Is it worth it?

i'myourpal

i'myourpal

New Member
Yesterday my roommate had made chicken that was supposed to be skinless and boneless.
When she makes it, she ends up finding tiny bones and cutting off more fat.

So my first question is Do you think it's worth the price of chicken when you have to do some of the work also?
Do you cut the excess fat that comes on chicken?

2nd is when you buy other items like chips, hot dogs and such, do you notice that the price goes up but there is less chips and the hot dogs are smaller?
Does it discourage you from buying these items anymore?

Is there anything else that you noticed about shopping these days when it comes to buying any foods?
Are you getting your money's worth?
 

I no longer buy chickens because there is too much fat and slime plus I'm a lazy cook and can't be so bothered cleaning chickens. An easier and very tasty alternative for me and my husband became Costco's rotisserie chickens. Now that he's gone, I no longer buy those either. He ate the breast I ate the rest. Sometimes I buy Cornish hens but not that often due to the lazy cook part. But when I used to buy fresh chickens, it was usually legs and thighs. Cutting the fat and removing the slime was a part of cleaning the chicken. Legs and wings are way easier parts to clean.

A few decades ago, I noticed that the smell of hot dogs made me sick to my stomach, so I haven't bought them since and won't go into a hot dog joint. And my son and I used to have hot dogs at least once a week when he was young. I don't buy chips often due to the salt content. Like everything else, yes you are getting less product but paying more these days. I have found really good store brand products for much of what I buy at the supermarkets. I won't buy a store brand again if I don't like the product, not even to save money.

About 30% of my groceries come from Costco, which saves me a lot and even more so when taking advantage of their coupon sale items. I am definitely getting my money's worth by buying store brands and shopping at Costco's. For instance:

Activia yogurt (one thing I won't sub store brands for) $5.99 for 12 at supermarket, $6.69 for 24 using clip-less coupon at Costco
8 oz cans of Izze sparkling juice, 24 count: $27.85 at Walmart, $11.49 (coupon sale) at Costco
Costco is saving me 11 cents per ounce on organic agave over a major brand I used to get from Amazon.
8 ounces of cream cheese: Philadelphia brick $2.98 at Walmart, Bowl & Basket brick (Shoprite & Price Rite brand) $1.19 or 77 cents on sale
Frozen waffles: Eggos $1.99 - $2.49, Shoprite brand $1.49
Arnold's wheat bread $3.49 Bowl & Basket split top wheat (more slices) $1.29
Hellman's Light Mayo $3.98 for 26.5 oz, Great Value Light (Walmart's brand) $2.98 for same size.

These are just a few examples of the savings I get every time I shop. When there's a good sale, if possible I stock up. BTW a lot of store brands are manufactured by name brand companies.
 

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i'myourpal said:
2nd is when you buy other items like chips, hot dogs and such, do you notice that the price goes up but there is less chips and the hot dogs are smaller?
Does it discourage you from buying these items anymore?
Click to expand...
The price of everything always goes up (maybe electronics being an exception), but yes price increases and fiddling with the quantities does effect my buying habits. A few years back when the ice cream companies decided to sell it in smaller quantities, I just stopped buying it as often. The price of a two liter bottle of soda went through the roof, maybe because of recent inflation, or maybe because of the producers taking advantage of inflation. Never-the-less, I just stopped buying soda, with nary a backward glance, it's been replaced by powdered substitutes, which are far cheaper, and satisfy me just as well.

I don't buy chicken often, a couple times a year at most. I buy fresh breasts in the meat department.

The days of hot dogs and meat in general are but old memories. I completely lost interest in hamburger years ago, which was always used for my main entree. I don't know if it's just me, but I started noticing the quality of hamburger was getting worse, with more unappetizing gristle, and bone. And then of course there was the big "pink slime" debacle that was a big turn off. I went through a period of year shopping in different stores looking for better quality, and I think I would happily pay double the current price, if I could find carefully butchered and thoughtfully handled meat, like the way I remember it. But it all seems to be prepackaged from big processing plants. There doesn't seem to be much interest in local butchers anymore.

I do buy occasional pork chops. It seems like the processors haven't figured out how to screw me on that one, yet.
 
I don’t eat hot dogs or chips so I can’t comment on that.

