figuring out how to use it to make meals.

[@joyfullythriving]

Yes! I try to keep a mental list of meals I can make with certain freezer things. For example, with chicken, I know I can grill it, make poppyseed chicken, chicken fajitas or homemade chicken nuggets. With ground beef, I can make enchilada casserole, meatballs, Tacos, sloppy Joe's, hamburgers or a variety of casseroles. If you know the meals your family likes and can make a reference list, that helps make the freezer planning a bit easier, I think!

[@debiscooking9770]

Can’t wait to see your Kroger tips on their app. I love your videos. 👩‍🍳

[@joyfullythriving]

Thanks so much! I hope the Kroger app will be another helpful one for you!

[@Trustbutverify2651]

Me, too!

[@caterobbins7403]

My big challenge is produce! Our family loves fresh fruit and veggies and I don’t want to limit them. My kids don’t tend to eat frozen or canned produce (even if home canned) because of the texture.

[@joyfullythriving]

I hear you there too! We are trying to do more fresh produce as well which is a good thing...so I am trying to figure out how to balance it out. My kids like applesauce and canned peaches but the rest of our fruit is preferred fresh too. Texture is definitely a real thing with kids! 😁

[@kristineroehl9940]

What recipe did you use for your refrigerator pickles?Thanks.

[@joyfullythriving]

Sadly, absolutely NONE of my cucumbers (or zucchini) grew this year! If they had, this recipe was the one I was going to try. Hopefully next year! andreadekker.com/refrigerator-dill-pickles/

[@kristineroehl9940]

We don’t eat a lot of eggs because dh is allergic, but I’m out and am not buying any yet. Sam’s was out of the Sam’s $5.xx pack yesterday. I’ve been organizing and cleaning my stockpile to see what I’m low on.

[@joyfullythriving]

Good for you! Cleaning out and organizing my stockpile is on my to do list too. Fall always seems like a perfect time to do this!

[@patriciakuronya9862]

I think my biggest challenge right now is how much to spend on stocking up for the future verse fresh stuff for just that week or so that I'm shopping for. I also have a discount grocery outlet which I really like but it can be really unpredictable as far as what they are going to have as a great deal when I go there. I want to get all the great deals but then I'm left with less money for what I need for the week.

[@joyfullythriving]

So true! That is definitely a very real challenge for me too. I have considered having a separate stocking up budget but since I stock up as I do my weekly shopping, it seems to make more sense to just raise my whole budget! 🤷‍♀️ But yes! I want all the deals...and then need to also get things for the week. It's a balancing act for sure...and I don't always get it right! 😂

[@LizWatts-o1o]

Red Robin sounds really good now! Another great video, I do wish we had a Kroger. I hope you and your family have a nice weekend!

[@joyfullythriving]

We only go there a couple times a year for a special treat but Red Robin is definitely a favorite! 🥰

[@lindabudzik9583]

Can’t wait to see your Kroger app video. Every time I shop there I think I need someone to actually show me how to do everything correctly. I always seem to mess something up. I love going to Mariano's (our Kroger affiliate) and I’ve gotten some great markdowns there, but it’s no longer convenient for me since I’m no longer in that area regularly and it’s 30 minutes away. I’d also love to see how you do your meal planning. Do you meal plan breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks or do you just concentrate on dinners? How do you remember to incorporate your freezer items into your weekly meal plan? I’ve been doing a great job of stocking up on markdowns, but an awful job of incorporating them into my weekly meals.

[@joyfullythriving]

I wish I could sit down at the kitchen table with you and talk you through the app but hopefully this Kroger app video will be the next best thing! As for meal planning, yes, I mainly focus on dinner. Breakfast is typically the same. Oatmeal, eggs, pancakes, toast or (occasionally) cereal are my kids favorites. Lunches, I am packing sandwiches, cheese and crackers, chips, fruit and cookies for the kids - and Caleb eats the same at home with me for lunch. Andy and I tend to do leftovers for lunch. So this allows me to focus on planning dinners. BUT when company comes, I plan all the meals with more detail! I will add a menu planning video to my list.

