Sheeba from Desi Saving Mom emailed in the following tip:
I know a lot of moms out there are struggling to pay for milk with prices as high as $3.59. Indian stores here in NJ (Apna Bazaar Cash & Carry) has gallons of milk for only $2.89. It has gone up just $0.10 in price and is cheaper than most stores. -Sheeba
In our area, Aldi seems to consistently have the best milk prices. Though I hadn’t thought to check an Indian store for milk!
How about the rest of you? Where are you finding the best deals on milk right now?
reneé stevens says
I have found the cheapest at walmart. Price first brand for $1.89
sharon says
We get raw milk from the farmer. There is no comparison to the store bought milk including organic milk. I cannot drink regular milk but am able to drink the raw milk and it tastes so much better. If you need to buy spices, the Indian stores are WAY cheaper and a bigger variety too.
Jenni says
I live in OH and on Tuesdays our local grocery, Buehler’s has half gallons of milk for 79 cents (limit of 5). I usually stock up becuase we go through so much with 2 little boys.
mandy says
I go to Aldi for eggs and milk every week. Both are at least a dollar cheaper than where I do my coupon shopping.
Julie says
It is interesting how something so simple like milk can warrant such a response! My husband and I recently decided to start buying Strauss organic whole milk from Whole Foods. Here in San Diego it runs a little over $4 a half gallon but I didn’t know milk could possibly taste this good so I don’t mind too much. In order to save money though, we only buy one half gallon a week and use Almond or coconut milk if more is needed.
Betty says
Save-a-lot: Vitamin D Milk consistently priced at $1.79/gallon. I will drive across town just to buy milk there.
Greg says
Aldi’s is always the cheapest in our area by far. $2.29 was what we bought it at this past weekend. Big grocery stores it’s $2.89 – $3.xx depending on store brand vs. name brand.
Renee says
Here in WI–a big dairy state I am paying $1.98 a gallon for milk in a bag, and anywhere from $2.19–$3.29 a gallon (2%) for milk in a jug. I get the bag milk at a local gas station (Kwik Trip) and buy the jug milk at Aldi or Walmart. If I have to buy it at a grocery store that is when I pay the higher price. I never buy organic or brand name. Always buy generic or house brand.
Charity says
In a bag???? how does that work.
SusanR says
I normally buy it at Costco, last week it was $2.08 a gallon. For a long while it was $1.88/gallon but it’s going up lately. We go through 5-6 gallons a week!
stee says
I find milk is cheapest at the gas station – $1.99 / gallon of the name brand local dairy I buy. They want to get customers into the mini mart. For a frame of reference, the same brand 1% milk is $4.79 at the supermarkets in MA. The warehouse club has Land of Lakes brand for $2.29 and that’s my backup source. I’ll pay the extra 30 cents to pick up milk while I’m buying other things.
Susan (FrugaLouis) says
Okay, so I am chuckling to myself…when I saw “Indian”, I thought “Native American” and wondered how on earth you ever found out about such stores. I’d never heard of them! And now, looking through some of the comments, I realize you mean “India” Indian. Duh! Guess I’m still a product of the 70’s/80’s before the more PC terms came into play!
Gabby says
I consistently find skim milk at Aldi for $1.99/gallon.
Costco is about .10 cheaper but it’s also a 20 minute drive so I only get it there if we need it and I’m there anyway.
After talking with people in other areas, I’m grateful for our milk prices.
Abigail says
We too live in PA, but we buy raw from a local dairy. I wasnt sure about doing this change, but one taste of raw milk and every dollar extra was worth it. plus health benefits and helping a local business makes it all the better! We pay $5 a gallon.
Mindy says
Here in Oklahoma, I mostly buy our milk from Braum’s, a local dairy that has a chain of stores in OK, southern KS, northern TX, and eastern AR. It’s always $1.74/half gallon, or $2.99/gallon. It is worth the extra money because it is so fresh, and the expiration dates are usually at least two weeks away. Their skim milk tastes amazing because they put it through some special process that concentrates it so it tastes like 2% but without the fat. I have toured their dairy before and they are very particular about the quality of their product. It is not certified organic, but they don’t treat their herd with hormones, they grow their own grain to feed their cows, and they process, package, and transport it to their stores themselves.
MVB says
Costco has the cheapest milk going here in Delaware as far as I know. It is $2.39 for skim and $2.99 for whole and somewhere in between for 2%. I always buy 3-4 gallons when I go.
Carlye Rankin says
We get our milk at Greenlife (Whole Foods) for $2.99 for a gallon. I know it is $2.89 at Aldi but it is all gone when I get there.
Dana says
I live in Southern Indiana and Aldi’s has RBST free milk for $1.49 gallon.
laurie says
I buy only Trader Joe’s organic 2% for about $3/gallon and go through 1 gallon a wk or so. Kids are not big milk drinkers. Local Aldi $1.79 and Kroger and Wal-mart are well over $3/3.50/gallon. Love organic milk and will never go back.
Julie says
I can’t believe the price difference! I too buy organic milk from Trader Joe’s but in San Diego it is a little over $3 for a half gallon. Weird!
bethany says
We buy at Braums! I love that they have their own farms and it never, ever hurts my husband’s stomach that is very sensitive!
Danielle Moore says
I purchased milk on Saturday, February 19th at Kroger reduced to $1.50 a gallon, and it is good until February 27th. Don’t know why they reduced it so early, but not complaining.
Laura @ Homemaking Joyfully says
I live in southern Ohio and apparently milk is really cheap here!
Costco is regularly around $1.79 – but that’s a 45 minute drive for me so I only get there once a month on a big trip. Locally, Aldi averages between $2 and $2.39 and Kroger sometimes has sales as low as $2.00, but averages around $2.59.
