I was just shocked the other day when I went and did my shopping at a new store. I went to a store called Smart & Final, it’s a bulk store that isn’t quite as big as Costco or Sams Club. (you also don’t need a membership to shop as S&F.)I can’t afford a membership to both big ones, so I have a Sam’s Club membership. I get whatever I can there and then I head off to the local grocery store and pick up all the things I couldn’t get at Sam’s Club. When I have time I also got to the local farmers market and pick up what I can there.
I tell you this because I want you to know that I do try to spend wisely. So when I bought my spices at Smart & Final last week I was astounded and realized I need to do a SERIOUS price check of local stores and write down what to buy where.
Normally I buy McCormick brand spices. But I needed ground Cumin for diner that night and Smart & Final had a sale that was soo good I had to go there and by the time I was through I was too tired for the grocery store. So I went looking in the baking section at Smart and Final. For $6 I got the Trade Wind brand cumin. The McCormick one next to is was $5!!!!!!! (yes I know the McCormick one is ground oregano – but as this story says .. I was out or cumin!)
The Cream of Tarter was just as surprising. The large Trade Wind brand was $12 and the small McCormick was about $6.50!!!
So now I need to go and make a list of items I use a lot. Basics or staples they are often called.
My bell peppers and cucumbers are cheapest at Sam’s Club. The rest of the veggies are cheapest from Farmers Market along with fruits. Now I am going to have to see what Sam’s Club and Smart & Final have in the spices, flour and sugars. See where it’s the most cost effective for us. I won’t tell you where to shop – your area may be different, I just urge you to sit down this next week and spend extra time in the stores to find out what you need and the best place to get them. I live close to all 4 stores – so I can shop at any with out worrying about gas. If you have to think about gas that's OK just plan ahead and have a freezer handy and maybe turn a hall closet into a storage pantry. Just remember when storing food you want a mostly controlled climate so it doesn’t go bad. Also an interesting note I just found on some Smart & Finals except WIC (Women Infant and Children) checks here in California.
