We’ve been mostly eating from the pantry and freezer for the past few weeks, so it was time for a big stock-up trip to replenish our bare freezer and refrigerator. I brought a long list and the grocery cash envelope, but I confess that I almost choked a little when the cashier told me my total… I think that’s the most I ever remember spending in one shopping trip!
I did buy a few treats for the kids — they’ve been so great to willingly eat some interesting pantry meals and I wanted to surprise them with a few fun things as a reward. Capri Sun Juice Pouches and Cheese Crackers are just about the best things ever according to my children and, based upon their excitement over them, I’m pretty sure it was $4 well spent. 🙂
Aldi Shopping Trip
2 bags of oranges — $1.49 each
2 cartons of blueberries — $1.29 each
2 cartons of red grapes — $1.58 each
2 cartons of strawberries — $1.49 each
1 box of cheese crackers — $1.89 (a special treat for Silas — I was thrilled to discover these don’t have food coloring in them!)
4 blocks of Cheddar cheese (8 oz. each) — $1.79 each
1 tub of sour cream — $1.29
1 block of mozzarella cheese — $1.79
1 bag of chicken breasts — $5.99
3 bags frozen corn — $0.95 each
2 bags frozen broccoli — $1.09 each
Capri Sun Juice — $1.95 (This was another special treat for the kids.)
1 bag tortilla chips — $1.19
1 bag corn chips — $1.19
6.72 lbs of bananas — $1.85
40-oz. bottle of Ketchup — $1.29
1 bag of dry pinto beans — $1.79
2 bags of baby carrots — $0.99 each
10 lbs. of potatoes — $2.99
1 bag of onions — $1.69
1 carton of green grapes — $1.58
3 cans of diced tomatoes — $0.59 each
1 dozen eggs — $1.39
2 cans of green beans — $0.49 each
3 cans of black beans — $0.59 each
2 bags of flour tortillas — $0.99 each
3 peaches — $1.17
2 bags of frozen peas — $0.95 eachTotal with tax: $68.40
Also shown: 6 grapefruit from the health food store — on sale 3 for $1. I ran by there on the way home, but only found a good deal on grape fruit as the markdowns were all really picked over and there weren’t any other great sales.
Laura says
Wow! We live in rural Mississippi where there are no bargain stores and only one grocery chain does coupons…the problem there is, no newspapers here offer coupons. The only way to get any is to print, but by the time I print any, my ink costs more than I would save. The closest Sam’s is 80-90 miles away and I’ve never heard of Aldi’s. My groceries are outrageous…feeding three teens and hubby I wish there were more ways to save here. Lol…might be time to move…may be cheaper! 🙂
Michelle says
Here in on the Central Coast of California, I am paying $3.39 ( I use the .35 milk coupon) for a half gallon of organic milk, $5.99/lb for grass fed HB, $1.69 for a whole organic chicken or $6.99/lb for organic chicken breasts. I don’t buy any “prepared foods” (except like cheese, etc) and by time I am done, I have spent $125 a week
Michelle says
LOL funny that $68 is the most you’ve spent in a long time on groceries. I spend $125 a week, I live in California and the majority of the food I purchase is organic. o.O
Bridget says
I could not find dried black beans at Aldi last time I checked. Any clues on where to find some? Walmart has 1 lb. bag for 1.79 but that seems pretty high to me. I made my first batch of homemade black beans and now we are addicted 🙂 Thanks
Bridget says
I could not find dried black beans at Aldi last time I checked. Any clues on where to find some? Walmart has 1 lb. bag for 1.79 but that seems pretty high to me. I made my first batch of homemade black beans and now we are addicted 🙂
Jennifer M. says
With 4 kids ( ages 6, 4, 2, 1,and baby 3 months) my husband and I, it seems like we go through a lot of food. (We will probably go through a lot more in the future as we are planning to have more children if God sends them our way.) We spend about $300 a month on food. That is counting our shopping trips to Aldis, Walmart, and Dillons. Then we spend about $50 a month on Azure standard. Shopping is not easy as we try to save everyway we can. Plus, with one son having kidney disease and a restricted diet of no wheat, gluten, dairy, and soy it can get hard. I myself am limited with wheat and dairy. My husband can have some dairy (cheese, ice cream) We all use rice milk. (Make it myself when I run out if I have too). I make my own gluten free all purpose flour. We make our own laundry soap and handsoap. Planning to make my own laundry softener, cleaners, etc., when I have more time. (Kind of hard with this many little kids and homeschooling the oldest). We always have a garden but we just moved to a bigger house and 3 acres in the end of May so a garden was not possible this year. Next year we will. Though we do have tomato plants in the flowerbed that are producing wonderfully and several pear trees almost ready for picking. Planning on having chickens in the spring and goats eventually! (Want the goat milk for the baby) Right now I’m using organic formula until I can make my own with goat milk powder. Our church has a food drop almost every Friday with bread and organic items either expired or just about to expire for 2.00 a basket. Overall, I think we are blessed but with rising food costs, price of gas, etc., it does seem hard at times but we always seem to manage. God Be Praised!