[@sharynmuzik2368]

I ❤ gardening and I am growing various veggies year round in zone 10B. Household of 2 so I only need to buy more when my grandkids arrive. Two of us don't eat meat and dairy so that keeps our food budget still pretty low. I will get the snacks like chips & ice cream & butter to bake their favorites 😊 Spend most of my food $ @ Trader Joes since there are 3 super close by within minutes 😊

[@joyfullythriving]

Good for you! Gardening definitely helps supplement your shopping budget! And I don't have a Trader Joe's close but I know people who do, love them! I do know they have good egg prices which is definitely a good thing right now! 🥚

[@NOVAFrugalFamily]

I spent almost all my budget really early this month so I stopped buying and I added more things to cook and prep for filling bellies. We just put the last dozen eggs in my upstairs fridge which I stocked up at $1 dozen and coupons I had. My husband said we are going to be really sad when we run out. We have everything we need for meals for the month but wonder if we can make it under budget for the month. Looks like you did great with your purchases.

[@joyfullythriving]

It is so sad when we run out of a basic (like eggs) especially when we got them at an amazing price like that! Good job stopping shopping when the budget is gone. It's a hard lesson but an important life skill. 💯

[@ritaslade2989]

Nice haul HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOUR HUSBAND 😊 God Bless You 💓

[@joyfullythriving]

Thank you, Rita! ❤️ God's richest blessings to you as well!

[@tammymeek8930]

Remember when pop was 2.50 a pack. It is ridiculous now. Eggs are crazy in my area too.

[@joyfullythriving]

I know! It's ridiculous! 😩

[@lisaolson1345]

I struggle with sticking to a meal plan,I make one out ahead of time and then change my mind. I think I need to start saying Monday is meatless day, Tuesday pasta etc. I found amazing stuff at my Polish grocery store Box of herbal tea .65 Bag of baby carrots.69 3 pounds organic russet potatoes.99 3 pounds Paula red apples .99 My other store had 1 pound organic grass fed beef for $1.99 Other store had green beans,bell peppers, cauliflower for .69 a pound Shopped the loss leaders this week for sure.

[@joyfullythriving]

Whoa! Way to shop the loss leaders! $1.99 ground beef? Increible! Menu plans are tricky. I like the theme idea! I also heard the idea of making a general list of meals for the week but not assigning days on Sunday but waiting to decide until you are closer to see what you feel like from the list. My problem with that is thawing meat. Otherwise, it does give you more flexibility! Theme nights just seem easier though.

[@susanb1843]

Our Sam's eggs are same price but limit 2. Seems like eggs are never on sale anymore. Love your videos. We save money but cooking intentional leftover on things we love to eat. Such as a crock pot meal, soup, stew and pasta dishes. Really doesn't cost much more to add more pasta or veggies to get another meal out of it and alot of times it will even tastes better the next day.

[@joyfullythriving]

We had had a limit of 2 for several times at Sam's (when I hadn't been buying eggs) so I was a little surprised the limit was lifted. Currently. I won't be surprised if it comes back. Cooking enough to eat leftovers is such a smart way to save - as well as adding some extra pasta or veggies to stretch a meal!

[@nanar.8088]

Good deals, my biggest challenge is my hubby's health and what he tolerates that day. Hard to plan ahead and I have a family member I hand off lots of food.

[@joyfullythriving]

That is definitely a challenge indeed, and makes planning ahead tricky. I am thankful you have family to share extras with! 🥰

[@Trustbutverify2651]

I wish you would explain how to use digital coupons, esp the QR code at Kroger. I do have an I-Phone, but I am recently retired and trying to use these apps and digital coupons. I've never paid much attention to prices in the grocery store as there are just the two of us, but groceries have gone so crazy, I'm really trying to pay attention.