Arthur says
We live in North Dallas and milk here has been around $1.29 a gallon at Albertsons and $1.99 at Kroger or Tom Thumb
April says
I haven’t read every single comment on this article, but just wanted to caution everyone to make sure that milk that you get at an Indian store is pasteurized. Some Indian grocery stores in my area carry unpasteurized milk, which should not be consumed by children or pregnant women. Straight from the farm is usually fine (if you know the farmer and his/her sanitation practices), but in a setting like a store you don’t know how sanitary the equipment used to milk the cow might be.
Teresa says
At our local Cumberland Farms a gallon of 1% milk is only $2.69 and has been this price for a while. It has gone a slow as $2.39!
Vanessa says
WOW…I am amazed that people can get milk for under $2/gallon! Milk in my area of Maine is around $3.50, but some brands are over $4.50/gallon. Oddly enough the more expensive milk is from a company that has suppliers from right here in Maine, but also advertises that none of their farmers use growth hormones.
Julie H says
Here in Houston it’s about $3 a gallon for nnon organic. I buy the organic stuff at about $6 a gallon. It never goes on sale that I’ve seen. Sadly.
Melody says
Reading this post and the comments made me smile – the last time I went to the grocery, I paid $4.69 for a HALF gallon of milk. Yep.
Most of the posts on MSM do not apply to me since we live on the island of Guam, but I still read them to spur me on in my own pursuit of living frugally and being a wise steward of what God has given. I have learned much!
And it’s a good reminder that wherever God has you, He will provide!
Crystal says
Love your cheerful, upbeat attitude. That will take you far! 🙂
Gina says
This week, HEB had a store coupon for a free gallon of milk when you buy a pack of Energizer batteries. 🙂
Grace says
I don’t know about Aldi’s. In fact I had never heard of it. Here in the big city best choices are Costco and BJS. Soy, Almond and Lactaid are a good deal at these wholesale clubs. Once in a while Walgreens will have a good deal, as well as mom-and-pop stores if you don’t mind those who-the-heck-are-they-Brands
Jimalee says
I live in Springfield, MO where milk is $2.89 @ Braums – Great tasting milk too!
Whitney says
I’m always so surprised when people talk about how expensive milk is in other states. I guess it helps to live in the Midwest (my next-door neighbor is a dairy farmer). The most expensive I’ve ever seen it at Kroger is $2.49 a gallon and it PAINED me to pay that much.
I guess we’re lucky – though I would rather live somewhere that has fresh, cheap produce year round!
larinda says
The last 2 wks I have price matched Buehlers at Walmart. Buehlers has there 1/2 gal on sale every Tuesday for $.99, so If i shop on tuesdays…
Jimalee says
You have read the reports on Wal-Mart milk right?
larinda says
no I haven’t? Is something wrong with it?
Melissa R says
Aldi’s everyday price for 1 gallon milk in New Albany, Indiana is $1.49.
Melanie says
I just bought a gallon of 1% at Rite Aid in PA for $3.30. I have found that I can’t use my UP’s if milk was the only thing I was buying but if I buy other things, I can pay for the whole order including milk with UP’s.
CAK says
Thank you.
Elizabeth says
I don’t look for the cheapest milk, I look for the most expensive! Good, organic or gras-fed, local milk (not from CAFOs) is expensive, but worth it. Americans need to start paying more for food so we spend less in health insurance and hospital visits… why will we pay $100 month for cable (not that we all do), and not buy the best food we can get our hands on? My grandma would call it “penny wise, pound foolish.” I’ll save money on the stuff I can (like contact solution and diswashing liquid) and spend my money on produce, milk, and meat.
Rachel says
Amen
Angela says
I save everywhere I can on food in order to afford raw milk. Which where I live is $16 a gallon. Yes. That is not a typo. Raw Organic Milk is the only milk my daughter tolerates. She is allergic to pasteurized milk, so for the past, oh, 10 years, I’ve been buying directly from a raw milk co-op so my farmer can earn an honest living.
Although I like saving money on other things, I buy the best quality meat, dairy, and veggies we can afford. And I make most everything else from scratch. I am building my children’s future health…and it is worth it to me to give up other things.
I agree with you 100% Elizabeth!
Cate says
I agree! If you can afford to buy quality meat, milk, and produce, DO IT! Your body will thank you.
B says
In my area several gas stations offer milk cards that after you buy a set number of gallons you get a gallon free.
Katherine says
I typically buy milk at Byrne dairy at local gas/convience store for 99 cents per half gallon, so we purchase two half instead of a whole gallon. aldi milk is around 2.40 a gallon. Walgreens also sometimes runs milk specials too.
Terri says
I’ve been paying $3 to $3.50 a gallon and am so happy to say that I won a year’s worth of free milk (52 gallons) in an online instant win contest that Crystal posted about in January. I won the day before the contest was over and could not believe it! Thanks for letting us know about it, Crystal!
Crystal says
Woohoo! How exciting!
Beth B. says
At our Aldi where we live in SC, milk has been sitting at $2.19/gal. for quite awhile … hope it stays at that price!!
Emily says
Here in Western NY, I always get my milk from Wegmans, for $1.79! Its even cheaper than Walmart or about the same as Aldi. I had no idea it could be so expensive other places!
Jessica says
You are all making me very excited we have a Wegmans opening in November. I’ve never even been in one!
Jenn says
Milk at my Aldi, in Central IL recently went up to over $3/gallon from the steady price of $1.79/gallon. When that happened I started buying half gallons at Kroger, they are usually on sale for $1.25.
Kellie says
Around Chatt., TN the best I seen so far is Sam’s Club @2.69. At the stores store brand is @3.69-3.89 and my favorite, which I do not buy anymore because of price, I notized the other day went up to 5.49 a gallon! We have an Aldi in town but have not checked out prices but will since I see all these post about it.