Erica says
Hello. I new to this site. I have a question about grocery shopping. I know this is going to sound bizarre and I have be struggling to figure out how to go about it. I have been married to my husband for 3 years now. We have a daugher (7). My husband has a big appetite and he is normally the primary cook in the house. Our budget is very tight and I struggle to buy groceries because I do not know much I should buy so the food would last. I am not able to shop weekly and I would like to try to shop monthly. Could you advise me on how I can do this?
Crystal says
Can you shop every 10 days to two weeks? I’d start with that.
I’d also start paying attention to how much you use of items in a week’s time (maybe keep a log)? This way, you can start to gauge how much you should buy for a month.
Julie says
Oh how I wish we had prices like that here. Crystal you are an inspiration:)
Danielle says
Are you lording me I wish we had one of these where I live! I just spent 400 @Sam’s and another 200 at walmart!!! Family of seven !!! I have three that take lunch to school or work, one of which is gluten free and one at home with glycogen storage disease. I have been in a bad mommy food rut and cant seem to have the energy to come up with or make meals lately. We have taken on two of our kids just recently age two and four and my time is not my own anymore…ever! I wish I could spend this much for a week my totals were for 2 weeks. Mind you I have teenagers but still wish we had that store here! Thanks for all your posts they are amazing! Xo
Danielle says
Okay that was kidding me…just love auto correct don’t you??? Blahhh
Char says
Where’s Aldi’s?
Crystal says
They are all over the country. Check Aldi.com to see if there’s one near you.
Char says
Thanks Crystal
Laurie says
Thanks for the menu plan link Crystal!
Laurie
iwannaknowbelle.blogspot.com
Laurie says
I would love to see the menu you are planning with these items. I love Aldi! I can relate to you. When I spend more than $35.00 there I am in shock! Love it.
iwannaknowbelle.blogspot.com
Crystal says
You can see our weekly menu plan here: https://moneysavingmom.com/2013/08/this-weeks-menu-plan-im-finally-back-to-freezer-cooking-again.html
Laurie says
We are a family of 3. 1 adult, 2 kids. I used to shop at Aldi all the time. I find with our store the produce is ok. I am no longer buying processed food, so my shopping now is at Trader Joes which is a sister company to Aldi’s. TJ prices are slightly higher,but I just love the awesome foods that taste so much better than what I used to buy. Since I am now buying mostly organic my food bill is around $400/mos. I feel that excellent quality food is well worth it. I will say that I am always shopping for fresh fruit 2-3 times a week.
Kendra Steveson says
Hahahaha, that is half of my usual weekly total. I have five kids and three are tall teenagers!
Melissa says
I don’t think I can read your posts anymore; your prices are too depressing! Tortillas here are $4.29 when not on sale (it’s a big deal when they’re $3!), cans of beans are $1.39, cheese is $8.59/lb block, sour cream is $3.29 for 16oz…….ok, I just read the list again, and basically, multiply everything by about 4 (some things by 7 or 8) and you might be close to the prices I’m paying. I can’t even remember the last time I left the grocery store and the bill was less than $100. I almost don’t even blink anymore when I leave Costco with a receipt for $350.
Crystal says
Where do you live?!? I’m so sorry! 🙁
Beth Bird says
Same here! I can’t get out of Sam’s Club for under $200.00 EVER! Add this to going to the grocery store every 2 weeks for another $500 for the month…Total of at LEAST $700.00 for the month. I match-ads, coupon, and shop sales…..I can’t even fathom a $68.00 bill. That is about a bag of dog food, a box of diapers, wipes, milk, and bread.
Katie says
YES! Thank you! We spend about $600/mo. for a family of 5 (one in diapers and formula) and I think that is doing pretty good! I have to really work to keep it at that. I also price match and shop sales and use some coupons and I meal plan for 2 weeks and a time and shop every 2 weeks. I just don’t let myself feel guilty anymore. I am doing the very best I can do and at least I am setting a budget, making a list, etc… can’t imagine what I’d spend without doing all that!