[@joyfullythriving]

Stay tuned! I am working on that video now and it should be up on Monday regarding the Kroger app. You can search for the coupon in the app using the word "free" or whatever the product is. OR if you have another app that is a QR code scanner (lots of them available) you can scan the QR code and it will take you directly to the coupon. I personally prefer to just search for the coupon and clip it. I think it's easier than using the QR code.

[@candacecarreon4161]

I just wanted to share after seeing your price for the eggs at Sam’s I decided to check them out. I usually get my cage free at Costco but I’m finding it’s harder to get them at Costco. They’re always out and they have the brown eggs which are more expensive. So anyways, I was looking on line at Sam’s and they kept saying out of stock and I’m in the Orlando area so I checked several different locations on the app and they all said out of stock but this morning - Tuesday morning, I decided to just go to Sams early and they had a whole bunch of them so just wanted to share if people look online they may say out of stock but you may wanna still swing by your store and see. Thank you for bringing that to my attention the price of eggs at Sam’s. BTW $5.68 here

[@joyfullythriving]

That is really interesting and I am SO glad you found them in stock at Sam's for a good price! 👍 Sam's is going to be my new place for eggs I think! 🥚

[@heatherduling197]

I did two small grocery trips today, local to you, southwest side. Meijer and Trader Joe's. Meijer eggs were $3.99 a dozen and $7.39 for the 2 dozen pack. I had a .75 off e-coupon so I went with the 2 dozen. I wanted more eggs and decide to chance that Trader Joe's price hadn't gone up yet. Their cheapest dozen was still $2.50 so I got my other 3 dozen at that price.

[@heatherduling197]

Also, when I arrived at Meijer I typed in free in the coupon section of the app and a free cream cheese and a free broccoli crown popped up to clip. I hadn't planned on stopping there, but needed some bug killer, so I hadn't planned ahead to clip any coupons.

[@joyfullythriving]

Woohoo! I don't go to Trader Joe's regular but for those who have one close by (like my Mom) she has been remarking for years on their good egg prices! Definitely worth remembering! And so smart to type in free in your app and grab those freebies at Meijer! Yay!

[@joyfullythriving]

Free groceries make me so happy! 🥰

[@lindabader3857]

Biggest challenge is my hubby likes to get more brand than store brand. I have to have him with me due to not being able to drive & my med issues. I love getting my eggs either instant cart( cheaper than in store) or from Costco.

[@joyfullythriving]

My husband is a more expensive shopper than me too so that is definitely a real challenge - especially when your husband is always there as you shop! Good tip on the eggs!

[@deborahlee9972]

I love your videos but man, I wish we had the same meat sales! I went $13 over budget this week…I’ve examined every item. The only way I could have stayed in budget was to not have bought a couple of the sales items I stocked up. I ended up buying the Egglands Best extra large dozen eggs…which were the same price as the Kroger large.

[@joyfullythriving]

I wish I could share my meat sales with you too! 😔 Yes, there are times going over budget just makes sense if you are stocking up on good sale items. But it is tricky and I second guess myself too - wondering if I am buying too many sales or not enough! 🤔

[@Trustbutverify2651]

We do not shop "organic," but our daughter and her family do. The question I have is "What is worth buying organic, and when does "organic" simply mean a higher price for an item when a non-organic item would do just as well?" I do happen to know that if a product does not say "100% organic," then it is really not actually organic. It's so hard now to have family over for dinner when everyone's diets are so different - vegetarian, vegan, KETO, organic, gluten-free. Honestly, it puts me off having people over for dinner at the house and then just saying, "Let's all eat out and everyone can get what they want - but if we are hosting that can get very expensive very quickly."

[@shellierobledo]

I follow this guy named Bobby ? Idk his last name. Bobby Flav city, he goes into great detail on organics and ingredients and what's worth it etc. He has over 6 million subscribers

[@joyfullythriving]

Thanks for that tip! I have seen a couple videos by him. Need to watch some more!

