Trying to cut your family budget, buying cheap groceries may be just the help you need. Follow these 4 tips and get started saving money and saving your budget.
Tip 1 - Shop salvage grocers
What exactly is a salvage grocer? These are grocery stores that carry the cast offs from chain grocery stores at prices of 50% to 90% off the original. Slightly damaged, the food items are perfectly safe and must meet the same guidelines of the Federal health and safety regulations that chain stores meet.
At salvage grocers, you'll find the cheapest groceries, but the products have met with some sort of "accident." The cans might be dented and the boxes might be slightly crushed but the product is still good. It is advisable for shoppers to watch for swollen cans as they can indicate a risk for botulism.
Here's a list of salvage grocers - http://www.andersonscountrymarket.net/directory
Tip 2 - Don't pass by expired food
Most people avoid food that has passed its expiration date listed on the package. While it's very important to follow the expiration dates on perishable items like milk, dates on non-perishable items are there to help the grocers. The expiration dates help grocers rotate the stock.
The USDA states that high-acid foods such as tomatoes, grapefruit, and pineapple can be stored in cans for 12 to 18 months. Low-acid foods like meat, poultry, fish, and most vegetables will keep for 2 to 5 years as long as the can is in good condition. As long as the seal is intact or the vacuum is good, the product is fine.
Tip 3 - Shop discount grocers
If you can't find a salvage grocery store in your area, check out these well-known cheap grocery stores. Next to salvage stores, you'll find the cheapest groceries at Aldi, Costco, Market Basket, Slater Bros., Shoppers Food Warehouse, Trader Joe's and Wal-Mart.
Tip 4 - Buy store brands
Store brands might not have fancy packaging, but their products are usually just as good and the price is much cheaper.
Buying groceries for cheap can be a challenge. By knowing where to shop -- salvage grocers and discount grocers, save you a bundle. Add to this safe, expired products and store brands and the cheap groceries you find means a super happy budget.
