The winner of the Rudi’s Gluten Free giveaway is #158 – Micah! Please email me to claim your prize. Congratulations!
Well, it was never my intention to leave you since Friday, but this weekend has been jam packed! Last night after I got home, all I wanted to do was curl up on the couch in my sweat pants – the computer was barely opened.
Yesterday, I stayed true to my Saturday morning tradition by having a leisurely breakfast, going to hot yoga, and going to Trader Joe’s. Of course, only the first of the three things were done at a leisurely pace since I had to be back at school by noon to help out with our annual Winter Carnival (which every year I swear it’s at least 50 degrees for).
In between my shuffling around, however, I found a few extra seconds to snap some photos of the groceries I got this week from Trader Joe’s. Usually at this point in the month, I am reeealllly running low on grocery money, and this month is no different. Earlier this month, I spent about $40 out of our $300 on meat for the Husband from Costco – like 5 pounds of each chicken and beef. I sectioned it out into freezer bags for meals to come – it will last him months, but definitely put a damper on my grocery budget this month.
Needless to say, I only got essentials and what we absolutely needed to make it through next week until I get to spend more money. Side note: I could spend more money if I wanted to – but I’m all about sticking to the budget!
Please excuse the blurry photo – I was in a rush!
- sweet potatoes
- avocadoes
- celery
- carrots
- kale
- romaine
- onions
- graham crackers (the Husband loves to heat them up with warm milk for a snack)
- gluten free oats
- organic pink lady apples
- 3 d’anjou pears
- ketchup (yes, this is a necessity)
- balsamic vinegar
- liquid egg whites
I also stopped at a different store later in the day to pick up some things for the Husband – cereal, orange juice, and lunch meat. My father in law was also over at the time helping the Husband replace our water heater (ugh!) so I picked up some sausages to make for the two of them for dinner.
In total, I spent about $65 on this week’s trip, and well – I’m out of cash. Does anyone else feel like grocery prices have increased a LOT in the last six months or so? I feel like I can never stretch my dollar out quite as much as I used to be able to. I have also been buying more eggs (cage free, organic) since I am eating them now as well, but I don’t think that $10 worth of eggs a month really would make that much more of a difference. I could go on an on about how the price of living is increasing though the economy is still at an all time low, but that’s a discussion for another day. I fear getting political on you- ha!
I have been thinking of upping the budget for the month to $350 – it’s just getting really hard to make it all work for $300. In fact, it isn’t lately!
I’d love to hear your thoughts on the grocery bit – do you feel like grocery prices keep continuing to rise?
{ 94 comments… read them below or add one }
I definitely feel like grocery prices keep increasing! We try to spend no more than $100/week which includes our food + other household items (toilet paper, shampoo, paper towels, etc.) & it can definitely be a challenge. Depending on what we need for the week, sometimes we are really under-budget & sometimes we go over a bit. I try to really be aware of what we NEED, not splurge on too many extras, & use coupons whenever possible.
Our budget doesn’t include toiletries - I find that with toiletries, if you have coupons, you can basically get them for free!! I stock up when there are sales. I rarely have to buy them!
I just went to Whole Foods and TJ’s yesterday, and spent $100 at Whole Foods and $60 at TJ’s, and I didn’t buy everything that I wanted to! I even was buying some things that were on sale at Whole Foods. I buy my fruits and veggies at Whole Foods, b/c the are better than at TJ’s, and that adds up pretty quickly. For some reason the fruits and veggies aren’t as good at TJ’s, even though they are a bit cheaper.
really??? The fruits and veggies at my TJ’s are always really good quality
Mine are good quality too - although, I like the variety of WF’s produce better!
The produce at my TJ’s is usually better quality than most stores, if you think your store has a possible issue with produce being fresh you may want to talk to them. They’ve been very responsive with any feedback (negative or positive) that I’ve given them in the past.
I love the husband’s snack! I think the price rise is a worldwide thing- even though produce is relatively cheap in Mumbai, it’s still more expensive than even just a few months ago.
I would definitely agree that grocery prices are increasing! I have been spending more money each week but end up running out of food before the week is up!
Ya know, I thought it was just me until I read you saying the prices have increased. The “essentials” I get have been adding up lately! And here I thought I was just buying more than I used to… which could also be true. But I’m definitely in the budget boat and many times brand names don’t get picked, especially if I’m holding out for my paycheck Friday, haha!
I think so! I swear I try to spend what I want and it goes over. I went to the grocery store on Friday and thought I did good, I did spend less than usual but I forgot stuff too! I really want to budget more with the groceries!
Happy Sunday love!
You too! I know you have been on a budget lately - groceries is hard to budget for, especially if you’re just buying the essentials!
that is one thing I am always complaining about: the prices for nearly everything increase, except the salaries… such a shame.
It is a shame - I feel the exact same way!
