Quote:
Originally Posted by alexei27
Also...in the RP/MP/Port Jeff/Setauket area, stay out of Stop n Shop and Waldbaums .
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Actually, for the last couple of years, I have been very happy to pick some fruits & vegetables from their "special" racks. Both stores, at various times, put out on racks (at a corner) produce that is either expired or about to expire. Sometimes, these are packed in a strange way - 1 grapefruit with 2 eggplants and 5 pears or something like that... Sometimes, they are so obviously rotten that is definitely not worth looking at them.
But, often, I get things that are perfectly fine at 10 to 50% of actual price!
For example, fresh basil that upon examination seems to have a couple of leaves that are starting to get dark - price $0.39 (normal price is $2.99). If I know that I will cook that same day, just throw away the couple of darker leaves and use it w/o problem.
Bought 2lb of lemons in great condition for $0.99, 5lb of apples for $1.50 etc.
It's a judgement call - I only buy them if they make sense and I won't end up throwing them away myself.
There was a period that Waldbaums was putting out on that rack lots of good stuff, but recently - barely so.
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In Trader Joe's they have these "guacamole mix" boxes that are under-priced IMO. I don't make guacamole, but use the ingredients for other things. Each box is about $3.50 and contains 2 avocados (right there $3), 2 tomatoes, onion, garlic, cilantro... - totally worth it if you use these things normally.
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For food shopping, I try to follow:
1) no list or a "flexible" list - meaning, I have an approximate idea what I need and what we normally use and keep my eyes open what is on sale.
If a recipe calls for walnuts but pecans are on sale or cilantro vs. parsley, I go with the substitutes if suitable (not a purist and stickler to recipes ...
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2) good timing vs. immediate need - say, I know I don't need paper towels, but I use a particular brand that is on sale - I buy now.
3) pay attention to price per unit/weight for comparison purposes
4) no overstocking of perishables - I absolutely try to avoid throwing food away, so have a pretty good sense of usage and won't buy bigger quantity for a small price benefit.
Biggest savings on the food front come from avoiding eating out.
But, different things matter to different people, so it's a choice.
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