Heather says
I agree completely! I spend about $800-900 a month (including toiletries and household items) and we don’t eat particularly extravagantly. We have a family of two adults and two adult (college aged) kids and one teenager. Basically, feeding five adults, two of them gluten-free because of health problems, we still run short. We’ve been told that our meat is priced off the Chicago meat market, so we really limit anything too expensive and eat eggs and sandwiches and almost never eat out. A good deal on hamburger would be about $2.39. I love it when produce comes in and families share with us (apples, green beans, squash, etc.). Aldi is in our regular round of stops, as is Sam’s. But, we have to consider the cost of fuel anytime we drive as a trip to the nearest Aldi runs us about 10.00 and the nearest Sam’s is about 15.00. I’m happy for those that can get such great prices, but I do think we need to be careful not to be too proud—many don’t have access to the same resources.
Heidi says
I have a family of 7 (5 boys, my hubby, and me) and sometimes I get discouraged reading posts like this because I often spend $200 a week. I used to do coupons like crazy but I seemed to spend more. I just do the best I can. I must live where prices are high.
Heather says
Actually, Heidi, I think you’re normal. As a matter of fact, I think that if you’re feeding 7 for $200/week, you’re doing pretty good.
jennifer says
I had to giggle at your stock up trip costing $68. Oh I wish we had an Aldi’s here. Our food prices in Maine are so expensive. When we went to visit our families in St. Louis a couple years ago we stopped at a Whole Foods to grab picnic stuff and couldn’t believe how cheap everything was.
Christine says
I love your trips, Crystal! Wish I had an Aldi near me, you always amaze me with your LOW oop!
Thanks for always being such a great inspiration! You’re a wonderful person!
Crystal says
Thanks so much for your kind encouragement!
Lana says
My daughter made the observation a few weeks ago that because of the big couponing boom over the last few years that we have gotten used to not paying for food. A lot of those great deals are long gone as there are less coupons available. I agree with her. I am finding that we are spending more on food. It is also a change to a more whole diet and almost no processed foods and I think your family has gone that way, too. I have realized that it is okay to spend for good, healthy food for my husband and I and worth it in the long run from a health standpoint. You did well and you feed your family well so, no problem!
lyss says
So do you never shop for company? Or do you do that on shopping trips separate from your weekly groceries? I recently shopped for the week, and had to also buy for a lunch crowd, and spent, um, well, alot more than you! Of course, I have to take into consideration that many foods cost more where I live(compared to your prices here), and we eat more than your family(based on your recipes and what you’ve said), but still, I was just curious if food for parties and company is budgeted separately than your “normal” groceries. I feel like I have to buy so much extra when we have people over. Then again, we just moved and I don’t have much of a stockpile. I can see that if I had a full pantry and freezer mabye I wouldn’t have to spend a ton extra on company. We could buy the extras for guests, and eat from the pantry…Okay, maybe I’m answering my own question. lol
Crystal says
When I have a well-stocked pantry and freezer, company meals usually aren’t much more — because I try to plan them around what I already have on hand/have gotten on a great sale recently.
Carrie says
Oh goodness. I buy far more than that each week… but then again I’m feeding an army. LOL!
Laura says
I really wish our Aldi’s near me had produce that looked that good. Every time I go it always looks old. Maybe I should try one in another city? We also have Save A Lot here too. Have you ever shopped there?
Crystal says
I’ve not shopped at Save a Lot before.
Have you tried price-matching the Aldi produce sales at Walmart? That might be an option if your Aldi doesn’t have great produce.
Pam says
I feed two people now and I have spent over $100 easily buying a fresh.
For a family not that bad, you have a lot of dairy and fresh food there which had you bought elsewhere would have been double what you paid.
Billene says
WOW ! , $68.40 is not bad for a shopping trip when you have not been to a grocery in a few weeks. I know many people who spend much more than that every week. When you are purchasing items for a family of four what you spent is not an enormous amount of money. So just take a deep breath it could have been worst. Thankfully you shopped at Aldi, it would have been much more had you shopped at Kroger or Walmart. 🙂
Milk Allergy Mom says
Your Aldi staples look a lot like mine. But I really don’t like the canned green beans. 😉 The only canned thing I’m getting right now is tomato items because I heard even organic companies have to put BPA in the lining of tomato items. ??? I started cooking beans from a bag so I get the pinto from Aldi and black from Target. Aldi has great frozen veggies!
I also like to get wheat tortillas from Target. Wish Aldi sold whole wheat ones.
The big treat for my kids from Aldi is the tub of honey wheat pretzels. 🙂
Other Aldi staples of ours are spaghetti sauce, noodles, and they sell Tyson whole chickens. Also get their frozen tilapia. My husband LOVES their multi-grain bread.
