There was an article in the Daily News that lists 10 grocery store saving myths. Here they are according to the article:
1. Shop with a list: If you stick strictly to a list then you miss out on deals that happen not to be on your list.
2. Buy the largest size of everything: Bigger sizes can be more expensive so you are better to check unit cost.
3. Buy whole chickens and cut them up yourself: Unless you’re an expert at cutting there will be a lot of waste and it can be cheaper to buy in parts when on sale.
4. Don’t buy anything from the salad bar because you’ll pay more: Lighter items can be less expensive and you can get the exact amount you want.
5. Don’t take your kids to the store with you: If you leave your kids at home, you won’t know what they want to eat and end up buying things that get thrown away.
6. Don’t buy pricey meats like beef or lamb: You can buy these if you watch what cuts of meats you buy.
7. Canned fruits and vegetables are not as nutritious as fresh ones, so avoid them: “Canned and frozen fruits and vegetables are often cheaper than fresh, and can actually be more nutritious.”
8. Coupons are always for junk food: This isn’t true, but you may have to learn where to find them.
9. Shop just once a week, not multiple times: When you do this, you buy all kinds of fresh produce that ends up getting neglected and thrown out instead of eaten.
10. Fish is so pricey it should only be bought on special occasions: It depends on the fish and there are some that are cheap. Don’t forget canned fish.
It’s an interesting take on how you should shop and I’m not sure I agree with all of them, but a good article to get you thinking. I’d be interested in hearing your opinions on them…
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I don’t have kids yet but I can hear myself respond to #5 – they don’t get a choice haha. They will eat what I put in front of them. My husband and I have this discussion and kids need the discipline. I don’t like how parents allow kids to make decisions like what they want for dinner every night, leaving the Mom to run around making different foods. If there are lots of leftovers, they can choose their preference, but I don’t think the kids should have an upper hand over what the household eats.
Also, shopping at ethnic markets for seafood can save lots of money. I found salmon for $2.99 per pound at a local Asian market. I’ve seen them cheaper as well.
Item #7:
7. Canned fruits and vegetables are not as nutritious as fresh ones, so avoid them: “Canned and frozen fruits and vegetables are often cheaper than fresh, and can actually be more nutritious.”
I notice that the comment about the nutrition value is in quotes. But they don’t say who they are quoting. I have heard that frozen can be as nutritious as fresh, but I’ve never heard it claimed that canned can be as nutritious as fresh. So I find item #7 highly suspect.
I have to disagree with the list one…if it’s not on your list you don’t need it. period. That’s why stores have “good deals”…they know people will get them even if they aren’t on their list just because they’re a “good deal”. I also disagree with the shopping with kids comment…and I agree with the comment above. My kids will eat what is put in front of them. If they won’t they can just starve.
I agree with them all except I don’t bring my kids shopping unless I am in an emergency and they do eat what I fix them!
Well they do most of the time anyway! 🙂
Well I dont agree with the comments my children will eat what is in front of them or starve. Really need to learn better parenting skills. my children eat what is in front of them but they are individuals and have there own opinions on things. They are given what I make and the rule is they have to eat a portion of it btu i also try to make what they liek i mean really is it that hard most things our children like we like to atleast we are the ones whom tought them what is good and what is not.