Aisle by Aisle

 Shopping by the aisle can really work.  You need to know what to look for and you need to know your prices.  I tend to buy the most items in the perimeter of the store.  I do get some canned goods and of course pet supplies in the center of the store.  Also get some baking supplies.

You can really save a lot if you just follow a few simple rules!

PRODUCE

• Buy what is in season for the best price
• Check if your store has a clearance area for produce - usually have bags of goodies for .99
• Check bags of produce to make sure there is no bad item in the bag - that can make the rest of the bag go off quickly
• Weigh prebagged produce (apples, oranges, etc.)  Not all 5 lb. bags weigh 5 lbs.!!!!!!  Some weigh more!
• Don't buy chopped lettuces or cut up veggies or fruit - it will always cost more than just buying it whole and cutting up yourself
• When you get home - DRY off any wet produce before storing.

MEAT & SEAFOOD

Most expensive thing you can buy today at the store.   So, plan your meals to use much less or to have meatless nights once in a while.

• Never pay full price for meat.  Always get it when it is on sale!!!!!!  Stock up and freeze.
• Most times it is more economical to buy whole instead of cut up.  Whole chickens, whole loins, larger beef cuts, etc.  Cut it up yourself and freeze in meal size packages
• Look for inexpensive cuts of meat that you can marinate or slow cook to make tender 
• Don't buy the pre-marinated, seasoned or stuffed meat.  It always costs more.
• Think about other sources of protein - canned tuna, salmon, beans, etc.

CANNED GOODS

Buy generic when possible.  Most brands are canned in the same factories and just labeled differently.  If you find a great deal on something your family uses and likes - stock up!!!!  Remember "best by" dates are pretty much just suggestions.  Things are good for much, much longer.

BREADS, CEREAL, PASTA

• Day old breads are great for toast, crumbs, making croutons and stuffing
• Plain pasta and rice are a lot more economical than the pre-seasoned mixes.  You can make up your own flavor combination.  
• Bigger boxes of cereal are a lot more economical than buying smaller boxes - look for those 'bags' of cereal, they are a different brand, but much cheaper sans box!  Think about buying hot cereal in bulk (oats) - not those indiv. packets.  Make up your own blends.  

FROZEN FOOD

• Frozen fruits and veggies are a perfect way to get some items that are out of season
• Buy plain veggies - no sauces.  That causes them to cost more and adds calories.  Make your own sauce or gravy or seasoning.  
• Skip buying frozen pancakes, waffles, biscuits, French toast - etc.  Make your own for pennies and then bag them up and freeze for quick breakfasts and meals.

DAIRY

• Buy a block of cheese and shred your own.  It isn't necessarily cheaper - but it sure does melt better.  Pre-shredded cheese has an anti-clumping agent added - so not just plain cheese.  Shred you own and bag up.  I freeze shredded cheese for cooking and baking.
• Check for markdowns on milk or cream - if it is getting close to "best by" date it may be marked down.  You can drink now or you can freeze for later.  I often keep milk fresh and flavorful for more than a couple weeks past the date. (store at the back and bottom of frig - it is colder).
• Cottage cheese, sour cream or other container items - store upside down in the frig.  That removes the air that causes spoilage and makes it last longer.

I know most of these are common sense, but maybe some might be new to someone.  Be conscious of everything you buy.  Look for those sales and for clearance that your family uses.  If you have the ability - use digital coupons for certain stores.  There are often VERY GOOD deals using those digital coupons.

Make a list - but don't pass a deal that your family can use.  It may not be on the list - but it may save a lot down the road.

Buy what you eat and eat what you buy!!!!!!!

Happy shopping!