Even though my kids are dairy-free, I like their greek yogurt plain, string cheese, shredded cheese, and blocks of cheese. I got an organic block once that was good.
I love to shop Aldi first and then fill with other stores last.
Crystal says
We’ve not tried the canned green beans in a long time, so I bought them just to test them out and see if we still like them or not. We’ve mostly been eating frozen veggies.
Anna says
I appreciate the shopping trip sharing from the Walgreens and CVS buys that have been posted of late BUT I really am glad you are posting your shopping trips again. I gave up the drugstore shopping and seeing the wonderful deals of some of the posting on drugstore buys was making me “envious” but I am switching how I shop. This posting is more in line how I shop now. I still occasionally shop at drugstores but not regularly. I prefer a more fresh fruit, fresh veggies, and home made meals approach. However that is me and only a family can decide what is best for themselves and how they shop and provide for their families.
Heather says
We just had an ALDI open near us. You have inspired me to go and check it out. Unfortunately, I can’t buy anything processed and I have to watch non-organic on things like strawberries, apples, and blueberries because of some family health issues but at the very least that sounds like an awesome price on bananas. And if that cheese is from cows not given growth hormone, I will have to stock up on that as well. It will be interesting to see how the ALDI prices here in the Northeast compare.
Crystal says
Aldi recently began carrying some organic products that are very reasonably priced, too! Definitely look for those… and I’d love to know how the prices compare from my area to yours!
Heather says
Now I am even more excited to go and check it out. Just need to carve out some time! Thanks!
jennifer says
I am really starting to love my Aldi’s. After heavy couponing for a few years and now having a 1 year old to tow to the store, I was a little burnt out with deal finding. My Aldi is very reasonably priced, I can get in and out without a melt down, I don’t have to juggle all the coupons, and I am noticing alot of their items are quite healthy! They even started selling the little fruit squeeze pouches 4 pack for $1.99. These are for sure a convenience/luxury for me, but I like to pack them for Sunday morning nursery as it is much easier for the workers. I still like to hit Kroger for the super sale items, but Aldi’s is becoming a favorite staple!!!!
Anne says
I used to spend $70-80 or even $100 for two adults each week! Until I learned how to grocery shop with the sales and coupon. I do live in the Seattle-area so our prices are a bit higher but still that’s a good price for all you got.
Nae says
I just finished reading the article and all the replies. It’s good to know that I’m not the only one struggling to feed a huge family on as little as possible. I find that for our family we usually spend around $400 or more a month on food. I cook all home made meals from scratch and never hardly ever buy pre-packaged items (Chips, etc.), unless it’s called for in a recipe. I get a ton of great recipes on line from “Mommy’s Kitchen”, “Paula Deen”, “America’s Test Kitchen”, and others. I’ve cut out everything I can cut from our budget. I make my own laundry detergent $14 for a 6 month supply; dish soap for pennies a bottle; and, fabric softener for around $1 month; and, cleaning supplies for around $20 per year if that much. I can’t think of any possible way to save any more money. I use coupons for sale items, buy store brand/generics and don’t drive unless I absolutely have to. If anyone has more suggestions to share please do. I’m always looking for ways to make home made and save money. God bless : )
Nae says
Actually the laundry detergent doesn’t cost that much to make. That’s the cost for supplies to start making it. I still have a ton of borax, arm & hammer super washing soda and an extra bar of soap for the next batch. I wash clothes constantly, and our clothes look and smell great. I wish I’d started doing this years ago.
Crystal says
It sounds like you are doing a fantastic job — keep it up!
Bethany says
Does your homemade laundry soap work for an HE washing machine? Need household product recipes and suggestions. Our family’s budget just changed drastically and I am in desperate need of finding ways to make ends meet. Thanks.
Louise says
Could you share the dish soap recipe? Is it for the dishwasher? I don’t have a dishwasher but would love a recipe for regular dish soap. Thanks.
Nae says
This is the link to where I found the recipe for dish soap. It works well for me and I cook all the time, so we have a lot of greasy dishes. I didn’t use the tea tree oil, I just added lemon flavouring believe it or not and it worked! I did not have any lemon essential oil, but I will use that next time. I may even try the tea tree oil too. I hope you enjoy it and it saves you money too. Good luck and God bless. : )
http://frugallysustainable.com/2011/09/homemade-liquid-dish-soap-that-really/
Jennifer says
I’ve followed you for a loooooong time (since beginning 2008) from my time living in CA to TX and back home to Perth, Western Australia. I’ve taken so many of the principles I learnt from you, i.e. shopping from the pantry, meal planning, meals based on weekly ads, etc, back here to the land of no coupons. Reading that $68 is the most you’ve spent on groceries just amazes me. Yesterday I did our two-week meal plan with some stocking up due to 1/2 price sales: I spent $268 at one store, $42 at a second and $60 at the fruit/veg market. So normal down here!
