Frugal Kitchens 101 - Special Sales

A well stocked pantry will result in being able to cherry pick the sales. While most grocery stores offer weekly sales but from time to time grocery stores offer special sales with even greater savings to help stretch your food dollars. Special sales include anniversary sales, dollar sales, case lot sales and special event sales such as grand openings or going out of business. For example twice a year one grocery store chain here holds a 'one dollar sale' with many items on sale for $1. Another grocery store chain holds a '$1, $2, $3 sale' with many items on sale for those prices. Today's Frugal Kitchens 101 will give a few tips for shopping the special sales.

• Don't get caught up in the hype. Check the unit prices. Some foods on for a $1 may be more expensive per unit than non-sale items.
• Shop only the sale items and be picky. An item on sale even if only for $1 is not a good value if it is something you aren't sure you will use.
  
• Avoid the snack type lunch kits and that type of convenience food as they are not a good value even when on sale.
• Focus on those foods that give you the best nutritional value such as fruits, vegetables, meats, lunchmeats and breads. One trick is to take only $40 cash and get the highest nutritional value you can for that money.
  
• If beef or pork cuts are on sale for $1 per pound put the focus of your sale dollars towards it. Be sure to check the meat aisle for other bargains. There may only be a couple of select cuts of meats on sale for $1 per lb but nearby there might unadvertised in-store meat specials.
• Quite often a few dairy items will be included in the special sale prices. Unless they can be frozen then buy only what you can use before they spoil. If the sale runs for 2 weeks then it is better to make a couple of stops to stock up rather than one depending on your needs.
• Some sundry items such as toothpaste, fabric softener and bath soap may be on sale at the special prices. Here you really do need to know your prices! A 90 ml tube of toothpaste may be on sale for $1 but the same brand only a 130 ml tube may $1 regular price at the dollar store.