In a challenging economic climate, many people are looking for ways to make ends meet. In this quest many people are asking questions like “How do I buy cheap groceries?” or “Where can I get cheap food?”
A better question, however, might be “How do I buy good food at a cheap price?”, for even in today’s tough economic environment you can still buy high quality food at super low prices. Its not as hard as you think. You simply have to know where to look.
Aldi’s Supermarkets
If you’re serious about buying good food at a low price then your first stop must be an Aldi’s supermarket. Aldi’s is a no-frills German based supermarket chain that is expanding rapidly here in the United States.
It is estimated that the typical customer will save 40-50% at Aldi’s compared to conventional grocery stores, and save 16-24% over big discount stores like Wal-Mart and Super Target.
How do you get great food at such a low cost? Aldi’s implements a cult like obsession to cutting costs to the bare minimum. It then passes these savings onto you in the form of lower prices. You won’t find flashy window displays, large sales signs, fancy food displays, or photo and floral sections in Aldi’s. These all cost too much.
Instead, Aldi’s stores are typically smaller helping to reduce heating, electricity, and other utility costs. Customers bag their own groceries and rent grocery carts for a quarter. Only cash or debit cards are accepted, eliminating the processing fees stores usually pay to credit card companies. Store hours are more limited with stores usually closing by 8pm or 9pm. This saves on labor and utility costs.
You won’t find a lot of brand name products at Aldi’s. Instead you’ll encounter their high quality store brand items, from Millville cereal to Sweet Harvest fruit cocktail, from Happy Harvest pork and beans to Berry Hill jelly. Aldi’s tests these store brand products on a regular basis to ensure each product meets or exceeds the quality and taste of the national brand name alternatives.
Dramatically slash your grocery bill, give an Aldi’s supermarket a try.
Bakery Outlets
Many people carry the misconception that bakery outlets are dingy little stores that sell stale, outdated bread. Nothing could be further from the truth. For savvy consumers, bakery outlets represent an easy way to purchase bread and other bakery products at a 50% to 75% discount off of grocery store prices.
These outlets sell the excess inventory of baked goods that would normally go to area supermarkets. Contrary to popular belief, these items are not stale, out of date rejects. In many cases a product sold in the bakery outlet is fresher than that sold in your local supermarket!
Generally, bakery outlet items are offered at a 50% discount. As items approach their sell-by date they are frequently discounted even further, often to as much as 75% off of corresponding supermarket prices.
Not only can you purchase bread on the cheap, but most bakery outlets offer a variety of additional offerings including donuts, pies, cakes, and other desserts, as well as English muffins, pita pockets, pizza crusts, chips, and more.
Smart shoppers buy cart loads of bakery outlet items which they store in their freezers to create a long lasting supply of cheap bread and baked goods.
Ethnic Food Stores
Small ethnic food stores can be found in many larger cities. These ethnic markets usually cater to the tastes and preferences of their surrounding communities. For consumers these stores offer a treasure trove of savings. Asian, Indian, Mexican, West Indian, and other ethnic grocery stores frequently feature rock bottom prices on produce and meat. They also offer great deals on breads, grains, beans, cheeses, and spices.
Your Local Supermarket
How would you like to purchase your groceries for half price? Well if you know how to shop your local chain supermarket this is exactly what you can do.
Consider the basic “2 for the price of 1” sale or the “buy 1, get 1 free” sale. These are essentially 50% off sales. To save big, stock up on the products you use the most only when they are featured in one of these 50% off sales. By stocking up when the price is so dramatically reduced you can significantly cut your food costs. Save even more by combining manufacturer’s coupons with the store sales.
You can buy cheap groceries. By visiting the right places to purchase high quality food at low prices you’ll keep more money in your wallet and a smile on your face.