I’ll occasionally find some gristle in chicken breasts but never a bone. I will also sometimes buy boneless skinless thighs, and I always have to cut lots of extra fat from them.

The cost of food in general has definitely gone up.
 
OneEyedDiva said:
I no longer buy chickens because there is too much fat and slime plus I'm a lazy cook and can't be so bothered cleaning chickens. An easier and very tasty alternative for me and my husband became Costco's rotisserie chickens. Now that he's gone, I no longer buy those either. He ate the breast I ate the rest. Sometimes I buy Cornish hens but not that often due to the lazy cook part. But when I used to buy fresh chickens, it was usually legs and thighs. Cutting the fat and removing the slime was a part of cleaning the chicken. Legs and wings are way easier parts to clean.

A few decades ago, I noticed that the smell of hot dogs made me sick to my stomach, so I haven't bought them since and won't go into a hot dog joint. And my son and I used to have hot dogs at least once a week when he was young. I don't buy chips often due to the salt content. Like everything else, yes you are getting less product but paying more these days. I have found really good store brand products for much of what I buy at the supermarkets. I won't buy a store brand again if I don't like the product, not even to save money.

About 30% of my groceries come from Costco, which saves me a lot and even more so when taking advantage of their coupon sale items. I am definitely getting my money's worth by buying store brands and shopping at Costco's. For instance:

Activia yogurt (one thing I won't sub store brands for) $5.99 for 12 at supermarket, $6.69 for 24 using clip-less coupon at Costco
8 oz cans of Izze sparkling juice, 24 count: $27.85 at Walmart, $11.49 (coupon sale) at Costco
Costco is saving me 11 cents per ounce on organic agave over a major brand I used to get from Amazon.
8 ounces of cream cheese: Philadelphia brick $2.98 at Walmart, Bowl & Basket brick (Shoprite & Price Rite brand) $1.19 or 77 cents on sale
Frozen waffles: Eggos $1.99 - $2.49, Shoprite $1.49
Arnold's wheat bread $3.49 Bowl & Basket split top wheat (more slices) $1.29
Hellman's Light Mayo $3.98 for 26.5 oz, Great Value Light (Walmart's brand) $2.98 for same size.

These are just a few examples of the savings I get every time I shop. When there's a good sale, when possible I stock up. BTW a lot of store brands are manufactured by name brand companies.
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WOW……amazed at the prices……they’re so cheap.
 
JustDave said:
I went through a period of year shopping in different stores looking for better quality, and I think I would happily pay double the current price, if I could find carefully butchered and thoughtfully handled meat, like the way I remember it. But it all seems to be prepackaged from big processing plants. There doesn't seem to be much interest in local butchers anymore.
Click to expand...

Some of you who are looking for better quality foods might be interested in checking out this website. 🙂

Eatwild's Directory of U.S., Canadian and International Farms & Ranches > http://www.eatwild.com/products/index.html

Eatwild's Directory of Farms lists more than 1,400 pasture-based farms, with more farms being added each week. It is the most comprehensive list in the United States and Canada for grass-fed or pastured meat and dairy products, including: Beef, Pork, Lamb, Veal, Goat, Elk, Venison, Yak, Chickens, Ducks, Rabbits, Turkeys, Eggs, Milk, Cheeses, and more!

Farms listed on this website certify they meet Eatwild's criteria. However we recommend you review their websites and call or visit them to make sure they satisfy your criteria. You can also look for listed farms that are certified by organizations such as Certified Humane or the American Grassfed Association, or follow kosher, halal, or other specific practices.
  • Click on a state or region below or use the alphabetical list to find suppliers in the US or Canada.

  • Can't find what you're looking for near you? See our list of Farms that Ship.
  • Not ready to buy a quarter, half or whole beef? Check with your local farms or click on the Beyond the Farm link on your state page to find farmers markets, stores, restaurants or buying clubs that sell meats in small quantities or by the individual cut.

  • All-Grassfed Dairies: Milk from 100-percent grass-fed animals is much healthier than ordinary milk and deserves special attention. Visit our All-Grassfed Dairies page to find a list of these dairies and Jo Robinson's essay on Super Healthy Milk.
Bella ✌️
 
OneEyedDiva said:
About 30% of my groceries come from Costco,
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I wish we can have Costco sometimes. Unfortunately, that can't be an option for us. We are disabled and can't get to the store.
We have a friend that usually shops for us. He's not able to handle a store like Costco.

