The Budget-Friendly Strategy: Buying in Bulk & Freezing Foods
Let’s dive into a clever approach to cut your grocery expenses while maximizing your savings through buying in bulk and embracing frozen foods.
Why It Works
Purchasing items in larger quantities and opting for frozen goods can be a financial lifesaver. Not only does it help you save on the initial cost per unit, but it also extends the lifespan of your food, ensuring less waste and more savings over time.
Let’s start with buying in bulk: When you purchase say ground beef in a larger package, you are getting less cost per pound than if you bought individual servings per pound. Sometimes saving you a couple of dollars per pound, which can really add up!
When it comes to buying frozen, these products – especially produce – are actually typically better than buying fresh or canned from a grocer. This produce is actually flash frozen at it’s peak optimal freshness, with no added preservatives like some canned goods.
Put Into Action
Bulk Up on Non-Perishables
When it comes to non-perishable items like rice, pasta, and canned goods, buying in bulk is your ticket to savings. Check out warehouse stores like Costco or Sam’s Club or online retailers that offer bulk discounts. Purchasing these staples in larger quantities can significantly slash your grocery bills.
Bulk Up on Meats, Buy A Cow
Now that you have a good stash of non-perishables, you you need bulk up on meats. Like mentioned in last weeks article about reducing meat consumption, one way to change that is to actually buy in bulk when your budget allows. Check flyers and sales, warehouses for the best current price. Even better, connect with a few families and purchase a cow together from a local farmer and divide it among you. We did this when we lived in our home in Canada and it saved us a lot compared to shopping meats year round. BONUS – you know 100% of the meats history.
Frozen Fruits and Veggies for the Win
Keep an eye out for sales on frozen fruits and vegetables. They’re often as nutritious, if not more, as fresh produce and can be a cost-effective alternative, especially during off-seasons. These can be bought in larger quantities during sales and conveniently stored in your freezer for later use.
Invest in a Deep Freezer
Investing in a deep freezer might be a game-changer for your grocery budget. It allows you to store bulk purchases and freeze meals ahead of time, significantly reducing waste and providing you with the flexibility to buy and preserve foods at lower prices.
We always had two – one for the meat/cow and one for everything else. This will allow you to also cook in batches and store ready-made home cooked meals in your freezer. Whether it’s a small chest freezer for your RV or a tall stand up for your garage… there is one to fit your needs.
By adopting these strategies, you’re not just being financially smart but also ensuring that your kitchen is always well-stocked without breaking the bank. Have you tried any of these? Let me know how that worked for you and where you saved the most.
Looking for more articles in this series, find the first one for Meal Planning here or Coupon Clipping here
Til Next Time,