CAK says
For those of buying milk, thank you for supporting the farmers. And, just so you know, that the mark-up no matter the kind of milk you are drinking is going to the middleman, not the farmer. The farmer is getting by on milk prices that arewell below what they need to support their own family. Thanks again!
Charity says
We pay around $6 a gallon for organic milk here in the low Country of SC. One day we hope to live on enough land to have a milking cow!
One thing I have noticed that has sky-rocketed on the price is butter. House brand at Publix here is right at $5 a pound (non organic). I’m still not willing to use margarine though…at least our bodies know what to do with butter! 😉
Gina says
In NorthernVA, our typical store price is $3.89/gallon. I buy mine at Trader Joe’s, where it’s only $2.79.
candyce says
2.09 at Aldi
2.89 at Publix
Orlando, FL area
It is our biggest grocery expense. We go through almost a gallon a day. There is 6 of us.
Anya says
Costco has the best price here in Kansas City and it’s the hormone free stuff. We save enough on milk alone to pay for the membership.
Sonja says
We drink raw milk, finally found a place to get it for $2.50/gal-much better than the $6-$10/gal I was paying!
Veronica says
I bought 1% milk at Wegmans Monday for $2.26. When I checked at Aldi, it was $2.89. Usually Wegmans or Costco have the best prices around here for milk.
loretta says
Our Kum and go gas station has it 2gallons for $5.50 all the time it is Land o Lakes brand
Heather says
Wegmans with your shopper card is the best bet around here – price is $2 something a gallon for the Wegmans brand milk. If you have a Wegmans near y0u ( I live in NJ) check it out!
tatum says
I live in North Texas as well. Our Aldi sells the milk for
99c (limit 4)
it’s their regular price. I have been buying milk there for my son for the past 6 months and its still the same price =)
And their dozen eggs are 89c regular but almost always goes on sale every other week for 49c
awesome
Anitra says
I get the best deals on milk at BJ’s, where it’s about $2.30/gallon for all types. Barring that, most convenience stores here in Massachusetts sell gallons of 1% milk for $2.49. At the grocery store, it’s usually closer to $3.50.
Julie says
$2.49 at Kroger
$1.29-$1.49 at Aldi
Louisville, Ky
Toni says
Our Walmart has milk @ 2.69-2.79/gallon. However, I was in Rite Aid and needed to use my UP rewards and bought milk with them and it was only 2.49. Not a huge difference, but when you have to buy 3-4 gallons of milk per week it adds up. I am in the Capital Region of NY.
Christy says
I always check for Manager’s Special markdowns on milk at Kroger first. There is an Aldi on the way home, very near my house, if the Kroger price is outrageous.
Darcy@Somewhatmuddledmusings says
We’re paying $1.49 at the Target by us in North Texas – for whole milk.
Nancy says
The best price where I live is Wal Mart. Occasionally, Albertson’s will have it on sale for $1.99 a gallon.
Nichole says
I can buy a gallon of milk at BJ’s for usually $1.98 per gallon, which works for me since I go once a week because the deli prices are WAY cheaper than any other store around here.
Sarah says
Milk is our grocery splurge. 🙂 $6.00 a gallon to buy it raw from alocal Texas dairy. Just drop your money in a container and grab it out out the fridge on the honor system 🙂 🙂 🙂
Mel says
Where in TX is this? I’m in TX too and so want to do this !
Amanda Y. says
Wow! I would totally be doing that too if we could! I wish!!! It’s illegal to sell here, so can only do through a cow share. These are hard to find and if you do, it’s about an hour away, $100 starting fee, and was about $35 a month for 1 gallon a week!!!! That’s almost $9 a gallon, with a contract, not counting that you have to have your own glass containers and the $100 start up fee, and there are 6-8 “dry” weeks a year when you still have to pay….
Carrie says
In E.TN our milk is hovering around $3.79/gal. However, at Kroger (in a different town from where I live), I can get it for $2.99/gal. It’s not worth a drive just to get milk, but when we’re in that town anyway, I try to remember to stop by and pick up milk, as well as half-half (Kroger is WAY CHEAPER for that too) and low-carb yogurt (which I have ONLY found at Kroger). This is a good reason to know the prices of stuff at your local stores, so that when I was in Kroger, I knew it was .80/gal cheaper than my regular store. I also look for milk that is clearanced out because it usually lasts longer than the exp. date.
Jennifer says
I know many people freeze milk when they find a good sale. I have never done this before…does it freeze really well? Do you freeze it in the gallon container? Does it expand? I am very particular about milk anyway and didn’t know if it was the same after it thawed. Does it taste good for drinking or do you only cook with milk that has been frozen? (I operate a daycare in my home and am always buying milk…) I appreciate any advice anyone has. Thank You!!!
Carrie says
We have tried this and when we thawed our milk, we found that it had separated. While it still tasted ok and was safe to drink, we chose to use it in pancakes and waffles rather than drinking it straight.
Jennifer says
Thanks, Carrie! I really appreciate your response. I don’t think I will freeze any milk as I was really wanting it for drinking purposes. Thanks again!
Jen says
I watch the sales and get my milk for $1.99 at Target or Walgreens.
Ashley @ http://reflectingonthesimplethingsinlife.blogspot.com/ says
Costco definitely has the cheapest milk for us in SC especially since I’m drinking 3 gallons of milk each week now. Pregnancy cravings…..this baby will probably come out with a full set of teeth. LOL
Eggs are another cheap staple item we buy at Costco along with their carrots, celery, and salad and bread. There are definitely advantages of having a Costco membership especially if there is one close to where you live. My husband works about 3 minutes from our local Costco so it’s very convenient for him to pick up these staple items.
