I'm Trying to Spend Less, But 42.56 for Just This at Trader Joe's Today?

Remy

Well-known Member
Location
California, USA
one, 3 pack recycled paper towels.
3 shelf stable soy milks
2 instant Columbian coffee
organic PeanutButter, stir kind
organic seedless raisins
box tissues
ground cinnamon
frozen falafel
organic bread crumbs
3 cliff bars.

Cliff bars used to be 99 cents at TJ's and WINCO Foods. They are now 1.39 at TJ's but I think 1.69 at WINCO. I take them to work as back up. I worked over 10 hours last Saturday with 11 minutes to eat lunch. So I also needed some energy later.

Soy milk there used to be 1.69 or 1.79, now it's 2.29. I could have got the non organic peanut butter, it's 2 dollars less, but I like the organic one. And since grapes are one of the pesticide offenders, I get the organic raisins. A decent size bag for 3.69.

Sigh. I know everyone is feeling it. I do need to go to WINCO this week. Check for Fancy Feast cat food and a few items there and go to Petsmart for dry food.
 

I mostly shop at Winco because you can’t beat the prices. The only thing I buy at Trader Joe’s is French onion soup.
 

one, 3 pack recycled paper towels.
3 shelf stable soy milks
2 instant Columbian coffee
organic PeanutButter, stir kind
organic seedless raisins
box tissues
ground cinnamon
frozen falafel
organic bread crumbs
3 cliff bars.

Cliff bars used to be 99 cents at TJ's and WINCO Foods. They are now 1.39 at TJ's but I think 1.69 at WINCO. I take them to work as back up. I worked over 10 hours last Saturday with 11 minutes to eat lunch. So I also needed some energy later.

Soy milk there used to be 1.69 or 1.79, now it's 2.29. I could have got the non organic peanut butter, it's 2 dollars less, but I like the organic one. And since grapes are one of the pesticide offenders, I get the organic raisins. A decent size bag for 3.69.

Sigh. I know everyone is feeling it. I do need to go to WINCO this week. Check for Fancy Feast cat food and a few items there and go to Petsmart for dry food.
I know how you feel. I like to go for organic choices on many food items too, and pay extra for it like you do. I feel in the long run it's the better thing to do and I will be healthier for my decision now.
 
We've learned to shop around
(within 3 miles)

Kroger eggs $2.49/doz
Sherms (local name) cheese 2 lbs $4.83
Dollar Tree pens/paper/juice
US Chef (restaurant outlet) TP case 96/500 sht rls $60
Grocery Outlet sales (huge mark downs)
Walmart......if we have to

I budget $40/wk for groceries
My lady only spends $20

But
Only after stocking up (three pantries, three freezers)
including a big garden

A key;
Once you stock up, you don't 'need' much right away
Then you can just shop for sales
 
I know how you feel. I like to go for organic choices on many food items too, and pay extra for it like you do. I feel in the long run it's the better thing to do and I will be healthier for my decision now.
I like to buy organic as well. Quality food is very important to me, and I'm willing to spend more for it. I watch for sales and stock up on items I frequently use. These days, I bite the bullet and curse under my breath every time I go grocery shopping. No, that's not always true; sometimes I curse out loud.
 
I know @Beezer and @Naturally I was thinking the same thing. No actual meal here.

Raisins eat plain or cook in oatmeal. Soy milk drink, smoothies and oatmeal. Breadcrumbs, I want to make some vegie burgers. Lousy cook. See what I come up with. I forgot to get a can of black beans.
 
@Gary O' Agree with shopping around. Haven't found too much at the Grocery Outlet recently though. I try to go once a week and check them out. Usually after feeding the feral cats, since it's close to my work place.
 
I mostly shop at Winco because you can’t beat the prices. The only thing I buy at Trader Joe’s is French onion soup.
Forgot to ask, do you buy much bulk stuff at WINCO? I do like that section. However I'm a little paranoid and only purchase things that will be cooked. I will get organic or natural sugar there in bulk but I sprinkle it immediately on the hot oatmeal.
 
Well anything "organic" is going to be more expensive. Add that to the rise in price of coffee. Honestly, some things do not need to be bought in organic form. A friend of mine who is into fitness said that something could have a low percentage of organic ingredients in the product but still label it organic. Also, I think Trader Joe's prices may be higher than expected. My son gets our avocados from there.
 
Well anything "organic" is going to be more expensive. Add that to the rise in price of coffee. Honestly, some things do not need to be bought in organic form. A friend of mine who is into fitness said that something could have a low percentage of organic ingredients in the product but still label it organic.
True. There are actually rules about that, and one needs to check labels (or however the info is given) to find out whether something is wholly organic or partially. This page is particularly full of info:

USDA Certified Organic: Understanding the Basics
USDA Certified Organic: Understanding the Basics | Agricultural Marketing Service
 
Agree with shopping around. Haven't found too much at the Grocery Outlet recently though. I try to go once a week and check them out.
Yeah, over all, their 'buys' aren't that great
And their receipts showing your 'savings' are faux

What is good is their drastic sales of various products

I'm an Adams peanut butter fanatic

They had a pallet of the big jars in their sale section
at $5 something a jar
I bought half of 'em
(Costco has 'em $10)

We found it good to shop there first (for just the really great buys)
 
There are a few natural food stores that I sometimes go into just for a few items. They carry many of the exact same items for a lot more. Their specialty products are great but I wonder if the extra I’m paying is worth it. There seems to be a status in shopping there. Honestly, their produce often looks awful yet folks are buying it. My favourite place to shop is at the Farmers’ Market. It’s a short selling season and probably the most expensive.

I can buy some organic items in Walmart or any other big name grocery store. The prices are definitely lower.
 
There are a few natural food stores that I sometimes go into just for a few items. They carry many of the exact same items for a lot more. Their specialty products are great but I wonder if the extra I’m paying is worth it. There seems to be a status in shopping there. Honestly, their produce often looks awful yet folks are buying it. My favourite place to shop is at the Farmers’ Market. It’s a short selling season and probably the most expensive.

I can buy some organic items in Walmart or any other big name grocery store. The prices are definitely lower.
We have 2 natural food stores including the co-op which I don't like.

They are expensive. I do like organic flour and buy it in bulk there since I don't get too much at a time. I can spend way too much on berries in the summer at the farmers market. The people I buy lettuce from, will last for up to two weeks. They say they pick it the day before.
 
Psssst…. Costco and WALMART
Do you mean super walmart? We don't have one. I know walmart has added food section to their regular stores but it's not that much.

Costco gives me anxiety though I did get a membership last year to get reading glasses. Not sure how much I like them. The quantities are just too much and since I eat plant based, I'm limited on what to get there.
 
Yeah, over all, their 'buys' aren't that great
And their receipts showing your 'savings' are faux

What is good is their drastic sales of various products

I'm an Adams peanut butter fanatic

They had a pallet of the big jars in their sale section
at $5 something a jar
I bought half of 'em
(Costco has 'em $10)

We found it good to shop there first (for just the really great buys)
Since the price increases I have noticed that Grocery Outlet isn't as good as they used to be. I will say at the store here, the staff is super nice. If something is about to expire however, you can get a great bargain.
 

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