Erin says
I know how you feel! In the past I typically made smaller, more frequent trips to the store. Now with Kroger no longer doubling and offering double gas points only on the weekends and my other doubling store typically offering $X/$X coupons, I’m making bigger, less frequent trips. I feel like hyperventilating when I get beyond $40. Last week at Target, I was near $70 and almost passed out til the coupons came off and I got down to $10. Ditto yesterday at the grocery store. It was around $80 before promotions and coupons. Guess it’s the coupons and deals that get me sweating, though, because I drop $40 to $60 every time I stop at Trader Joe’s without blinking. Gosh, noncoupon shopping is nice. Can’t wait for Aldi to open, though our prices won’t be anywhere near as low as these.
Celena says
$68.40?! My “stock up” Aldi trips have been close to $100 lately!
Marie says
Wow! That’s awesome! Another reason why I love Aldi’s!! We have two really great one’s by me and the produce is great. I can’t wait to hear your meal plans. I’ve been thinking about what to make ahead for school starting. I’ve made 2 zucchini loafs and blueberry muffins so far. I’m also trying to eat from the pantry and only buy fresh fruits and vegetables. In June we stocked up on milk because it was 2 gallons for $3!!! So we haven’t had to buy milk for July or August!! That has helped our budget so much. I do wish we had the same prices as your Aldi’s though but we take our blessings in other ways as they come.
Halie Johnson says
How do you keep your produce fresh? Or do you just eat it all quickly? I feel like I either end up throwing produce away, or I have to go to the store frequently to get it as I need it.
Crystal says
I’ll be freezing some of the grapes, blueberries, and bananas, but the other produce should stay fresh for at least a week or two. We usually eat the produce that goes bad more quickly (such as strawberries) before we eat the other produce that stays fresh longer (things like oranges).
Deanna says
Do you have any problems with any of the Aldi food that you buy? Such as the milk or eggs don’t taste right? Or the frozen meats may be freezer burned? Do you buy all of your “big” meals there?
Jennifer says
Deanna, I have never gotten any food that didn’t taste right at Aldi. I think a majority of their foods taste as good as brand names. I have never had anything freezer burned either. They have a money back guarantee. I was in line once and an older gentleman came in with a box of opened cookies and said he and his wife just didn’t like them. They gave his money back no questions asked.
Jennifer says
I haven’t had any issues with the dairy or meat. The sour cream actually tastes better in my opinion. The fruit sometimes is pretty “ripe” and needs eating within a couple 0f days, but not too big of a deal. It just depends on which day you buy it. I have found the bread to be some of the freshest around (most times). Overall it is high quality food and priced right!
Here in Ohio milk at Aldi is $1.89 reg, $1.69 on sale. The cheese blocks are $1.79 reg and $1.59 on sale. You cannot beat those prices.
Crystal says
I typically just buy staple ingredients at Aldi. The produce is sometimes pretty picked over, so you have to dig and check carefully when buying that. I also don’t usually buy meat (other than chicken) at Aldi.
But we’ve never had a problem with any of their staple ingredients — and I love the lower prices!
Blessed Mama says
I use to work at Aldis and one day we got the wrong milk shipment in. The milk came labeled Morning Glory (or one of those big brands) instead of the Aldis milk label. I realized a lot of the things at Aldis is regular brand stuff with different labels on them. (especially the dairy and the produce)…not so sure about the other stuff though.
Lydia says
Crystal, I know that choking feeling. I tend to do small grocery runs typically and so when I do a bigger trip for whatever reason I always have to gulp a bit.
I just wanted to comment on the fact that your kiddos were so thrilled with cheese crackers and Capri Sun. I LOVE it. One of the benefits of doing without and not getting lots of expensive snacks is that your children learn gratefulness. We don’t often buy those kinds of things either so when we do, it automatically becomes a huge treat. And while sometimes I almost feel like we are depriving our kids (because all or most of their friends have all those “cool” snacks), most of the time we love that it helps them appreciate the little things and be grateful for them.
Dana says
Wow $68 is not alot but I suppose it’s all relative. We usually run about $400/mo for a family of 4 with two young girls. We juice a good deal of veggies which can get pricey and we eat meat from a local butcher shop or Trader Joe’s. Just an FYI, not sure if you ever saw this but Capri Sun’s have had some issues with mold. Not a big deal for most kids unless they have a compromised immune system and of course the obvious, it would taste awful. After I saw this news story, I stopped buying them and switched to Honest Kids pouches. They never even did a recall on the juice pouches.
http://www.9news.com/news/article/334561/75/Moms-beware-Fungus-growing-in-Capri-Sun
Toni says
What?! most ever spent?? When it was just food for the 2 of us a typical trip was 75 with some at over 100 even at aldi. I just got the ebook about saving money at aldi I better dig in before I shop, I must be doing something wrong!!