Rebecca says
I completely agree! Costco has by far the best price for milk at $1.60 a gallon where I live in Montana. Eggs, salad, and fresh produce is also an excellent price at Costco. The milk is so cheap that is does pay for the membership.
Rachel says
I live in Knox County in Ohio and our milk averages about $3.40 a gallon. However, I found that the Dollar General right up the road as gallons for $2.60.
Kate M says
CVS here has the cheapest everyday prices, about $.10 less per gallon of 2% than Aldi. However, a couple of times a month, Kroger has milk 4 for $5.00 for 1/2 gallon size. And at a local Niemann’s County Market, every Wednesday milk is on sale for $1.99 per gallon, limit of 2. So we try to wait until Wednesday and send several children (plus me) in to pick up our usual 8 gallons a week (plus our shopping list for that store).
Kate M says
Oops, forgot to say that I live in rural northwestern IL.
Tara says
I live in Western WA and I can get milk at WinCo for $1.98. I love it! Fred Meyer has their milk on sale for this price from time to time as well.
janet says
Just don’t buy milk LOL! Human’s don’t need to drink the milk of other mammals! 🙂
tatum says
yeah, breastmilk is still best for babies.
bar none.
LOL
Lana says
I’m not weird about drinking it but most don’t realize that the pasturization process makes it so that humans cannot absorb the calcium from it. That is always what I thought the reason was for drinking it until I was enlightened.
Jessica says
My kids go through milk pretty quickly, so lately I’ve been looking for the milk that has been marked down 50% at Safeway. Usually, the “use by” date is still 3-4 days away. So, I’ve been getting milk for about 1.18 opposed to 2.36. We haven’t had any problems with the milk, or with using it up in time.
Holly says
Here in Central California, I find milk prices ranging from $2.50-$4.00. I pay $2.89 per gallon on average.
Claudia Matei says
I didnt read all the previous comments so if I’m repeating sorry, but I live in Phoenix and I don’t know why but for the past 2 weeks regular milk prices have been $1.59-$1.79 pretty much at all the grocery stores in town. They each had a milk sale over the past few weeks 🙂
Meg says
Our local target is the cheapest we’ve found @ 2.48 a gallon.
Rachel E says
Yes, Costco all the way has the best prices for milk here in the Seattle Area. Puts a gallon of milk at $1.94 for us.
Not to mention all the other great prices you just won’t find in a regular grocery store. (not everything at Costco is a deal for our family, but if you watch and know your prices, there is a lot that works out better and more then pays for the membership).
Kayla says
We use Aldi or Costco because they have the best prices.
by the way, I awarded you a Stylish Blogger award over on my site.
Crystal says
Ah, thank you so much!
JRFrugalMom says
Aldi is definitely the cheapest for us in South Florida at $1.99 a gallon.
However, they don’t sell lactose free milk, and that I usually buy at Publix on sale with coupons.
JR
The Aldi Spot
elizabeth says
I am in Broward County. Where is your Aldi? I didn’t think we had those down here! Thanks! 🙂
JRFrugalMom says
Elizabeth, there are three Aldi stores down here.
Pembroke Pines
Deerfield Beach &
Lauderdale Lakes
You can see the South Florida Aldi stores’ addresses here.
elizabeth says
THANK YOU! :))
Laura @ Frugal Follies says
JR – ALDI is definitely the cheapest in our area! If there’s not one near anyone in South Florida, they can try Sam’s Club or BJ’s. They generally have milk priced around $2.39-$2.49 per gallon. Also Western Beef (a NY chain with a few stores in our area) sometimes has milk on sale for $2.50.
Tami says
Sam’s and Aldi are the best prices for us ( Upstate SC) but both are about 30 minutes away so we usually stick with Walgreen’s at $3.19 a gallon.
Julie says
I got it last week at Sam’s Club for $2.00, here in KY. My savings on milk, alone, more than pays for the membership fee.
Rachel says
In the Louisville area, we often see milk for $1.99 at Meijer. Lots of stores close to each other, so milk is often discounted.
Cate says
I’m in Louisville, too!
Melinda says
I regularly pay $3.99 for TWO gallons of fat free milk at Costco in Washington.
Bridget says
I’m sorry, but we’ll happily pay the prices for our Braum’s milk here in Oklahoma!!
Dedra says
I’m right with you! In Missouri, it’s $2.89/gallon and I would pay that any day over grocery store milk. It is SO much better!
maria says
i never find good cheap milk at indian/ pakistani stores. and we have no aldi’s here in houston texas 🙁 but i guess i cant complain, its always around 2.38 at krogers and HEB
Dara says
At Aldi’s here (central KY), we pay $1.49/gallon. Husband goes through 2+ gallons a week so I can’t imagine if we had to pay more!
corie says
i went to an indian gas station and they wanted 4.98 for 1%! i had to double check. i told them they were crazy. normally i can go to any gas station and get 1% for under 3$. its 3.57 at the grocery store but i use a garelick coupon for 1$ off. so pay attention to the milk coupons. sometimes they show a pic of chocolate milk on it but its good for both…..
Liz @ Frugally Blonde says
Yes, my Wegmans here in Northern Virginia has milk for $1.98-$2.19/gallon. I also recently discovered that the Walmart near my house has all varieties of milk for $1.98.
Heather says
I love me my ethnic stores here in Hampton Roads, though I don’t get milk there – cheap produce, spices, rice & a much larger selection of meats than the local grocery stores. We love making curry and Mexican-inspired dishes at our house.
Amanda Y. says
Oh! I’m in Hampton Roads but knew to ethnic stores….where are your favorites!?