[@joyfullythriving]

Awww. All those differing diets do make hosting an expensive challenge with lots of different cooking. 😲 As for organic, you know that I don't currently shop much organic either but I am pondering and researching that question as well. For me, the first place I would start organic shopping is with produce. It seems silly (to me) to buy organic cereal when it is still really processed, but organic oats or tomatoes? That makes more sense.

[@teresamcneill5293]

I so enjoy your videos, if you have to up your budget will you go up to $600.00 a month or just go up by $50.00???

[@joyfullythriving]

That is a really good question and one that I am going to have to think about. I could probably do it with the $50 raise but doing the jump to $600 allows me stick to that $100 per person per month frugal standard and I think I would have more room for fresh produce and still stocking up. I think I am leaning that way but I am going to ponder it and see how the final months of this year go. BUT if prices keep jumping as quickly as some things have been increasing, maybe I will adjust sooner. We shall see!

[@sallydunbar1683]

I bought the eggs at Sam's & got 4 dozen total. Aldis was $3.85/dozen!

[@joyfullythriving]

Even Aldi eggs are getting expensive! What is going on right now with eggs?!?!

[@planningfoodmoneywithmiche7868]

Our biggest challenge is building our stock back up. I have been buying eggs at Sams for about the same price. (I live in Cincinnati, Ohio)

[@joyfullythriving]

I totally hear you on this! We have intentionally eaten through some areas of our stockpile so now I am itching to restock but am trying to figure out how to do that. 🤔

[@planningfoodmoneywithmiche7868]

@@joyfullythriving I am trying to use the sales but they don't seem to be as stock worthy.

[@joyfullythriving]

I know. I am seeing the same here. 🙄

[@Trustbutverify2651]

There have been wild swings at some places. At our Aldi las week eggs were $3.77 - yesterday (Wednesday) the same eggs were $1.47 for the same dozen. Go figure! Cream cheese also freezes very well (as I'm sure you know since you've been doing this a long time.)

[@joyfullythriving]

Whoa! That is a crazy price drop on eggs! And for what reason? Who knows!?!? Definitely a challenge for a frugal shopper. Yes, cream cheese does freeze well but usually keep it in my fridge because I use it regularly for dips when we host all the teachers from school.

[@kathrynlehman9201]

I'm having the hardest time with our fresh fruit and veggies! Oh and dairy/eggs but that pricing seems to be very volatile lately.

[@joyfullythriving]

Right there with you, Kat! And I don't get why the eggs and dairy are all over the place so much lately! 🤷‍♀️

[@emilyescribano1460]

❤❤❤❤

[@joyfullythriving]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@natashagrusendorf7200]

In Canada our prices are higher than yours. Dozen eggs are easily $4, 4L of Milk is $6. Lean ground beef is on sale $4 a pound. My biggest challenge is meal planning for the busy season. So many times the me that shops doesn't take into account the me that has little time or energy to make dinner 😂

[@joyfullythriving]

Why don't store thinks about our busy lives more! 😂 I hear you. Time and energy is definitely a challenge though, especially when we are working at keeping our grocery budget low.

[@beverlysantillano]

I’m trying your way of shopping. It is helping for sure but meat is expensive. I don’t feel that there’s many good meat sales in my area.

[@joyfullythriving]

You can do it! It takes some time to adjust to a monthly budget and focusing on the sales shopping. And meat sales can be tricky because they don't always come as often as other sales so I have to stock up more when the meat sales come around. When I don't see meat sales, I have been known to shop at Sam's for their chicken and ground beef have the best prices by me.

[@marybuggy7811]

Meant TP!

[@joyfullythriving]

👍

[@hannahward6971]

Do you keep your milk in the fridge until you use it or do you freeze it? If you freeze it does it taste different after thawing?

