At long last I’m finally creating a post about grocery shopping for healthy food on a budget! Woohoo!
This is something Ryan and I do every single week, but I’ve never taken the time to snap pictures, save our receipt and make mental notes about what we do to save money while buying healthy food week after week.
When we arrived home from Sanibel and our fridge was all but empty, I figured this evening was a great time to finally put this post together.
Let’s break it down, shall we?
Coupons
First things first, I am a big fan of coupons. I have no shame handing over a small stack to the cashier upon checkout.
This evening we saved more than $5.00 by utilizing coupons! I clip coupons from local papers and also print great deals off of various coupon websites. For example, through MyBlogSpark, I learned about more than $9 worth of savings available at Publix, my grocery store of choice in the southeast, available on the Great Meals Great Deals site.
Plan Ahead
Ryan and I also try to arrive at the grocery store with a general idea of items we need. I jot down items we run out of through the week and try to have a rough idea about the meals we’ll create through the upcoming week so we can buy the necessary ingredients.
The two of us also try to limit impulse buys and avoid purchasing household essentials like toilet paper and paper towels at the grocery store because they are often overpriced and can be found much cheaper at stores like Big Lots or Target.
Take Advantage of In-Store Deals
While at the grocery store, Ryan and I make sure to take advantage of buy one get one free deals that occur weekly at our local grocery store.
I used to be really funny about freezing bread products, but now I don’t hesitate. We currently have four packages of Alternative Bagels, one back of bagel thins and two packs of sandwich thins in our freezer because we stocked up when the items were buy one get one free. I also came home with eight packs of whole wheat tortillas one time because I knew I’d use them and wanted to take advantage of the amazing savings.
Buy Generic
Ryan and I are definitely not label snobs. We often buy generic products and think they taste just as good! Buying generic can often save you a ton off your final bill.
Saving on Produce
Unfortunately fresh produce can often be quite expensive. Ryan and I try to head into the produce section with an open mind. We don’t walk in saying we need broccoli. We’ll buy it if it’s on sale, but won’t if it’s not.
This evening we purchased cauliflower, celery, broccoli and a red onion because these items were on sale. We didn’t buy kale or asparagus though we initially thought we would because they were not discounted.
When it comes to fresh fruit, bananas are always a good buy! Berries are more of a “special treat” since the price of blueberries, strawberries and raspberries vary so much. Today I purchased a pint of blueberries because they were on sale, but when they’re not marked down, I will opt for frozen fruit instead.
Final Cost
In the end, Ryan and I spent $102.17, or roughly $51 per person, for this week’s groceries.
I pack my breakfast, lunch and snacks daily and typically eat dinner in. This means I typically spend around $7.20 per day on food. Of course we’ll go out to eat on the weekends on occasion (typically no more than once or twice a week), so this is obviously a rough estimate.
Here’s a list of the groceries we purchased this week:
Fruits and Veggies
- 1 package Eat Smart broccoli florets
- 2 packages Eat Smart cauliflower florets
- 1 bunch celery
- 1 red onion
- 1 pint blueberries
- 1 jar Mott’s natural applesauce
- 1 box Green Giant healthy vision frozen vegetables
- 2 nectarines
- 5 apples
- 1/4 lb. red potatoes
- 1 large cucumber
- 6 bananas
Yogurt, Cheese and Dairy
- 6 strawberry banana Chobani Greek yogurt
- 3 plain Chobani Greek yogurt
- 1 large container plain Chobani Greek yogurt
- 3 large containers Publix blueberry yogurt
- 3 large containers Publix fat-free cottage cheese
- 1 package Publix muenster cheese slices
- 1 package Publix Swiss cheese slices
- 1 large package Publix mozzarella sting cheese
- 1 can Carnation evaporated skim milk
- 1/2 gallon Publix 2 percent milk
- 1 package Yoplait Delights yogurt (I had a coupon for a free sample)
Meat and Eggs
- 8 oz. lump crab claw meat
- 1 lb. pork chops
- 1 carton Eggland’s Best eggs
- 1 lb. deli turkey meat
Additional Items
- 1 package Tam-x-ico’s whole wheat tortillas
- 1 package Monterey Pasta Company ravioli
- 1 large jar Skippy Natural peanut butter
- 1 Reese’s peanut butter big cup
- 2 Sweet Riot dark chocolate squares
- 1 can Arizona tea
- 1 60-piece container Orbit bubblemint gum
- 1 bag Publix all-purpose flour
- 1 jar Publix yellow mustard
Coupon savings: $5.78
In-store savings: $13.11
Total savings: $18.89
So there you have it! Our attempt at healthy grocery shopping on a budget in a nutshell.
