Grocery Shopping. Let's talk about it.

[Deleted]

How do you shop for groceries on your weekly/monthly trips? Do you have any tips for saving money and still feeling like you've bought enough?

[Deleted]

I vouch for Farmer's Markets if there are any in your area. Usually get a good deal on seasonal, super fresh stuff that makes the produce at the grocery stores look like pre-compost.

[Deleted]

Well, you'll save a lot if you cook regularly instead of buying premade food. Try for variety: if you can cook different proteins, for example, you can always go for Manager's specials.

Avoid name brands, frozen food (which is often more expensive, as buying pre-made french fries is more expensive than making them yourself), and buy in bulk. Coupons help as well and you can use places like Target or Walmart for some of your shopping, which will likely be less expensive. Definitely second going to Farmer's Markets for vegetables and proteins. If you like ethnic food, ethnic markets like Chinese markets will save you a bunch as well, especially with things like spices and sauces. I love curry and a tiny container at a regular market costs 3 dollars or more while a large one containing four, even five times more, is about 4 at a Middle Eastern or Indian one.

[Sephiroth]

Definitely use coupons and look for bargains, but don't feel compelled to take every single one. Some coupons of sales require you to buy multiple items and will only save a marginal amount. Just use your judgment.

[Viva]

Farmers Markets are great for haggling as well.

[DoubleDare]

Store brand, alot of stuff tastes just fine and its cheaper.
Like cereal to me (I eat raisin bran)

[TheDieselTrain]

I've never made a list. I shop with headphones in.