Heather says
My favorite is Fresh World International Market at Salem Crossing (Princess Anne & Lynnhaven in Va Beach) because it’s so large. I’ve also seen a large one on Newtown north of Va Beach Blvd but haven’t stopped by it yet.
Chelsea says
Piggy Wiggly often has deals where you buy $5 worth of merchandise and get a gallon of milk for $.99-1.99. Also, there have been a couple deals lately at Pick N’ Save where you can get free milk. This week, if you bought 6 boxes of GM cereal, you received $10 off at the register plus a coupon for free milk (up to $3.25) and eggs (up to $1.75).
Rebecca says
Does anyone freeze milk? I was tempted to clean out the fridge section at Kroger last Saturday when all their whole, 2%, and 1% was marked down to $1.59/gallon! Let me know how you freeze milk!
Haila says
I think Crystal herself freezes milk that she buys marked down. I recall posts in the past on this topic…
Johnlyn says
I have done this in the past – I believe I’ve seen posts where Crystal has done this too.
Pour out some of the milk out of the carton and freeze it (it’ll expand).
My husband doesn’t like it after it’s been frozen. I think there is a bit of a difference, but not much. It’s great if you want to make a milk based soup!
I leave my milk out on the counter all day to thaw it out, but I’m sure you’re supposed to thaw it in the fridge.
Dani says
I freeze milk. Just make sure to leave some headspace up top for expansion. If I’m freezing raw milk I usually do pasteurize it before drinking it.
Carrie says
We have frozen milk before, but we found that it’s not the best for drinking straight once it was thawed. However, it was great for using in pancakes and waffles, so it still worked for us!
Jessica says
I have found that when I freeze milk and then thaw it the fatty (or creamy) part of the milk seems to thaw faster… so if you pour a glass while some of the milk is still frozen that glass will be more creamy and the rest of the jug will be more watered down. But other than that I freeze milk all the time and my kids don’t notice a difference.
Carole says
I frequently freeze half gallons of milk. I don’t notice any difference at all between fresh milk and frozen milk, and I’m a heavy milk drinker. You have to be sure to let it thaw COMPLETELY before you use it. If I shake it and I hear any slush, then it’s not completely thawed.
Rebecca says
I get milk on Saturday mornings at Kroger. I have found that they mark their milk down to $1.59/gallon at the store I shop at in Virginia. The milk is usually good for at least 7 more days. I got milk last Saturday at $1.59/gallon and it didn’t expire until 2/26/2011. The week before I got Organic milk on clearance for $1.25/gallon and it didn’t expire until the next Saturday! I have all my friends buying milk on Saturday mornings at Kroger!
siobhan says
$2.29 a gallon at BJ’s for me in Albany NY…. State minimum is $2.49 which I can get at Rite Aid! But my parents live in PA and pay over $4 a gallon. Ouch!
Chrys says
I’m confused. How can you get it for $2.29 a gallon if the state minimum is $2.49?
Siobhan says
I really have no idea! probably because BJ’s is a wholesale club and doesn’t have to follow the rules? But I am a milk-a-holic so the cheaper I can get it the better…. and ironically enough it is the good hormone free milk as well!
lalalalala says
When I lived in rural Michigan, there were always Meijers and Walmarts across the street from each other dueling in what my husband and I called milk wars – it was always 1.99 and under. Now that I live in a more urban area however, it is usually about 2.50ish. I can’t imagine it being any more – my husband is a cereal killer and between him and the one-year-old we go through milk like no one’s business.
Carrie Kirby says
When I lived in San Francisco, I sometimes stopped in an Asian food store to buy soy sauce and other Asian favorites very cheaply. In that city you can also get great, cheap fresh produce in both the Asian markets in Chinatown and the Mexican markets in the Mission. I benefited from living near people who still shop daily and insist on fresh, affordable fruits and vegetables!
Course, everything ELSE in San Francisco was so expensive that I needed every little savings I could find.
Mary says
Our milk is regularly $1.99 -$2.29 a gallon in Eastern Washington. I can get a gallon of organic farm fresh, not raw milk for $5 a gallon. I was thinking that it was expensive. I guess we are lucky!
SS says
Don’t forget about getting it at RiteAid if you get the 10% or 20% discount…I can get 2% milk for $1.59 a gallon with my discount and the other milk for $1.99. (Seattle area)
Stephanie says
Halo Farm in Trenton, NJ has milk by the 1/2 gallon for $1.23, so $2.46/gallon which is amazingly cheap considering the local grocery stores are all over $3.50/gallon! Wegmans usually has the next best prices on milk, and at the Princeton store I can usually pick up a gallon for $2.60 or so.
Kristine says
YAY for Halo Farm! We live in PA, but hubby works in NJ so stops by Halo for our weekly milk runs 🙂
Sandra Lee says
I live in Wisconsin and a gallon of milk is around $2.59. Aldi’s is in line with Woodman’s, while Pick N’ Save and Target is typically about 20 cents more. We have Speedway gas stations which has a point system for purchases. I had the choice of redeeming my points for either a $50 gas card or a $100 merchandise only card. I opted for the $100 merchandise gift card and I am able to get my milk there at 2/$5.50. Using the gift card it’s FREE!
Becky says
I also live in Wisconsin. As of last week, Aldi price for a gallon of skim was $1.99 and Woodmans was $2.19.
Erin says
I also live in Wisconsin and notice that milk varies from store to store. We’re in NE Wisconsin and got to Festival Foods for our milk mostly and end up paying about $2.59 for a gallon of skim and $2.85 for a gallon of whole. I love it when they have their coupons for $1/gallon of 1%, 2% or skim though! So far I’ve noticed that Sam’s Club tends to be the cheapest at $2.59 for a gallon of whole Borden’s brand milk.
