When shopping for groceries, it's easy to grab items that seem convenient or appealing, but they almost always comes with a higher price tag. Sometimes it might be worth it, but most of the time there are better alternatives! Read on to learn which groceries you should never buy if you want to save a buck.
Out-of-Season Produce
Buying fruits and veggies out of season can hit your wallet hard. Stick to in-season produce for the freshest and most budget-friendly options. It'll also taste better, and if you get it from the right place it will even help support your local farmers.
Precut Fruits & Vegetables
While precut fruits and veggies can save time, they also cost a lot more than their whole counterparts. And it's just not worth it! Instead, invest in a good knife and cutting board to prep your produce at home. To make life easier during busy weeks just prep and cut fruits and veggies on Sunday, and have it ready to go during the week!
Name-Brand Coffee
Opting for pricier name-brand coffee is often an unnecessary expense. Many generic coffee brands offer comparable quality and flavor at a fraction of the cost, making them a good budget-friendly option.
Energy Bars
While convenient, energy bars can be an expensive substitute for whole, unprocessed foods - and they're often full of sugar. Creating homemade, nutrient-dense snacks like trail mix or homemade granola bars is usually more cost-effective - and you can make sure you know exactly what's in it.
Canned Beans & Legumes
Canned beans and legumes are a pantry staple for many, but buying them pre-cooked can cost you more than necessary. Instead, opt for dried beans, and buy them in bulk. They're not only more budget-friendly but also healthier since you can control the sodium content. Soak, cook, and season them yourself for a tastier and cost-effective alternative.
Baked Goods
We all love the smell of freshly baked treats, but buying baked goods at the store can be really expensive. Plus, they may not be as fresh as they seem. Instead, try baking at home – it's not only fun, but also saves you money. This way you can enjoy warm, homemade goodies without breaking the bank!
Pro tip: make some extra, and store in the freezer for whenever your cravings hit. A lot of bread, muffins, and pies store really well - and some cookies can even be frozen before baking, so you can have a fresh baked treat whenever you like.
Chicken Stock
Instead of buying canned or boxed chicken stock or bouillon cubes, consider making your own. Save chicken bones and vegetable scraps that you would otherwise throw away, then simmer them to create a flavorful and cost-effective homemade stock. It's a win-win for your wallet and your cooking, and a great way to reduce food waste. It's also very easy, and anyone can succeed with it!
Name-Brand Cereal
Those colorful cereal boxes with familiar logos can be tempting, especially to your kids or grandkids, but generic or store-brand cereals are often just as tasty. Save your dollars by choosing the more affordable options, and your wallet will thank you in the long run.
Pasta Sauce
Store-bought pasta sauces often come with a premium price tag, without the taste to match. Experiment with making your own pasta sauces instead using canned tomatoes, herbs, and spices. You'll discover that homemade sauce is not only cheaper, but also so much tastier. Pro tip: make a big batch and freeze in portion-sizes for whenever you want to cook up some delicious pasta.
Baking Mix
Pre-made baking mixes might seem convenient, but they come with a much higher price tag than the individual ingredients. Instead, stock up on basic baking ingredients like flour, sugar, and baking powder. With a few simple recipes, you can whip up pancakes, muffins, and biscuits from scratch, and it's almost always cheaper in the end. And definitely tastier!
Shredded Cheese
While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, it tends to cost more per ounce compared to block cheese. Buy blocks of cheese and grate it yourself for a fresher and more economical option for your favorite recipes, not to mention one with no added ingredients except cheese. And did you know you can actually shed and freeze cheese? Yes, it's true! Now how is that for cost efficient AND convenient?!
Trail Mix
Packaged trail mix can be pricey, especially considering you can create your own mix tailored to your specific preferences, for less. Purchase nuts, dried fruits, and your favorite treats in bulk, then mix and match them to create your own personalized and budget-friendly trail mix. Pack in serving-size bags and have a tasty snack ready to go whenever you need it!
Salad Dressing
Store-bought salad dressings can be expensive and are almost always loaded with preservatives and other ingredients you might rather skip. Instead, create your dressings at home using basic ingredients like olive oil, vinegar, and herbs. It's not only healthier but also more economical, and much tastier!
Bottled Water
Bottled water is convenient but can drain your wallet over time. Consider investing in a reusable water bottle and at-home water filtration system instead. Not only is it cost-effective, but it's also eco-friendly, reducing single-use plastic waste.
Source: Go Banking Rates.
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