Off to make dinner. It’s ravioli time! 
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You and Ryan seem to have a very similar “thought process” on weekly shopping as my husband and I do. Although I am impressed…. you take Ryan shopping with you? Tom hates all things shopping 🙂
yep! we usually go together every sunday.
I am an avid coupon and generic product shopper as well! I’m using this month to get myself acclimated to shopping on a budget so that I can decrease my impulse buying. Unexpected trips to Whole Foods are seriously doing some damage on my wallet. I typically don’t eat out but maybe once or twice a month, so I try to keep my pantry and fridge well stocked for packed lunches, snacks, and healthy meals at home.
What are your thoughts on organic produce? I try to purchase organic when it’s feasible, but sometimes the price difference is unbelievable!
They are finally building a Publix here and I am so excited! I love their produce selection and BOGO Free sales!
I told Jay this weekend that if I do, indeed, get laid off at my job that I’m going to become an extreme coupon clipper. 😉
There’s a TLC reality show about extreme coupon clippers. It made my jaw drop seeing how much they buy for such little amount of $!
i heard about that show!
Great post!!!!
i always try to do the coupon thing! i watched this lady in front of me drop her bill about $30 from coupons!!!
Very smart outlook on shopping. I totally agree with the produce as I try not to go in with a set list and go with what’s on sale. I have also found that it makes me eat a variety of produce by going with what’s on sale, which is often what’s in season. LOVE publix BOGO, always stock up on the wheat thins/bagel thins when BOGO since they freeze well. I was just curious, do you buy organic produce?
no, i don’t unless it’s on sale. it’s something i would definitely like to do more often, but i need to do more research to feel better about spending the extra money.
Organic can be great, but you can save money buying the things that “need” to be organic to receive the greatest health benefits for your buck, and those you can “get away with”.
My rule is, anything you’re going to peel or skin you can buy non-organic, and anything you eat the skin of buy organic (because the chemicals used on the plant are on the skin). That’s not a hard and fast rule, but it helps in a tight situation. For example, I make sure apples and berries are organic because you also get more Vit C out of these if they are organic, but potatoes, carrots, parsnip, those I buy non-organic.
You guys are really good grocery shoppers! I’ve tried to use all those tips but still tend to get a little carried away – probably because I eat a TON of fresh produce! Nevertheless though, the situation is a little more under control than it used to be. I love that you use coupons too – I do, when I remember they’re in my wallet! 🙂
Great post! I think the same way in the produce section.
And I buy that bubblemint gum in the container too. It is how I survive my workday 😛
I love how you use your own bags too.
I always take my lunch to work. Buying lunch in the cafeteria in the hospital is costly and it adds up.
Do you shop at a price club also, like Costco, BJ’s, or Sam’s Club?
I find it kind of hard to shop at price clubs with only two of us in the house!
we don’t b/c w/ just 2 of us, we can’t go though that much food!
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I really need to get better about using coupons! My issue with them is that half the time, they’re for an item I don’t generally buy, and I end up wasting money by not eating it. I’ve heard you can also email favorite companies asking for coupons, and usually they’ll send you some no problem- something I’ve been meaning to do for awhile!
That’s some major savings! Especially for Publix. I do the same things but still have to stick to Kroger or WalMart deals. 😛
Great tips Julie – I need to get better at clipping coupons. Also – I really wish we got Chobani in Canada… seems like the best of the best when it comes to greek yogurt
What a brilliant post 🙂 I love seeing things like this done by regular people and not magazine article writers who often don’t know what they’re talking about. Heheee, thanks!!
You guys clean up on yogurt/cheese consumption – I love it 🙂 I buy my produce the same way — if it’s on sale, it’s what’s in my salad that week!
