Here is a (relatively) short list of tips that can help you save money!
- Purchase Seasonal Items
- Items that are in season 1. are usually more abundant and competitively priced and 2. are usually more local. When an item that is not in season has to come from farther away the price increases.
- Plus seasonal things taste better, you know, because they’re in season.
- Compare Prices!
- This one may seem like a no brain-er but there are ways to compare prices to guarantee that you are getting the best deal.
- I always start by looking at the store brands. Store brands are not always less expensive than name brands but it is a good start and is generally a safe bet.
- Then compare unit price or weight price. The unit price is the small price normally in the top right or left corner that tell you how much the item costs per unit (per ounce, per pound etc). You want to get the highest amount of quantity for the lowest amount of money. Use this to compare among sizes and brands.
- Every item in the grocery store will have this on the shelf store label.
- Shop Different Grocery Stores.
- This is a difficult one if you only have one main shop in your area or it is inconvenient to shop at different stores. But if you have the flexibility to do so it can be worth it.
- I have not seen a single store that has the lowest prices on everything. So it helps to shop around. Use this to keep an idea of what places to purchase your produce, specialty items, etc.
- Shop Online
- This is a big one for me. If you have an Amazon, Thrive Market or iHerb account you can get vegan specialty items (TVP, Nutritional Yeast, Vital Wheat Gluten) for way cheaper than you can get it in stores. Especially because besides Whole Foods and maybe Harris Teeter you can not easily find those items in my area.
- Buy in Bulk
- This you have definitely heard before items in bulk are generally less expensive and last a lot longer than items in smaller quantities.
- Utilize your wholesale club (BJ’s, Costco).
- Definitely purchase your non-perishables in bulk (rice, dry beans)
- Use Your Freezer!
- This is by far my favorite tip (why it isn’t #1 I’m not sure). I dislike the idea of purchasing fresh veggies to let them go bad in my fridge. There are certain vegetables that I generally only eat cooked so when I buy them I immediately clean, prep and freeze them.
- I store whole unopened bags of kale right in the freezer. When I purchase things like cabbage, broccoli or even carrots I clean, cut them up and freeze them so I can toss them in a stir fry, a soup, etc. when I need them.
- Also purchase frozen fruits and vegetables at the grocery store. It is cheaper and easier to work with!
- Our grandparents did things like this so why can’t we?
Bargain Vegan 