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One question I get asked very frequently is how to save money on fresh food like fruits and vegetables. It may be rare to see coupons on these items but with a little planning it is still possible to save lots of money and eat a variety of fresh produce every week!
1.) Buy what is on sale. Sounds like a no brainer right? It really can be that simple. Every week stores will run a few fruits and vegetables at or below cost just to get you in the door. If you only buy these items you will save a ton of money. You may not be able to get exactly what you want but only buying what is on sale is a great way to get produce in your menu at a very low cost.
2.) Buy in bulk and freeze. This goes hand in hand with number one. When your favorite items go on sale at rock bottom prices, buy a large amount and freeze weekly portions. A simple google search will give you tips and hints on how to best freeze each item.
3.) Use cash back apps. Multiply the savings by price matching deeply discounted items then submitting your receipt to each cash back that has a matching offer. Example: Saving Star is offering 20% back on onions, Ibotta is giving $0.50 back and Checkout 51 is giving $0.25! You could buy one onion and submit your receipt to each of them to get more money back. The offers change each week so make sure to check each one before going shopping.
My five favorite cash back apps that pay you to grocery shop!
4.) Check for markdowns and manager’s specials. Mid morning is when they typically start slashing prices in the produce department at most stores. I always find vegetable trays at half off, bags of fruit with one bad piece at half price and more goodies that are still perfectly fine to eat as long as you will use them in the next few days.
5.) Trade. Many couponers have a stockpile of shelf stable items that they have purchased at pennies on the dollar. You could see if someone who grows a garden at home would be interested in trading coupon items with you for fresh produce. In my experience people who have a garden often have an abundance of some vegetables and would be happy to make a swap for something like toilet paper or cereal that you may have more than few extra of 😉 Ask around at your church, work, school or local fresh markets to see if anyone is interested.