JustDave said:
or maybe because of the producers taking advantage of inflation.
Click to expand...
We agree with this statement. We talk about this a lot here at home how stores, restaurants and any place you spend money take advantage.
Here's the perfect example: I don't remember what spaghetti sauce brand it was. She was looking at a certain brand Traditional and Meat Flavor.
The cost was much more for Meat flavor just for a different taste.
 
i'myourpal said:
I wish we can have Costco sometimes. Unfortunately, that can't be an option for us. We are disabled and can't get to the store.
We have a friend that usually shops for us. He's not able to handle a store like Costco.


We agree with this statement. We talk about this a lot here at home how stores, restaurants and any place you spend money take advantage.
Here's the perfect example: I don't remember what spaghetti sauce brand it was. She was looking at a certain brand Traditional and Meat Flavor.
The cost was much more for Meat flavor just for a different taste.
Click to expand...
Can't you order online from Costco ?
 
RadishRose said:
In states that have snow in winter, there is no grass. So the cows there can't be "all grass fed". They'll have to eat hay or corn, like other cows during the winter.
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That depends on the farm @RadishRose. 🙂 Some farms are able to sustain an all grass-fed diet even throughout the winter. The beef I buy is straight from the farm that raises the cows. It's grass-fed and grain-finished. I've eaten straight grass-fed beef and to my taste grass-fed and grain-finished is better tasting. It's personal preference.

"Grass versus grain, or so the story goes. But how do we know the real differences between the two? In the meat industry, using terms like grass-fed, grass-finished, or grain-finished can mean very different things for the beef associated with them.

Grain-finished beef is known for marbling and tenderness because grain helps cows gain weight more quickly and reliably, and because grains just tend to produce a milder steak flavor. Grass-finished beef tends to have a beefier--sometimes called “gamier”--flavor because of the nutritional complexity of pasture grasses, and it also tends to be a little leaner.

Not all grass is the same and not all grain is bad. The current conversation tends to say that grass-fed beef is better - period. But how can that be the case when even industrial feedlots are using grass pellets to force-feed cattle? Industrial beef can be labeled "grass-fed" without disclosing the animal welfare accompanied. So you have to know the name of the farmer and the farm that your meat comes from."

"Nearly all of the research comparing grain-fed to grass-fed beef hinges on fats, what scientists call lipids. . . beef from animals that never ate anything but grass is consistently lower in overall fat and saturated fat. While cholesterol levels are constant no matter the feeding regiment, grass-fed beef has a better balance of those fatty acids, such as stearic acid, that do not raise cholesterol."
-- Lynne Curry, Pure Beef

The full article explains it very well. ;) Grass-Finished Versus Grain-Finished > https://www.crowdcow.com/blog/grass-finished-vs-grain-finished

How are Cows 100% Grass-Fed in Winter? > https://www.organicvalley.coop/blog/how-are-cows-100-grass-fed-in-winter/


Bella ✌️
 
I wish we can have Costco sometimes. Unfortunately, that can't be an option for us. We are disabled and can't get to the store.
Click to expand...
After the regular shopping at food stores there's not enough food stamps for Costco.
Besides I'm only on Social Security.
We already pay for yearly amount to Walmart delivery. Some of orders are small but delivery is always free with the Walmart+.
Then with regular bills not much left.

Last is we bought this new fridge about year and half ago. The fridge part is fine, but the freezer is smaller than we thought. So you can't fit as much
Thank You for your concern. ☀️
.
 
Bella said:
That depends on the farm @RadishRose. 🙂 Some farms are able to sustain an all grass-fed diet even throughout the winter. The beef I buy is straight from the farm that raises the cows. It's grass-fed and grain-finished. I've eaten straight grass-fed beef and to my taste grass-fed and grain-finished is better tasting. It's personal preference.

"Grass versus grain, or so the story goes. But how do we know the real differences between the two? In the meat industry, using terms like grass-fed, grass-finished, or grain-finished can mean very different things for the beef associated with them.