This is such a great post! As a college student, eating healthy on a budget is definitely something I like to read about. And as a Florida girl, I love me some Publix!
I love Publix! I have some alternatives bagels in my freezer, too=)
Great post, Julie! My husband and I spend $100 every week at Trader Joe’s + $23/week on our CSA produce box. For the amount of fresh, local and organic fruits and vegetables we get for $23, it’s ridiculously cheap. You should definitely look into Florida CSA programs!
Hey Julie! If you are into couponing, SoutherSavers.com is a great website. She has a specific tab for Publix and also for Target (which always has good deals). Today, we spend $46.00 and saved $65.00. Also, if you don’t get the Sunday newspaper, they always have a ton of coupons and it is cheaper if you just subscribe to the Sunday paper instead of buying it at the grocery store.
oh awesome! thanks!
I like this post a lot! I think I probably spend somewhere around 40-45 a week on groceries…so not bad! I’m such a couponie too! Nothin’ beats a good deal!!
Great post! I have been meaning to do one of these too. I miss Publix. It is by far one of the best grocery stores. Too bad they haven’t expanded too far out of the southeast..
Excellent grocery tips and list!
I love Publix – when you clip coupons that coincide with the BOGO deals you can get stuff for SO cheap! My friend is a pro at this and it’s not unusual for her to save $45 per trip to the grocery!
Awesome post!!!
We’re definitely not label snobs either….sometimes I even prefer the store brand!=D
Great post, Julie! I don’t know about you, but I thoroughly enjoy grocery shopping. Maybe I’m weird. Plus, when you save money, it’s even better!
Your post has inspired me to get back into clipping coupons. When my husband and I first bought our house I was really good about it, but lately I haven’t taken the time to clip them. You reminded me just how much money I could be saving! Heading to the kitchen to get my scissors and the newspaper….
Wow. I spend well over $100 a week on groceries and It is only me. I am a grocery snob though. Especially when it comes to produce. I probably buy over a dozen apples a week. I should probably start trying to save because I probably wont always be able to buy groceries like I can now. ( I am a college student and my parents help me with expenses)
Hey Julie! I’ve been lurking on your blog for some time now and was inspired to start up my own! I used one of your 20 minute cardio workouts today and gave you an honorable mention. 😉
that’s awesome!!! thanks, daisy!
I love that ryan goes shopping with you! I brought my boyfriend once and thought I was going to rip out my hair because he wanted to buy a million things we didnt need – apparently we don’t have the same thoughts on what to buy 😉
The big problem with coupons is that they tend to but heads with generics. Coupons tend to be for the very foods that are available cheaper as a generic brand. My wife and I buy store brand for about 75% of our groceries because they are usually cheaper than brand names even with a coupon.
I also don’t go into the grocery store without a list. The process for me starts with looking at the sale circular and putting together a menu based on what’s on sale (I only buy chicken when it’s on sale, but get 2 value-packs when it does). Then I make the list based on what I need for those meals but don’t have, plus everyday consumables that are low or out.
My wife and I spend $70-$100 every other week.
Sometimes, I just bite the bullet and pay full price for the produce I really want, but usually I go for whatever’s in season and on sale, too!
When I quit my job, I became a coupon clipping fiend – I have been absolutely amazed at how much money I save every week! It took awhile when I started, but it gets a lot quicker and you learn what to look for. Kinda makes me mad at myself for all of the $$$ I know I’ve wasted over the years, but at least I’ve learned!!!
we use pretty much the same techniques, but one big way i save $ is by purchasing meat in bulk & freezing it in 1 lb quantities. i know some people are funny about freezing meat, but if you put it in freezer ziplocs and date them, it’s a great moneysaver.
i also look at target’s grocery ads. we don’t have a super target but ours has a pretty sizable dry goods section & target often has good deals on cereal, crackers, etc. that you can use their coupons + manufacturer’s. often they have $5 gift cards attached to the purchases too. it’s great!
I think this link should be removed before more people click on it out of curiosity and give her page views. Just read the post title…
Totally agree. Done!