Mary says
Are the prices always so low at Aldi?
Lana says
Yes! They have great produce sales every week! They usually alternate fruit weeks and veggie weeks but by buying those specials weekly you can save a ton of money. The non produce prices stay pretty much the same year round.
april says
I wish i could get through aldis and only spend $68(its usually twice that for me)
Stephanie says
I stopped in the store for a few things the other day and spent almost that much. *sigh* groceries in NH are so expensive!!!
Dana says
I also noticed too your itemized prices on a number of items are a good bit cheaper than my Aldi located in Indian Land, SC (suburb of Charlotte NC). Groceries appear to be much cheaper on many items where you are than other parts of the country. Our blocks of cheddar are $2.99, sour cream is the same, etc. Those are some good prices. You must be closer to the cows that made these dairy items 😉
Melanie says
Once of twice a month i have bigger trips for meat and frozen and canned goods. Once to twice a month i also do a larger trip to a local Fruit and Veggie Market. This past Saturday i did some at Meijer and Kroger and total from both stores was $85 and included a $1 and a $5 off coupon towards my next purchase at Meijer.
Jessica says
Only $68??? That is all? For a few weeks worth of food?! You go, girl!
Julie C says
Your stock up looks like a weekly run for our family of nine; 5-7 bunches of bananas is the norm each week plus other fruits and veggies. 🙂
Crystal says
I well remember the days of shopping for my family of nine — it’s amazing how much that many people can eat, isn’t it?!
MyPeaceOfFood says
Ha! I thought you were going to say you spent like $200 at ALDI (which, actually, is probably impossible). Spending only $68 for me would be like a Christmas present to my family. We are used to spending over $100 for each weekly trip. I’m hoping that now that my son will be in school again I can start playing the grocery store game and going to ALDI and other discount stores, start keeping a price book and feel a little more frugal — believe it or not, my husband LOVES for us to all go grocery shopping as a family, and it drives me crazy because it means spending more time and money. So many perks to school starting again! Thanks for the new perspective, as always!
jennifer says
That is funny, my husband would rather go to the dentist or unclog a drain than go grocery shopping!!!! 🙂 He is a “wait in the car” type of guy.
Misty says
Same here Jennifer. I wish my husband comes to grocery store with me. He gets fever when I ask him to accompany. He would sometimes let me touch his forehead and by the time I am back from the store he will be cool again.
Kim M says
My husband, too, enjoys grocery shopping with me.. and whenever he comes, I easily spend $20+ over what I had anticipated. I think he goes to make sure I get “good” snacks though. 😉
Amy says
You’d have a heart attack when I do my two BIG shopping trips of the year. My husband works for Meijer.. And about twice a year they give him a coupon for 20% off groceries and health and beauty. It always seems to be around the time of the Meijer Brand Sale. I usually spend $300-$400 dollars.. Stocking up on can goods and meat mostly. I have three children though.. Ages 20.,19,and 9. The two oldest are male.. and athletes. We go through a lot of food.
Crystal says
I can only imagine how much food you go through!
Jessica @The Mom Creative says
Woah. I spend WAY more most weeks at the grocery store. 🙂
Lacy says
I’m so jealous 🙂 I spent over $40 on a quick grocery run today (about 15 items). I guess 2 gallons of milk at $5 each might have something to do with it…. if we spend less than $100 a week I’m happy. 🙂
Betsy says
I, too, was expecting a big $200 shop (yep, it’s possible at Aldi’s, cause I’ve done it). Good job to you!
Leslie Murphy says
I don’t know whee you are living but in Alaska that shopping list would be easily twice as many dollars!! I would LOVE to buy groceries with those prices. Canned veggies over $1.00 per can, strawberries ON SALE $2.50 per pound this week, 10# potatoes $4.40, bananas 84 cents a pound, whole chickens $1.49 per pounds, hamburger $4.99 per pound; you get the idea. Think of these prices and ENJOY your next shopping trip!!
Lisa R. says
I agree. Chicago is about the same as Alaska in prices it sounds like. I’m thrilled if I can get canned good for 50 cents ever, and chicken and burger always seem high here.
