Frugal Kitchens 101 - Things You Shouldn't Buy at the Grocery Store

I usually don't add pictures or videos to the Frugal Kitchens 101 posts but I found this short video by Steve Noviello of Consumer Reports on things you shouldn't buy at the grocery store. I intended to show the video as well but it appears to no longer be working.  However, if you get a chance there are a lot of good kitchen and food related videos on the Consumer Reports website.

According to Consumer Reports laundry soup, light bulbs, pre-made baked goods, non-perishables unless they are at rock bottom sale prices, cheese at the deli counter and magazines.  All of these items can be found for less from other sources.  Of the items listed the only one I disagree with is cheese at the deli counter.  Their advice was to buy cheese in the dairy section.  True, you may pay more at the deli but you get a larger selection and you can buy only what you need.  I seldom buy pre-sliced or shredded cheese to begin with as block cheese is less expensive per unit price, has less chance of contamination and unlike shredded cheese does not contain cellulose to keep it from sticking.  I prefer to buy cheeses directly from local cheese factories.  A magazine subscription is always less expensive than the  price per copy but consider many magazines are now offered in an electronic version which is even less expensive than the paper copy.  Not only are you saving money, you are being eco-friendly while reducing household clutter.  Electronic versions are even available for mobile devices so no more stopping at the airport tuck shop to buy magazines for the flight.  There are considerably more items that many buy at the grocery store but can be found for a lot less money elsewhere.  Pretty much anything found in the sundry aisle of a grocery store can be bought elsewhere for less.  Surprisingly, your local dollar store can be a mecca for finding some of these items at rock bottom prices.  However, online sources, bulk food stores, dollar stores and warehouse stores also offer rather good savings.  Here's a list of some of the things I have found that are less expensive when bought somewhere else than a grocery store.  I'm sure there are several more items that can be added to the list.

• in season local produce
• shampoo/conditioner
• dishwasher rinse aid
• canning jar lids
• dish soap
• bar soap and many toiletries
• disposable electrostatic cloths
• vitamins and dietary supplements
• K-cups for the Keurig 
• paper plates and napkins
• plastic cutlery
• food wrap (eg. aluminum foil, plastic wrap, wax paper)
• spices and seasonings
• household cleaners
• cleaning aids
• baking basics (eg. sugar, salt, flours)