Walmart on the other hand is the MOST expensive! I refuse to buy Walmart brand which only leaves Kemps or Deans and it’s almost $3 for a gallon of skim!
Sheri says
I live in WI as well and Festival had milk for $1 a gallon last week. Piggly Wiggly often has it for 99 cents a gallon as well. I buy extras and freeze it when it is on sale. Milk freezes really well! I aslo take the pig ad and festival ad and price match it at Walmart to stock up even more!
Carol says
We’re in NJ also (southern tip) and have noticed the same thing. All grocery stores, drug stores, etc have gallons of milk priced between 3.99 and 4.19. (No Aldi/Costco or anything like that anywhere near us.) One tiny Indian-owned convenience store (that my husband drives by on his way to work) sells it for $2.99/gallon. Our family uses 2-3 gallons per week, so the savings add up.
Megan says
Kinney Drugs in the North East, specifically Northern New York, this week’s sale….99c 1/2 Gallon!!!
kelly says
We’re regulated here in Louisiana, too…and they’re not even allowed to advertise sales or even the retail price. At Sam’s, we’re lucky to get it around 3.80 or so on a good day. Milk is killer-high around here.
Laura says
This may seem like a silly question, But why is it regulated? That just seems so strange to me and Im sooooo glad I dont live in a state that does that!!
Melanie says
I don’t know about in LA, but in PA it is regulated to guarantee that dairy farms (a huge industry in PA) get paid a fair price for their milk regardless of whether they are a big corporate farm or a small family farm.
kelly says
I’d imagine that’s the same reason here, although I’m not certain.
Jessica says
I love shopping at our Indian store – they don’t carry milk, but fresh produce, spices and rice flour are a lot less expensive then the regular grocery store.
We also cook a lot of Indian dishes and I like “cheating” by using the mixes and they are a lot less expensive at the local Indian grocer!
Laura says
In CT the cost of a gallon of milk goes for 3.89-4 bucks! Insane… We get ours at BJ’s & its 1.89 most we’ve paid is 1.99 there. When I asked them why the price increase the SM told me it was because gas was going up so does the cost to transport milk!
Jen says
I’m not sure this is a very appropriate post and probably far from scientific…why in the world would ethnicity of ownership drive price?
Kelly says
It’s not just ownership, it’s clientele. And I think it’s probably based on supply & demand. If that’s the price point the shoppers are willing to pay, that’s what the store management is going to set. Likewise, I’ve found many spices much cheaper in a local grocery store that caters to Latino shoppers.
We have NO Indian groceries here (or really anything other than Latin), NO Aldi. I buy only organic milk. I routinely pay $5.99/gallon.
Michelle says
I think it’s a very appropriate post! Overall, ethnic stores do tend to be less expensive on many items. I am speaking from both experience and the fact that I am “ethnic” if you want to argue the stereotype. Ethnic stores tend to be small family run places that try to get customers in and keep them. They aren’t driven by marketing and a huge profit margin. They are simply trying to run a small business to support their family. They tend to run their business like they would in their home country and aren’t trying to “get rich quick”. They are thankful to be business owners and have a decent income. My locally own Asian produce store is usually much cheaper than my weekly farmers market. Some items are a little higher than large chain’s “sale” items, but overall less expensive. Crystal is just here to help us all save money and sometimes “think outside the box” in doing so. It is not polite to criticize her for this. No one is forcing you to read her blog.
Freebies says
I agree- I recently wrote a post about “shopping outside the box” and shopping a local ethnic stores was one of those tips- I think it is a great idea.
I get me gluten free rice pasta at a Thai store- and it is 25-50% cheaper and produce at local Mexican Grocery is so much cheaper- sometimes 1/2 price for the same thing.
Dani says
I agree with this 100%.
Heather says
I don’t think Jen was criticizing Crystal – she was referring to her own comment being “appropriate”.
Fay says
Honestly it is just not Indian stores that are cheaper. I find that the Mediterranean or Lebanese markets are even more cheaper in prices. Here in Phoenix we have Baiz Market that is cheaper for spices such as black pepper, dried rosemary, pita bread etc etc
Jen says
Wow. I wasn’t aware that questioning the appropriateness would lead to “No one is forcing you to read her blog” I too am “ethnic” and I was not arguing, but was taken aback by this post. I never stated there was malice behind it.
Crystal says
Jen: I’m sorry if the post bothered you; it certainly wasn’t my intention at all to come across offensively! I just thought it was a great out-of-the-box idea for others to check into.
Since you didn’t specify, was there something specific about the post which you felt was inappropriate?
Jen says
Was the intent of the post to have us look into smaller family owned business or to look at particular stores owned by particular ethnicities? I can understand if smaller family owned business offer opportunties at savings we may overlook (and totally agree!) but still don’t understand why an Indian owned store is more likely to have reduced milk prices over a store owned by any other background. My intent was not to criticize you… only to point out that the statement might be misconstrued.
Cate says
I don’t think the focus is on the owner’s ethnicity (though I assume that most Indian groceries are owned by Indian people, etc), but rather the type of food being sold. I’ve never looked for milk at the Indian grocery where I shop, but their produce, spices, dry goods, etc are all very high quality in addition to being cheaper than their counterparts at supermarket chains. I think it’s probably a combo of low overhead + more loyal customers.
Crystal says
The intent of the post was just to pass along a tip from a reader (who is ethnic and runs a blog on deals at ethnic stores) which I hoped might help some of the rest of you. And I also was hoping to open up a discussion on ideas on where to get the best milk prices since the high prices in many areas are causing a strain on many readers’ budgets.