Sarah E says
I had a similar trip to Kroger this week for the same reason. We had been on vacation and had eaten up most everything before we left so our fridge was very bare! I can’t believe some of those amazing prices, but just heard that we have an Aldi coming to Richmond, VA soon! I can’t wait to check them out!
Barbara says
Sarah,
I am in Richmond also. When and where is the Aldi’s coming. We stop at one in Fredericksburg when we are up that way.
Sarah E says
Barbara,
Here’s a link to the article I saw about it. It looks like they haven’t announced the locs but the plan is summer 2014! Yeah for another Richmond reader!
http://www.timesdispatch.com/business/local/aldi-discount-grocery-chain-targets-richmond-area/article_88c2c819-9661-52dc-81f3-70e1ba2d3205.html
Heather says
sweet! at least I’ll stop on my way home to Hampton Roads whenever we go out of town now!
Erin says
Hoping it comes to Chesterfield county! I was just researching this yesterday but I couldn’t find any new details.
Laura C says
Me too! I am in Chesterfield County too.
Angela says
I’m also in Chesterfield :). Hope Aldi’s comes to our side of town instead of Short Pump!
Laura C says
I agree! Wish they would put Whole Foods and TJ’s over here. Then I’d never have to go out to Short Pump 🙂
Audrey says
I’m in Richmond too! Glad to hear about the Aldi’s.
Brooke says
I’m near Farmville but my husband works in Richmond. Guess who will be getting a list? Can’t wait!
Camille says
I think it’s hard when you end up doing ALL your shopping in one stop! I’d do three trips at $20 each and be quite pleased, but one $60 shop will freak me out a little.
Dianna says
I love Aldi’s! You can’t beat their prices and I love their food anyway! Awesome aren’t they?
Kim says
We’re trying to eat freezer meals since the freezer door was slightly ajar over night recently. It could definitely use defrosting now! 🙂 You might want to check Sam’s Club for pinto beans if you want to stock up some time. I think they were around $8 for 10 lbs at ours, last time I checked. Maybe someone with a membership could pick you up some.
Crystal says
Great tip — thanks for mentioning that!
Kate SDDS says
I’ve noticed we are going through a TON more food too recently! Our kids are 7, 6, & 2 and they are eating SO much! I always stock up on deals – we also now freeze stuff when it is starting to get past it’s prime to make smoothies. I keep thinking that I am just blowing our budget (Dave Ramsey fans here too) but I really just need to accept that they are eating more and I need another $40 or so each month – goodness knows what will happen when they are teenagers – LOL!
The Prudent Homemaker says
I know that problem all too well this year! My family would go through almost all of those oranges in one sitting if each person got one. Mine just got a little bigger than yours and we have almost doubled what they are eating now; 1 1/2 pounds of pasta at a meal, 2 loaves of bread in one sitting (tonight we ate 2 1/2 loaves) and they are still hungry! (Kind of like the Very Hungry Caterpillar!)
Thankfully our apple trees really started producing this year; we are having a LOT of apples at my house lately!
Kate SDDS says
we have a friend w an apple tree and we had apples every day and I made crock pot apple sauce & crock pot apple butter – we also have a friend w an orange tree who gave us JILLIONS of oranges! She and I actually made orange marmalade too so I didn’t have to buy jam/jelly for a year! We try to grow a garden and never do great, but hoping someday we will get it right =)
Amy says
I totally understand! My 3 kids are growing fast and we are eating a lot! My husband and I just decided to raise our grocery budget because every week I was feeling discouraged about overspending. Instead of living in defeat, I am changing my expectations and accepting that we just eat more now!
Kristen says
Wow, I can’t get over how inexpensive your groceries are! Those blocks of cheese here are at least $5.99, it is a great deal here when I can get a 900 gram block for $8.99. The cheapest, in season fruit to be found would be 99 cents a pound, (even at the local produce market that has all the imperfect/really ripe fruit!) though occasionally we can get bananas for 59 cents. That was an awesome shop, wow!
Crystal says
We are very blessed… though I feel badly for those of you who live where prices are much higher!
LeahB says
Do you have ALDI near you? Our ALDI prices in Chicago are a bit higher than Crystal’s, but not much. I am always shocked at how low my total is.
Kristen says
Nope, no Aldi, we are in Northwestern Canada, groceries are not cheap here. Butter is never under 3.50/lb, chicken is almost always 3.50/lb or higher, ground beef is about $3/lb, milk is between 4-5 dollars a gallon (4l), depending on fat content. A pint of yogurt (500ml) is 3-4 bucks, though sometimes I can get it for 2. bread is between 2-5 dollars a loaf .
The cost of living is just higher here, but wages are too. I wouldn’t trade our life here for anything, but with six kids (2active teens included) at least half our budget goes to groceries each month. That includes diapers, toiletries, cleaning products too. These guys eat 5-10 pounds of fruit a day!