Grain-finished beef is known for marbling and tenderness because grain helps cows gain weight more quickly and reliably, and because grains just tend to produce a milder steak flavor. Grass-finished beef tends to have a beefier--sometimes called “gamier”--flavor because of the nutritional complexity of pasture grasses, and it also tends to be a little leaner.

Not all grass is the same and not all grain is bad. The current conversation tends to say that grass-fed beef is better - period. But how can that be the case when even industrial feedlots are using grass pellets to force-feed cattle? Industrial beef can be labeled "grass-fed" without disclosing the animal welfare accompanied. So you have to know the name of the farmer and the farm that your meat comes from."

"Nearly all of the research comparing grain-fed to grass-fed beef hinges on fats, what scientists call lipids. . . beef from animals that never ate anything but grass is consistently lower in overall fat and saturated fat. While cholesterol levels are constant no matter the feeding regiment, grass-fed beef has a better balance of those fatty acids, such as stearic acid, that do not raise cholesterol."
-- Lynne Curry, Pure Beef

The full article explains it very well. ;) Grass-Finished Versus Grain-Finished > https://www.crowdcow.com/blog/grass-finished-vs-grain-finished

How are Cows 100% Grass-Fed in Winter? > https://www.organicvalley.coop/blog/how-are-cows-100-grass-fed-in-winter/


Bella ✌️ That's an interesting phrase I''ve never seen or heard before.
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Very interesting Bella and thank you!

" grass-fed and grain-finished." I live in CT and when we have a snow storm there is no grass to b eaten so cows would have to be grain finished.

I am aware things vary from state to state or where the farm is located, as you phrased it.

I was only referring to milk. But thanks for the beefy info. I'll start reading one of your links now.
 
I'm in Canada, where we have kilograms. In the USA you have pounds.

Yes, packages are getting smaller. To avoid being fooled by smaller packages or number of wieners, you can look at the weight. For example, if $3.00 used to get you 16 ounces of chips or weiners, and now the packages are only 12 ounces but the price is the same, then you know you're paying more.

I have a figure in my mind that I won't exceed -- usually CAD 10.00 per kilo of boneless meat. This would be about USD 3.50 per pound at the present time. I make some exceptions for convenience or treats.

My fridge freezer is small too. I can get more in there if I discard any cardboard or styrofoam packaging -- rewrapping the food if necessary.

At this point in my life, I no longer want to buy meat that requires fussing in the kitchen. I try to keep it simple, while avoiding processed foods. This means that I cook ground beef loose instead of making meatballs or meatloaf.

I got totally turned off chicken a few months ago. I have no idea why. But I think cutting a small bit of bone or fat off a chicken breast is a lot less hassle than messing with a whole chicken.
 
Only reason to buy boneless skinless chicken breast is to grind for a variety of uses. Otherwise bone in breast makes a moister better tasting protein to bake, BBQ, southern fry, or use for chicken soup. Crispy chicken skin is another reason IMO skin on, bone in chicken breasts are the better choice.

Since many are struggling with food cost. It doesn't hurt to know Bone in breast cost less than boneless skinless. This chart from a few days ago might help see the difference.
https://www.ams.usda.gov/mnreports/pywretailchicken.pdf
 
Costco in Canada doesn’t deliver fresh food items. It‘s mainly for things. For an example, I don’t think I’ve even seen canned tuna; even if it’s on sale in the store, it isn’t for delivery.
 
i'myourpal said:
After the regular shopping at food stores there's not enough food stamps for Costco.
Besides I'm only on Social Security.
We already pay for yearly amount to Walmart delivery. Some of orders are small but delivery is always free with the Walmart+.
Then with regular bills not much left.

Last is we bought this new fridge about year and half ago. The fridge part is fine, but the freezer is smaller than we thought. So you can't fit as much
Thank You for your concern. ☀️
.
Click to expand...
Like @hollydolly I was going to suggest Costco delivery. But even before I read your reply above, I thought about how much Costco adds to the cost of items to be delivered, in addition to delivery charges. It's not cost effective. I don't like that they do it, but other retailers do it too. I think you are doing the next best thing by ordering from Walmart. Their prices are very good for the most part. Also, their store brand products (Great Value and Equate) are quite good and offer additional savings.
 

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