Why is everything so expensive

Two weeks ago I went to shop rite and spent $220 on organic: fruits, veg, chicken, ground beef, milk(always 6 cartons). And tons of other stuff

Last week I spent another $250 on more organic fruit, veg, meat and chicken, only 3 cartons of milk, and other random stuff

I got home So upset. I spent almost 500 in two weeks. Most of the meats are piled in the freezer. Half the organic fruit and veg I throw out cuz I don't use them fast enough. Mind you I have a stockpile in basement of things like detergent, shampoo, paper towels, toilet paper, dish soap so I haven't had to buy that in a long long time. Anyway I Promised myself I'm not going back to the supermarket until mid February. Of course that wasn't likely to happen cuz we have two young kids and you gotta get fruits and veg and a few things here and there... So I went tonight. I literally bought:

6 cartons of milk
3/4 lb turkey and cheese
10 Greek yogurts ($1 each)- baby eats every day
Box of crackers
Aluminum foil
Bananas
Apples-org
Pears- org
Block of muenster
Sandwich bread

Came out to 80$

Just. Ugggghhhhhhhhhhh. It's so upsetting!

Sorry. Had to get it out.

Re: Why is everything so expensive

I know, its frustrating. I do most of my shopping at stop n shop or BJs and find they have great prices on organic products but the biggest savings is when I meal plan. Otherwise I buy random stuff and it goes unused. Also, as far as produce, I used to waste things but now I dont. Fruits and certain veggies I will either cut up for us to snack on or I blend them into smoothies/green juice. Heartier veggies (potatoes, onions, etc) I will chop up and roast in the oven. I also buy the big packages of organic spinach and we use them in salads, green juice or I saute them (they boil down to nothing) and the kids love it with a little butter. I try to buy things I know I can use in multiple ways -- apples, carrots (baby likes to teethe on them, i throw them in smoothies, 4yo likes them raw, and if I have a lot left over I toss in olive oil and salt/pepper and roast in the oven), spinach, onions, potatoes, etc. I see it as a challenge to use up everything we have in as many different meals as possible. That said, we are not going through 6 cartons of milk a week so that certainly adds to the cost. I have also found that a lot of the things you mention -- organic milk, organic greek yogurt, alum foil/plastic wrap, bread, crackers, etc are waaaaaaaay cheaper at BJs. And I also love the big bags of frozen organic veggies they have. I will scoop out what I need, put it in a bowl with a little water, microwave for a minute and its ready. So much cheaper than the steamer bags we used to buy, plus its organic! Happy to chat about other cost savings, it was one of my missions during maternity leave :)

Message edited 1/27/2016 11:48:20 PM.

Re: Why is everything so expensive

I would take an itemized look at what you are eating. It sounds like you are purchasing too much fresh fruit all at once. I buy my apples from costco. They last one month on the counter. I buy one additional fruit at a time, so this week it is grapes, next week is strawberries, or pears, or oranges. But I don't buy a lot of them, and I buy them one at a time. Try to see how many you are going through. As for veg, I get frozen so they don't go badly too fast. I buy one or two bags of salad. I know we won't eat more than that per trip. For milk, I get organic. Only get a gallon and see exactly how fast you are using it. I love costco for milk because it lasts for three weeks. I get one loaf of bread at a time. As for meat, do you eat meat at every dinner? Do you eat left overs? I would meal plan so you know what you are eating during the week.

Message edited 1/28/2016 12:09:22 AM.

Re: Why is everything so expensive

Thanks guys

My sister has been saying lately that we should meal plan and shop at bjs and split everything. This sounds good but I feel like I never have the time

Guess I better make the time...

In the meantime, thank you for the suggestions I appreciate them

Re: Why is everything so expensive

if you are organic, its expensive. but there are ways to save still. BJs is great. we also went in on a local organic grass fed cow with some girls from my breastfeeding group and it worked out to about $6/lb for a variety of cuts -- ground beef, steaks, filet mignon, short ribs, etc. much cheaper than in the store where $6/lb may not even get you ground beef. also, the bagged frozen organic veggies are a big money saver. and I feel like stop n shops natures promises brand is on par with other stores conventional brand pricing. we arent strictly organic but stop n shop has so many organic items that we are able to cover a significant amount of it

Re: Why is everything so expensive

......

Message edited 3/20/2016 10:02:10 PM.

Re: Why is everything so expensive

Are you really drinking all that milk? Blanch your veggies and freeze them.

Why is everything so expensive

If you have an Aldi nearby try them. They just announced they are expanding their organic foods.

Re: Why is everything so expensive

Why is everything so expensive

I have learned to buy frozen veggies as much as possible. They last way longer.

And shoprite has a gallon of organice milk for $5.69. Not sure what sizes you buy?

Message edited 1/28/2016 7:43:40 AM.

Why is everything so expensive

You'd save a lot of money if you made more trips buying fewer items each time. That way you aren't wasting all that fresh produce. If you know you end up throwing a lot of it away then don't buy as much, or buy only one variety like someone else mentioned.

Also, are you buying meat on sale or buying it just to have it (I ask because you said it's in the freezer). If it's not on sale, and you don't need it, don't buy it just to store. And often larger packs of chicken or whatever are cheaper (the family packs) - so get a larger pack and split it up yourself for the freezer.

Instead of buying 10 individual Greek yogurts, maybe switch to regular yogurt, which is cheaper, or getting a large container for the week, which is also cheaper.

When you say 6 cartons of milk, what does that mean? Gallons? Quarts? That's so much milk to drink in one week! (Not judging I just can't even picture it). Maybe try sizing up, since larger sizes are often a little cheaper (so instead of 1/2 gallons get gallons).