I do love all the tips here, though many don’t apply to me, no coupon stacking here, etc. still inspiring.
Laura Jane @ Super Sweet Life says
Oh wow, $70 is the most you’ve ever spent in a grocery trip? Last year, when I was doing my every-other-month grocery shopping, I spent over $200 each time I went to Sam’s club! It was a lot of cash up front, but it was overall cheaper and more efficient for me then running into the grocery store multiple times per week and spending just $20 each time.
Angie says
Are you saying you buy all of your groceries in your every-other-month Sam’s Club trips? Do you only spend $100 / month on all groceries? Do I understand correctly?!?!
If so, that’s pretty awesome.
I tend to make one big trip each month to BJ’s, taking advantage of their generous coupon policy and then go to the regular grocery store at least once a week, buying mostly what’s on sale and I try to use coupons when I can.
I find myself forgetting things even though I make a list, and running around making these little trips and I wonder if the $20 a month I save with coupons is simply negated by spending too much on gas.
I spend about $500 – $525 a month on groceries. At one time I was spending less than that, about $480 a month, but we were constantly running out of stockpile items and would have zero produce at the end of the week.
My two kids are small (3 & 6) but my husband is over 6 ft tall and around 230 lbs. He eats tons of eggs. I swear we go through 12-18 eggs a week, and I only use them for occasional baking. He is one of those guys who has to eat “second breakfast”.
But his job is physical and I certainly don’t want him to go hungry. It’s just that I, at barely 5’5″ and 120 lbs, can’t fathom how someone can eat so much.
I’m considering trying once a month grocery shopping, but I’m afraid I would eat the same things all month long and get board.
If anyone has had success with the once a month shopping and manages to eat some variety I would love to hear about it.
Laura Jane @ Super Sweet Life says
I did spend more than $100/month on all groceries. Every other month I went to Sam’s Club, Aldi, and a regular grocery store to stock up. All in all, for just my husband and myself, we were spending $150 to $200 per month for food groceries (doesn’t include paper products, cleaning stuff, or toiletries). However, neither my husband nor myself need to eat a lot, and I think that makes a huge difference!
The whole every other month thing worked pretty well for me. I wrote a whole post detailing how I did it here:
http://confessionsofarecoveringchocoholic.com/2013/08/03/the-non-planners-guide-to-menu-planning/
Wendy Jahns says
Angie, have you thought of raising chickens? I don’t spend a lot of $ in feed and I get a lot of eggs 🙂
Angie says
I have friends who raise chickens. It’s not an option for us right now since we have a townhouse style condo. We are putting it on the market next months. Who knows.
When we were on our honeymoon 9 year ago, we stayed in a house in Nova Scotia owned by my husband’s friend’s in-laws who raised free range chickens. They gave us some eggs and they tasted very good.
Since then we have always liked the idea of raising chickens, but sometimes the best ideas don’t work for me. We shall see.
Cassi says
I wish my totals were that low! 🙂 Question for you…have you ever considered replacing sour cream with Greek yogurt? We made the switch a few years ago and we love it. It tastes great cooked in recipes and just as a topping for tacos etc. It tends to be a bit more expensive but much healthier…we pay about $1.25/8oz (for organic) compared to about $.89/8oz of sour cream. I get a lot of compliments on the flavor too!
The Prudent Homemaker says
Cassi, you should try making your own Greek yogurt with your favorite yogurt as a starter; your money will go even further!
Crystal says
We sometimes replace Greek yogurt for sour cream. It just depends upon whether I have extra Greek yogurt to spare or not. 🙂
Andrea says
HAHAH…if you have extra yogurt to spare…I know that one all too well!
My son is a Type 1 diabetic, so one thing that has saved my hiney in this journey (really, I need to start blogging about it) is the prepackaged yogurts – 0ur local grocery store has great sales on them, and often, I get them for very cheap or free. I used to make my own, but I need to know exact carbs now, and these little containers (or the big container, measured out!) help with the carb count. I never thought it was possible, but carb counts for vanilla greek yogurt can vary WIDELY.
And yes…cheese crackers are always a winner, no matter the age! (Ask my husband!) 😉
bon otts says
If someone is really watching carbs in yogurt, I recommend Kroger’s CARBmaster dairy blend. The vanilla (and most flavors) has 3 sugars, 4 carbs total. Calories = 60 and calories = 60, 8 gm of protein. Total fat is 1.5 gm. The container is 6 oz. We have not seen any similar product in any other store. This is one instance where a store brand is ahead of the name brands.