I hope that better explains the intent of this post so you can rest assured that it was posted only with a desire to help you all out. 🙂
Grace says
I do think this country is too focused on ethnicity and backgrounds. We’re all American regardless of what we look like or eat.
Heather says
I don’t really know, but here’s an idea: these small mom-n-pop ethnic stores may have less overhead proportionally than their larger chain competitors. Small parking lots, more goods crammed in per square foot, family members working, less labor on making things look snazzy, collecting carts from shopping carts, setting up displays for lawn furniture, etc. I’m just hypothesizing, so don’t get mad at me if I am incorrect on some of those points.
Anyway, I love Indian grocery stores, and so wish that there was near me!
Stephanie says
So many Indian desserts use milk and many families make their own cheese and yogurt so using multiple gallons a week is not unheard of. My neighbors use at least three gallons a week (the Grandma makes awesome palak paneer) with just very small children at home. Dairy can be a huge part of Indian food and ethnic stores tend to have good prices on staples of their cuisine.
Grace says
I like to think I would rather support mom-and-pop “ethnic” stores than chain stores any day.
We don’t have Aldi in south Florida–apparent only in “hick” towns. But I will defo check Indian, Hispanic, and Asian food stores.
Courtney says
After reading this through, I still have no idea how this post could be considered inappropriate. Just because ethnicity is mentioned does not automatically make it offensive.
Eli says
Aldi’s has the best deal in my area. Does anyone know the particulars of the quality of Aldi’s milk? For example, is it free of the growth hormones?
Kayla Cole says
Our SunFlower Farmers Market will have $.99 milk that’s about to expire in a day or two. The trick to this is, most of it is organic which will last for at least a week after it expires! Perfect deal, especially if you have kids and go through a gallon in a few days.
Fay says
My friend gets her almost expired milk from Fresh and Easy in Phoenix for really really cheap and then makes a ton of homemade yogurt out of it or freezes the milk. Mind you, this is all organic milk.
Sheena says
I envy all of you! Living in a small town means we pay small town prices and even if we go to the bigger towns around us, it is only about $.10 cheaper which doesn’t make it worth it. Here in North Dakota we pay $3.99/gallon and that is a decrease of nearly $1 from a year ago. Thank your lucky stars you don’t have to buy groceries here!
Rachael says
I live in North Dakota, too, and in my small town, it is over $5 a gallon. Not sure where you are located, but I ‘ve been getting it in Fargo when I’m there for $3.09 a gallon at both Wal-mart and Sam’s and stock up!
Rachael says
I also hate that we can’t use yogurt coupons 🙂
Nicole says
I live in North Dakota, too. Thankfully, my kids are still on WIC, but this is my son’s last month on it.
Tonia says
I also live in a small town in North Dakota and in town here milk is over $5, in the town I work in (22 miles away) – it is $1 cheaper! I have found it at $3.98 at times in Minot – wish I could find it cheaper – we go through tons! And I don’t get to Minot often, so I always end up paying the $4-5 price 🙁
Suzanne says
Wegman’s in Northern VA always has milk for $2.15-2.35 a gallon. Love love love my Wegman’s!
Angie says
Just one of the MANY reasons to love Wegmans! 🙂
Suzanne says
All the other grocery stores (Giant, Shoppers, Safeway) the price is almost always $3.99 so I really appreciate being able to save at Wegmans.
Michele says
I’m in NVA too and I heart Wegmans! They have the best every day grocery prices 🙂
Sherri says
Wait a minute- I thought there was a minimum price in VA. According to my local Martin’s, they sell it at the minimum price, which is $2.89 for 2%. Sounds like I’m getting ripped off… Too bad we have no Wegman’s nearby.
Chrys says
I’ve never heard of a minimum in VA. I just got an organic 1/2 gallon for $1.25 (mark down + coupon)
Sarah says
Here in Rochester Minnesota, the cheapest milk is at Kwik Trip the gas station – currently 99 cents a half gallon (milk in a bag). Sometimes Aldi has milk on sale for 1.89.
Elizabeth says
I grew up near Rochester, MN and we always bought our milk from Kwik Trip, too!! I now live in Ne TX and get my milk at Kroger, regularly priced $2.49, but often I can find marked downs!
Sarah says
Indian stores, along with other ethnic stores, are good places to purchase spices cheaply.
Kris says
Absolutely! I buy almost all my spices at out local Indian foods store. I’ve found that all of my local ethinic grocery stores to be cheaper on spices, as well as any other item that is frequently used in those types of cuisine.
Dani says
Yes I always get whatever I can can get at the Indian stores and just refill my Badia bottles if the spices are bagged. If I can’t get them there I’ll buy the large Badia containers at Price Rite. Another place to get good prices on seasoning is an Asian market… I get soy sauces, tobasco, fish sauce, noodles, etc. for a fraction of the cost. Indian grocers also have the cheapest rice, hands down. I always leave headspace at the top of my freezer so that I when I stock up I can get three bags – I freeze for a few days to kill the bugs and then I store the big bags in a rubbermaid container.
Fay says
You might be able to find cheaper rice at Costco. I am from India and shop regularly at Indian and Asian stores and the Basmati Rice has been cheaper at Costco for me. At Costco it is a 20 pound bag whereas at the indian and asian store they sell it just a little cheaper but only for 15 lbs or 10 lbs of rice so you infact are paying double.
Dani says
I don’t have a local costco, but I’ll have to definitely check out the price at BJ’s or Sam’s… thanks for the heads up!
Cara says
Be careful with the Badia brand spices..notice msg as an ingredient in alot of them.
Dani says
Thanks for the heads up… I actually only buy the single spices so that I can mix my own blends of chili, fajita, adobo powders.
Priscilla says
Couple of weeks ago Aldi’s in Texas had milk at 99c per gallon. Although it’s not organic, it’s still cheap for RBST free milk.