I'd also try looking at a few different stores to see where they might have things on sale that you want. Ultimately you are going to be spending a lot more if you are buying all organic.

Why is everything so expensive

Same- I do Costco and trader joes- I do one big shopping a month at Costco then get a few things every other week at trader joes. It's just the 2 of us but I spend about $500 a month on food. Trader joes has such inexpensive organic frozen veggies I stock up on those. They also have inexpensive frozen organic fruit- I buy a few bags and use them in smoothies. I pick 2-3 meats at Costco and that's what we rotate through for the month and I make different meals with that. My $500 includes if we need a cleaner or toilet paper or shampoo- I try and buy one thing a month and keep a small stock pile. When shop rite does the can can sale I do a MASS shopping 2x that week. I buy beans to get through 4 months- I use them in chili, rice etc. I also do a mass stock on cheese when they have it for $1 and freeze it. It's tough but get a list of things you use often and plan around sales.

Re: Why is everything so expensive

Re: Why is everything so expensive

I meal plan as I shop based on what's on sale that week. Whatever organic meat or seafood is on sale that week is what we're eating. Same on the fruits. And like someone else said, buy one fruit at a time and eat it until it's done. I like variety too, but I also found I was throwing stuff out because it was going bad before I got to it.

Why is everything so expensive

Trader Joes is affordable for meats and diary - I try to shop there when possible!

Re: Why is everything so expensive

First you REALLY need to plan your meals so you're only buying what you will need (and use) for the week. It makes a HUGE difference in your grocery bill when you have a game plan. Go online, there are SO many great recipes and meal planners out there. And when you cook certain things, make double and freeze the other half for another week. I always triple batch my tomato sauce, I freeze one meatloaf and we eat the other, same with soups. It saves time to cover more than one meal all at once.

Second, invest in a vacuum sealer. BEST, BEST, BEST money I EVER spent. I go to BJ's and stock up on meats, cheeses, fruits, veggies, etc and NOTHING goes to waste because whatever it looks like I won't use that week I break up into packs, vacuum seal, and freeze. I buy ALL of my meat in bulk, break into 1 lb. packs, and freeze and that way I always have meat on hand. Freeze fruits before they go bad and you'll always have fruit on hand for smoothies and baking. They even have resealable vacuum bags which are great for cheese, cold cuts, etc.

Third, stock up on your essentials when they go on sale. For perishables, vacuum seal them so they last longer in your fridge. Also, along with this try not to be "brand loyal" with everything. Certain things I'm picky about (like Heinz Ketchup for example) but if you're willing to try other brands when they go on sale, you'll save a lot of money,

Fourth, be selective about what you buy organic. EVERYTHING doesn't HAVE to be organic, that's partly why your bills are so high. It can cost up to 3X as much for organic food and personally, I'm just not willing to spend that kind of money.

Lastly, and this is HUGE for me, once you shop............STAY AWAY FROM THE STORE UNTIL YOUR NEXT SCHEDULED SHOPPING TRIP!!! Every time you walk into a store you will inevitably leave with at least $50-60 (if not more) of extra groceries that you really didn't even need. I save so much money when I stay away from Target, BJ's, and Stop and Shop AFTER I do my big shopping. Picking up little things here and there adds up fast! Challenge yourself to use up what you have in the house for the week before going out to buy more...........even if that means one night for dinner you're having grilled cheese sandwiches or pancakes. As long as you have some staples in your house (flour, chicken, rice, spices, frozen veggies, etc) you'll always be able to find something to whip up!

Good luck!!!

Re: Why is everything so expensive

I totally understand. Everything is so expensive..especially here on Long Island. We all work to just live. Saving any money for me is just not easy these days. It makes me sad.
I do find shopping weekly and only buying what I need for the week helps me save and not waste fruits that tend to expire faster. Also Buying Organic milk from Bjs is Great because Organic Milk lasts so much longer than Non organic. I also Have been trying to use my crockpot more often making meals Like stew that I can eat leftovers for a few days.

Why is everything so expensive

How much is organic milk at Shoprite? BJ's sells it, and I bet it's cheaper. I want to say it's $5.99 for 2 half gallons? They also have a bunch of organic veggies and fruits.

Why is everything so expensive

i buy organic and spend between $150-200 a week. i try not to go over $150 but lately its been creeping up. I meal plan and have an idea of what i need - by far i spend the most $$ on dairy, meat and produce. I buy 2 gallons / week plus cheese - chicken and once in awhile ground beef, apples, bananas, blueberries etc. Its so much more expensive in the winter when fruit isn't in season- i buy frozen organic veggies a lot. For myself for smoothies etc i buy frozen fruit but for the kids i buy fresh. i probably also spend $15 on organic applesauce lol which is ridiculous but they eat so much of it. BJ's is starting to carry more organic items so we go there once in awhile to get stuff.

Re: Why is everything so expensive

This is why I don't buy organic! I feel like the $125-150 a week for me and 2 DDs I spend on mostly clean fresh eating with meal planning and little waste is a lot! Sorry I am no help!

Re: Why is everything so expensive

Re: Why is everything so expensive

I don't even buy much organic anymore because it got too expensive, but a regular weekly trip to the supermarket for me, DH and our preschool aged DD is always $100-$150. It's crazy!

Re: Why is everything so expensive

Trader Joes have very good prices, and u can find great things there, even organic products. Btw, although organic is great not every thing needs to be organic. Follow the Dirty Dozen list and the Clean Fifteen (u can save a lot of money by just buying necessary organic items.) I'd also add organic eggs and milk to ur list though.

Re: Why is everything so expensive

Re: Why is everything so expensive

I used to waste a ton of food. Now I go to the store a few times a week. I only buy produce for 2-3 days at a time.