[@joyfullythriving]

Good question! I keep my milk in the fridge. Kroger's milk is always at least 10 days out so I just keep it in the fridge. With 4 kids, we drink it before then. You CAN freeze it though, just pour a tiny bit out before freezing. It tastes fine. It may separate slightly but if you shake it, it will be fine. I have made yogurt with frozen milk and pancakes or used it for baking. Personally, I think it has a slightly different taste after freezing but it's barely noticeable. Definitely fine for baking with after freezing!

[@hannahward6971]

Thank you!! I will definitely have to try freezing some milk. Love your videos!

[@joyfullythriving]

Thanks so much, Hannah! And good luck!

[@patriciacorpe6228]

I paid for 24 eggs cage free for 6.50. they only 25 cent more per dozen nd I love my brown eggs so I bought them.

[@joyfullythriving]

At that price difference, yes, I would pay the quarter more too! 👍

[@marybuggy7811]

I have several challenges - our stores Walmart and Target are definitely having challenges with stock being low or out completely. They appear to have items but after you buy it they let you know it is out and you have to wait for the contingency bank hold to come off 3-4-5 days later or in the case of Target it appears to be in stock but turns out not to be available in your store. Also very frustrating I bought GV to big lot and it turned out to be terrible! I wasted money and had to get another brand. I'd say supply issues are really frustrating me!

[@Trustbutverify2651]

I have the opposite problem! I go online to our Sams to make my pick-up order and several items will be listed as "out of stock." Then I go into the store, and there they are! That happened to me for three different bulk items yesterday (napkins, paper towels, and dishwasher pods.) I think ALL the stores are having difficulty keeping up with all the technology and ways people want their grocery items now - in store, scan 'n go (Sams), self-checkout, Instacart, delivery, pick-up, in-store, etc. All the options (and also the way we can compare prices instantly online now) has made the grocery world a lot more challenging for them, too!

[@joyfullythriving]

Ugh. That is super frustrating and a very real challenge! Especially when it puts a hold on things. I have not experienced that personally but it does seem like we are starting to run into some shortages again and I don't understand how or why! Sometimes I have been known to skip a low in stock item at Walmart since I don't want to risk it for pick up or I will just say to not replace. Oh! And toilet paper definitely varies by store and brand! My husband is a Scott's 1000 brand loyal person so I stick to that. Not worth trying to find a different brand on sale that doesn't like!

[@joyfullythriving]

Very frustrating but good points. I think you are exactly right! 💯

[@Trustbutverify2651]

@@joyfullythriving We are a Scott's family, too - and the reason is that all the studies show that Scott's is the brand that breaks down the best and prevents clogs. All the cushioning "soft" ones are the worst for clogs. On a related note, if there ever is a toilet clog, pour a cup of Dawn detergent into the toilet bowl, follow with a kettle or pan of BOILING water and wait 15 minutes. Then flush. Almost every clog will clear as the properties of the dish detergent make it easier for the clog to flush. Not a pleasant topic - but a good tip!

[@joyfullythriving]

Yes! My father-in-law is a plumber / pipe fitter and recommends Scott too. So that's what we use.

[@ConstanceRamos-jf6bu]

Have you tried pepper jelly?

[@joyfullythriving]

Ohhh! No I have not but that's a good idea!

[@kristineroehl9940]

@@joyfullythrivingpepper jelly with cream cheese & crackers is awesome.

[@greenfoxgaming6721]

Hello😍

[@joyfullythriving]

Hello 😊

[@kdonor]

Challenge- sales are in general not that great anymore and our growing kids seem to really be needing more protein.

[@joyfullythriving]

Totally have that same challenge right along with you! 🙄

[@jaykimdavis277]

Yes! I have 3 teenagers and keeping enough protein around that is healthy really maxes out my grocery budget.

[@joyfullythriving]

I can only imagine because teenagers eat so much! 😳 Protein is definitely pricey! Necessary but pricey!