Kate says
Is all Aldi milk hormone free? I’ve always wondered about that.
Priscilla says
it’s in the fine print of the milk
Amanda says
Is Aldi’s milk any good? just havent even tried it..
Lana says
In my experience it will vary from area to area as them seem to use small kind of local dairies. Ours is good.
The Happy Wife/Danielle says
Don’t hate us, but in western NY (at least in Rochester), we can get a gallon for $1.79 at Wegman’s. It has been this price for quite some time.
Bridgette @ Blessings Multiplied says
That is AWESOME!!!!
Amanda says
I miss cheap milk and WEGMAN’S! 🙂 I grew up in WNY and got quite the shock when we moved to LA a few years ago and milk was almost $5 a gallon. Now we are in KS and pay a lot less, but still more than WNY prices.
Gillian says
We live in Rochester too. I love Wegmans!
andrea says
WOW
Aldis is the cheapest here 2.81
Jillian says
I live in Buffalo, NY. Our Wegmans also carries millk for $1.79/gallon. We are very fortunate!
Dana @ Groupon Girl says
I used to work in the Buffalo area and miss the cheap milk prices there. Now we live in Virginia and usually pay $3.50 per gallon.
Liz says
We get our milk at Costco at about $2.10 a gallon. We figure our milk savings alone pays for our membership, but also on things like a 3lb bag of tortilla chips for $3 and cheap bananas. Costco is about 20 minutes away for us, so it isn’t worth a trip just for milk, but it is on our way home from church, so often we will stop in to get milk for the next week or two on our way home.
Angie says
Yeah – I’ve found that BJ’s is the best price for Milk in MA – 2.06 / gallon. The next best is at gas stations for 2.69-2.79 a gallon, but usually that price is limited to 1% and we drink skim. One time I found milk for 98 cents / half-gallon on sale at Big Y with a silver coin.
While the milk savings does pay for the membership, the one area where we have to be careful is with buying other things that aren’t really less expensive at BJ’s or even cost more, otherwise we could end up breaking even after paying the membership.
Bridgette @ Blessings Multiplied says
Aldi’s is the best price I have found in our area as well followed closely by Save A Lot | Rite Aid. Although Bi-Lo has been known to do a sale for $1.88 occasionally which is the best I’ve seen in several months unless you found one here or there on clearance about to expire. We will freeze our milk if we get a really great deal and space in the freezer.
Gail says
Here near Cincinnati, last week, Aldi was priced at $1.79 per gal. Kroger is much higher at $2.69. That’s 90 cents more!
Nora@ The Dollar Hollering Homemaker says
Aldi has the best price in our area (outside of St. louis). My favorite grassfed/organic milk is the cheapest at whole foods or the farmers market in the summer time.
Christie Jester says
In Pennsylvania, the price of milk is regulated by the state, so it costs the same no matter where you shop…usually $3.29- 3.59 per gallon, no sales allowed. Every once in a while, there is a Catalina for free milk when you buy a certain number of boxes of cereal.
Amanda says
I was SHOCKED by the milk prices when we moved to PA. I am surrounded by dairy farms and yet milk prices are obscene…..
Emily says
I moved 2 years ago from PA to Ohio, where milk is allowed to go on sale. I can often get it for $2/gallon. I was shocked at the low prices here!! However, when I eventually move back to PA, it will pain me to pay that much for milk again.
Lyse Martin says
Yes PA has a state minimum that can be charged but some stores charge on the higher end. If you have a farm nearby and can buy directly from them it is the freshest milk you will taste and they usually charge state minimum. The closest farm to us has a little store and the milk is great. They also don’t have lights in the fridges, which make the milk deteriorate faster.
Rachel says
While I am vegan and no longer drink cow’s milk, I can say that when I did- we purchased our milk from a local dairy farm… it came in old fashioned glass bottles and was much better quality. We were also always glad to support local farmers. They appreciate it as well!!!
I also support the regulation in our state of PA because it ensures the farmers are getting the pay they need to stay in buisness. Cow feed has increasingly gone up in recent years due to increased ethanol production… and many dairies are having to close as a result. One of our local dairies has just closed and has lost a 25 year old farm as a result!
You truly get what you pay for with milk- sometimes paying a little more ensures that everyone in the industry is making enough to stay in buisness…..farmers, especially. Food for thought.
PS. Our family drinks mostly almond milk which is significantly pricier than milk. We don’t really drink it in a glass{we never drank cows milk this way either} but we do use it for cooking and cereal.
To us it is worth the extra. We just cut out other things like most processed foods from our budget. win-win. 🙂
Megan says
Rachel,
I must agree, milk fresh from the farm is best. As a child, my parents took in foster children, these children had to be properly supervised after school. So they took the bus to my “Aunt and Uncle’s” home/farm. Every evening, my father stopped to pick them up and grabbed a gallon or two of milk, fresh from the vat. Oh, I am not a fan of milk, but there is nothing like fresh milk. I must say that the milk of today in the grocery stores is nothing compared to real farm fresh milk!!!( Know this hasn’t much to do with the real topic, but it just brought back a great memory for me!)
Lindsay says
Even so, milk prices here in PA vary greatly. At Rite Aid and my local meat store, it costs $3.40. But at both Giant and Weis it costs $3.86. That’s a big difference for milk being regulated.
Sharon says
In my town in Maryland (no Aldi or ethnic stores) Shoppers has the best price.
Lisa says
Rite Aid sells milk and MD allows Rite Aid to use your 20% off Rewards Card. It beats most regular priced milk. Only milk on sale/special gets close or beats it. And they let me use my Up Rewards to pay for it. Note: Some states do not allow the discount or use of Up rewards for payment.