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A common coupon myth is that you can only save money on processed foods and not on the healthy things you want to feed your family. While it’s true that a lot of coupons are for packaged items, there are still tons of ways to save on produce and other fresh foods.
Everything in a store goes on sale at some point – even vegetables! While you might not find BOGO swiss chard, you will find it on sale in the winter with most of the other greens.
How to Save on Produce
- Buy in season
- Shop local
- -Farmer’s Markets (get a detailed local price report here)
- -Community supported agriculture farms (CSA)
- -Food Co-Ops
- Stock up & freeze extras (or opt for frozen/canned when appropriate)
- Use overage from other items and take advantage of any coupons you do find
- Ask for rainchecks
- Consider growing your own herbs and simple veggies
Check out this video for more tips to save on produce.
Besides saving on produce, I often get asked how to save on meat. It can be a big expense, but there are some great ways to save. One option is to buy in bulk. Zaycon is a great company that sells meat in 40 lb cases for less than you’d ever see in the grocery store.
You can also contact a butcher to buy a whole animal. They will often sell you meat for a lot less since you are buying directly. Keep in mind that you will be getting a lot of meat at once when you do this. Whenever you buy in bulk, you can then freeze the meat and be well stocked, or go in with a friend and split it.
An additional option is to eat less meat. Try to use more vegetables, beans, and grains instead of meat a couple days a week. You’ll really see a difference in your grocery bill.
10 Ways to Save on Meat
- Buy in bulk – team up with friends and buy part of a cow from a local farm
- Here are some detailed tips about buying a cow
- Buy cheaper cuts of meat – use different cooking techniques to make cheap cuts taste great
- Buy big packages that are on sale – separate and freeze in desired serving sizes
- Buy big cuts of meat – cut them up into smaller portions/steaks
- Don’t throw out the bones – use them to make homemade broth
- Stock up when something goes on sale – freeze in desired serving sizes
- Buy frozen – it is often cheaper than fresh
- Buy meat directly from processing plant – if they sell to the public
- Stretch your meat – use smaller portions and add more veggies
- Avoid boneless, skinless chicken breast – this is the most expensive cut
Check out my video on how to save on meat for more information.
See more Frugal Living Tips.
