Supermarket Purchases That Deserve Zero Dollars

Purchasing a variety of pre-cut vegetables will undoubtedly save you time when preparing your favorite winter soups and stews, but this convenience does not come cheap.

Pre-Cut foods

Since strawberries, blueberries, and melons are shipped from far away, winter purchases are expensive. Credit Karma consumer financial advocate Courtney Alev recommends buying seasonal items to offset that price hike.

Off-Season Produce

For one bottle of spices at the supermarket, you could get three or four! Specialty stores like your local Asian market may offer higher discounts for regularly stocked and larger quantities of products.

Spices

Unfortunately, you're paying a huge premium for the convenience and cuteness factor. Invest in reusable baggies or a pre-molded lunch box, and package your own snacks for a much healthier body and wallet.

Packs of Snacks

Warshaw recommends keeping rice, quinoa, and macaroni and cheese serving packs on the shelf like snack packs. These individual servings can be six times more expensive. 

Individual portions

The 30-ounce bag of kernels makes 30 servings, while the six-pack box makes 15. Since you can choose the toppings and preparation, the latter is healthier.

Microwave Popcorn

Buy generic brands. A 15-ounce box of Trader Joe's O's costs $1.99. Savings add up quickly at the register!

Brand-Name Cereal

As a mom of four, I know that sometimes you have to run to the nearest store for diapers because stuff happens. This shouldn't be done often. Doing so could cost 50 cents per diaper

Diapers And Wipes

Fighting the crowds and unloading the groceries may warrant a long tub soak after the supermarket. No problem, but don't buy bubble bath or other personal products there.

Bubble Bath

It may seem natural to buy paper plates, cups, plastic ware, and a tablecloth at the supermarket while you're buying party food. Supermarket prices for plastic tablecloths, mylar balloons, utensils, and birthday candles may double.

Party Supplies

Gifting is easy when you can throw a gift card on the conveyor belt with your milk and eggs, but Costco and Sam's Club memberships make gift cards cheaper, especially when bought in bulk.

Gift Cards

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