Groceries on a Budget

For those that think couponing is too hard or time consuming, here is another thought to saving on groceries: find a "scratch and dent" store near you.

We live close one of these types of stores that buy expired and imperfect food from grocery stores and convenience markets.  Expired?!  We have never had any issues with any of the food we have purchased including yogurt (great for freezing for smoothies) and cake mixes to name a few.  Yes, some bags of chips have been a little stale, but for the most part the food is great (I'm a little afraid of eating expired mayonnaise).  Some of the food is just in dented or smashed boxes.  We thoroughly inspect these product to make sure they are safe before eating.

For example, I bought 10 jars of peanut butter, 3 boxes of cereal, grapes, bananas, lemons (marked down because they were in orange bags!), 2-1 lb. containers of strawberries, spotlight peppers, and two bags of wild rice.  And the cost?  I bought everything in the picture below for....$18!

 

So if you want to shop on a budget without coupons, try to locate a scratch and dent food store near you.  You may be surprised by how much you can save on even a few items every month without picking up your scissors.