Hi All! I am based in a semi rural area with limited grocery; locally I have a specialty local store I never go to due to the prices and then a grocery outlet which is where this haul came from for $94.70. This, along with some bulk eggs I bought a while back and dried beans and rice should last me and my husband for 1 week+
My question is if you all think it is more cost effective, especially since most of my food is frozen/not immediately perishable, would it be cheaper to shop at Costco in bulk 2x a month than every week at Grocery outlet?
I think frozen proteins could be less, but the nearest costco is an hour away. Is it worth the travel time to shop there? Who lives in mendocino/lake county areas and what is your grocery bill like?
P.S. Meal Plan for the week:
Breakfast:
Eggs on Toast
Smoothies
Oatmeal
Frittata
Lunch:
Tuna/Chicken Salad
Shrimp Fajitas
Egg Salad
Chicken Nuggets + Tots + Broccoli
Dinner:
Roasted Chicken + Greek Salad
Tilapia + Rice + Broccoli
Pizza
Mississippi Pot Roast + Broccoli
by fermentfern
9 Comments
Don’t live in your area, but Midwest. Using rough #s, I think this would be ~75 where I’m at. I don’t think you are overpaying a ton but also not getting any huge deals. I live by a Sams club/costco and have a set of things that I buy exclusively there every 3-4 weeks as they are significantly cheaper in bulk and last, and supplement with a grocery trip where I browse discount produce first (significant savings opportunities) and discount meat to see if I can plan future meals around them. Also, my wife and went in on a half cow with family and split the cost of processing, it’s in our chest freezer and has been a great way of getting a variety of meat at a cheaper overall (but higher up front) cost
Im in Norcal, i would 100% go to costco. They have large things of eggs, oatmeal, tortillas, and meat options. You’re going to have a high bill walking out but if you’re only going twice a month it’ll even out. I feed a family of 4 on costco and the budget grocery store down the street and my food bill is about 450 a month.
Disappointed that fish tacos aren’t part of the meal plan
Shop at Aldi
Shop at Aldi
aldi has way better deals than costco. id recommend that if it’s nearby 🙂
aldi has way better deals than costco. id recommend that if it’s nearby 🙂
I don’t like shopping big box stores personally as I hate paying for memberships to shop and also they have all their stuff sized and packaged where anything is 20$ bucks or more seems like sometimes. We used to shop once a month at big box stores such as the Sam’s and costcos but really found we were spending more than shopping at smaller closer stores weekly.
Everyone’s situation is different, and we just have to do best for what the situation is. For the amount you have here the price is a bit high.
Some things to consider,, buying yellow or white onions in small bags when available (red onions are always more expensive) possibly buying and using can tomatoes vs fresh ones (I know maybe not as good for some things but when food budgeting it can help) if you are using said ingredients for salsas and such, maybe find large container of pre made salsas to help save.
Just spitballing to get the wheels turning in all directions, sometimes several small changes add up to big differences. Good luck!!
We drive an hour to Costco in MA and find it to be worthwhile!