What grocery store has the best value? (Seattle, Lynnwood: coupons, to buy)

[iamsuzy]

Hi,
I just moved to Seattle this month and I could use some advice on the local grocery stores here. I like to buy organic and natural foods, but it gets expensive and I don't have a lot of money to work with. I can't afford Whole Foods, I like PCC but it is pricey too and not close, Trader Joes would be best but none of those three are nearby anyway unfortunately. The closest grocery stores to me are QFC, Fred Meyer, Safeway and Albertsons. Out of these, which store(s) gives you the best bang for your buck in your opinion, in general and/or with natural foods? Do any have a nice rewards program or something else that gives you sizable discounts? Thanks

[Xeon1210]

For me safeway was far and away more expensive than QFC every time but I guess that depends on the type of stuff we bought. You can get some decent deals on frozens from QFC if you're into that sort of thing. You can also enroll on their website and link coupons to your QFC card.

I do think Joe's is the best option though.

[mkarch]

We could use another TJ's up north of 100th or so - I'm assuming that's where you're at if you have an albertsons and fred meyer.

[Ira500]

Of the stores mentioned, Fred Meyer has the best value for groceries, and a decent nutrition/natural foods section, depending on the store. Keep your eyes open for Grocery Outlet as well.

[angelenogirl]

Originally Posted by Ira500

Of the stores mentioned, Fred Meyer has the best value for groceries, and a decent nutrition/natural foods section, depending on the store. Keep your eyes open for Grocery Outlet as well.

It's funny, the first time I came up to the PNW, we stopped at a drive-through in Medford, OR. I asked the cashier if she knew where a Starbucks was, and she responded, "I think Fred Meyer has one." I thought to myself, Who is this guy, and why does he have a Starbucks at his house? It's such a small town that it didn't seem that far-fetched.

Fred Meyer is great, though, and I like the Ballard location best. Lots of vegan options, too. My addled husband continues to refer to it as Fred Willard for some reason.

I really wish there was a Trader Joe's around Northgate. I'm surprised there isn't.

[Inkpoe]

I don't know where you are OP, but I like Winco the best. The produce is a bit questionable... but everything else, the prices can't be beat.

Freddie's is great... make sure to use your Rewards card and take advantage of the coupons and sale. One time I got super lucky, I won the Reward card "lottery" and they paid 93 dollars for my shopping... Needless to say, I was super-thrilled.

Originally Posted by angelenogirl

I really wish there was a Trader Joe's around Northgate. I'm surprised there isn't.

U District already has Trader Joe's, so why would they need another one in that general area?

[angelenogirl]

Originally Posted by Inkpoe

U District already has Trader Joe's, so why would they need another one in that general area?

I didn't realize it was supposed to serve such a large area. I'm used to seeing Trader Joe's every few miles or so, and that area up there seems to have everything else, so I'm just surprised there isn't a TJ's. Plus, the parking around U-district is kinda tough.

[mkarch]

Originally Posted by Inkpoe

U District already has Trader Joe's, so why would they need another one in that general area?

45th and Roosevelt is a heavily congested area. Lake City/Northgate could use one. Heck, even Lynnwood has one!

[HandsUpThumbsDown]

Originally Posted by angelenogirl

Fred Meyer is great, though, and I like the Ballard location best. Lots of vegan options, too. My addled husband continues to refer to it as Fred Willard for some reason..

What about Fred Ward?

[angelenogirl]

Originally Posted by HandsUpThumbsDown

What about Fred Ward?

Love him! I'll make the suggestion.