I’ve done a big post on saving money at the groc store and like you, i buy what’s on sale in the produce area, i am not “married” to a certain item, i.e. kale vs lettuces vs. cauli vs. brock. I pick and choose based on price.
I am a huge fan of instore specials too!
And coupons, club cards, buy one get one, i am all about it!
I loved this post! My friends are always making fun of me for clipping coupons…but it really does save a lot of money over time! I usually spend around $50 or less a week and it is just me. 🙂
I’ve got our grocery bill (my boyfriend and I) down to $60 or less a week by scouring coupons from all over online, using Safeway’s online coupon center, going to Grocery Outlet (the Ross of grocery stores, which people sadly call “Groc Out — aka Gross Out).
We also make almost everything at home. We make bread instead of buying it, we make pizza dough, we make pasta, we make soda with a SodaStream, we make nut butter with a food processor, we make beans instead of buying them canned, make our own sauces, etc etc.
i LOVVVVE our soda stream! we used it for the first time last week. so awesome!
Hi Julie! I’m a relatively new reader and want to first off say that I absolutely love your blog!!
Great tips on saving money! Random question: does Greek yogurt taste any different from regular (Yoplait style) yogurt? I’ve never tried it before but it sure does look tasty with fruit and other toppings!
yes! it’s much thicker! if you’re new to greek yogurt, i’d definitely opt for one of the fruity flavored varieties, not the plain. the plain is more tart and can take some getting used to. i always sweeten it a bit (with honey or stevia).
When I go shopping with my husband he tends to buy things that aren’t on the list…… 🙂 But that is okay- we stick to about 75$ for 1.5 weeks…MOST of the time. haha 🙂 I love this post- you gave some great ideas!
I love Publix! Love love LOVE! When I lived in SC for a year, I went crazy without it! One of the perks about transferring back to a school in Florida. 😉
Thanks for the great tips!
thanks for all the help! and $7 a day per person- that is awesome!
and I love coupons too!
I pay about $60-80/week for two. My secret (well, not really a secret) is shopping at the local farmers market ($2 for a big bag of organic kale! A steal considering how expensive produce is here in Hawaii). Also, lots of frozen produce as well (I love frozen brussels sprouts).
This is a great post!!! Staying on a budget while grocery shopping is always difficult for me!!
So happy to see you using your own grocery bags 🙂
This post just came in the right time! I’m trying to save up on my grocery bill, but I have no idea how. We don’t really have coupons over here, but I’m sure I could find some discounts and stuff like that.
Thanks 🙂
I just noticed that organic fennel is on sale at all of my local whole foods! I’m not sure if they are on sale as well in your area (you can check online). just thought i’d let you know since it reminded me of your $8 fennel debacle.
oh lorrrd. that was insane! thanks for the head’s up, daisy!
Great post! I work in a gourmet food distribution company in western australia as a sales rep – means all day spent in grocery stores! Great insight to alot of stuff. We have just taken on Vita Coco coconut water which madonna and matthew mcConaughey have shares in – always makes me think of you! Pure coconut water straight from brazil. 3 times more effective than any powerade, gatorade etc. Bit random but wanted to share! Always good getting to buy great food at a good discounted price from work, salads, salmon, drinks yoghurt etc.
sounds delicious, too!
im so jealous of all the easy access coupons in the states! you can open any magazine or newspaper and there are TONS.. its not like that here at all!
Hi Julie,
I love this post! Your groceries definitely look a lot healthier than the average customer that comes through my lane. Oh! And one tip – your cashier will always appreciate if the coupons are orderly and have clean edges. Im not sure about Publix, but where I work we have to keep the coupons stacked neatly inside a folder for the duration of our shift. The manager takes them at the end of the day and is upset if they are messy. When the customer has the coupons orderly, we love it! (PS, im so jealous that Ryan is wearing shorts in February…;)
thanks for the tip! i’ll definitely keep that in mind. i always love a happy cashier.
What a good idea. I’m too lazy to clip coupons… but I’m workin’ on it. 🙂
This post = Just what I needed. I can never figure out how to eat healthy for cheap, everything is 10x more expensive. Plus, I’m a poor college student 🙂 Thanks for the post!