350 is still VERY reasonable for a monthly budget!! Thats close to what my family spends EACH week! Food is our big splurge and we buy tons of fresh produce and fruit so it really adds up! I think eating healthy is definitely worth the extra money!
yess! as a nonworking college student atm i use money ive saved from working and i only buy dried beans now bc i go through beans alot and $1 a can got ridic! same with the oatmeal sometimes at this health store by me it goes on sale 10 for 10 (just one lb bags) and i pick up like 15 but hasnt been on sale and im running low lol.. it use to be so much cheaper being a vegan and how much id spend now its gettin close to the same esp with the produce.. ugh!
i should start buying dry beans - that’s a good tip. I always forget to do that! I’ll make that a priority next month!
I can barely afford gas to make my 45 min. commute every day, so I have no doubt that grocery prices are also rising!
You’re telling me! And I have to take a tollway to get to my school - and the fees just doubled. It’s ridiculous.
When I shop strictly at TJ’s I do save a lot of money (although I have been spending a little bit more lately, oddly enough). For this week I had to shop last night at 9pm after work and I went to a regular grocery store. I spent about $15 more than usual and not nearly the amount of food!!! I bought a lot of “specialty” things….like gluten free this, soy free that, (ex: Soy-free veggie burgers for $6 for a box of 4. I crinnnggeee!!!) because I never even see those things since I shop at TJ’s and they looked yummy! LOL For instance, I got this new kind of cereal that is oat and soy free (two of my allergies) and I had to get it, because that’s a hard combo to come by! It was $2.50, which I thought was pretty darn good for an organic cereal. Until I opened up the box to taste test it. Ya….it’ll last me like MAYBE 4-5 bowls worth!!!! If I were at TJ’s I would have gotten 3X that amount for the same price! Literally…..
I agree - those specialty cereals definitely lack bulk in the bags! I rarely buy cereal for myself for that reason alone. Cereal is so expensive, and we can only afford to buy it for the Husband since for me it would be an “extra” since I love my oats so much.
I think part of the feeling that grocery prices are rising is just because produce costs more in the winter, at least where I live. That part makes sense- they have to ship the produce much farther because it can’t be grown anywhere near locally. It also seems like the prices for packaged foods are increasing as well, though.
That’s a good point!
Yes! I always buy produce when it’s on sale, so I haven’t noticed that as much as baking supplies. Sugar, flour, etc have increased significantly in price. It’s crazy! I have to be really careful about shopping sales and not buying anything full price to keep within my budget.
Yes! I definitely think that they are rising, not for all the items that I buy, but a lot of them. Is it just me or did Trader Joe’s raise their prices for almond butter and sunflower seed butter? I swear they used to be $3.99 and suddenly they are $4.99!
YES! Their nut butters have definitely increased!
Grocery prices do not rise for me. In fact, they continue to fall.
During my bulimic years, I’d spend $200 a day on groceries, or rather, on binges. It’s not too difficult to spend less on a healthy diet. So in my eyes, I’m rolling in the saved dollars nowadays. x
That certainly makes sense!!
I totally agree on the prices. My grocery bill has been slowly creeping up. I planted a front yard garden (dug up our landscaping!) in the fall and that helped save money on produce (especially kale).
I can’t WAIT for the spring so i can plant my garden!!
In Canada the prices are crazy expensive. Things that have really jumped in price are coffee, peanut butter, pop/soda.You really have to look at flyers and buy like crazy when things go on sale.
I heard pb is supposed to go up in price nationwide. I feel like potatoes are super speedy lately as well as lean ground turkey. I need to start shopping at Costco more!
Nut butters have definitely gone up - I have noticed it at Trader Joe’s!
I have not really noticed grocery prices rising where I live. I do know I spend more on groceries during the winter months than spring & summer {mostly because during s&s I can buy a bulk of my produce from a local farmer and he is very reasonable}. For my husband & I, our budget is $150 a week for groceries AND toiletries. We normally do not spend this much because I shop the ads {even if I have to go to 2-3 stores} and use coupons when I can.
I do feel like grocery prices are constantly rising. Seltzer went up 10 cents, Van’s waffles went up almost $50 cents in the past month (which is like a 40% increase!), OJ and milk both increased slightly in the past 3 months. I still get my produce very cheap since I”m lucky enough to have a produce store nearby that has insanely low prices compared to the normal grocery store but all the other stuff just keeps rising. I don’t know how you do it on $300 a month. We easily average around $500 and it’s not like I throw random things in the cart left and right!
It also helps that one of us is a vegetarian and that the Husband will eat vegetarian meals from time to time!
I’m not sure if you have a TJ’s near you, but I buy the gluten free/dairy free waffles. I swear they taste just like Van’s, but they are cheaper and you get 2 more waffles for the price!
I definitely agree! My fiancé and I have a $300 budget as well. It’s hard because I feel like we have to sacrifice for quality items because it’s not in the budget.
I hear you! I think my problem is I am pretty gung ho on eating organic items, which makes the budgeting much more difficult.
I agree that grocery prices have increased. It makes it difficult to stick to a budget but I always plan our meals out. I can’t wait for the farm by our house to open up again. I am able to get our fruits and veggies for the week for around $15.
Grocery prices have risen. Things like coffee from TJs (I know you go out for coffee though). A can that used to be 4.99 went to 5.99 and is now at 6.99 in one year! It’s from a worldwide coffee bean shortage. Things like that are common on tons of products!
And after we talk groceries, let’s talk gasoline prices..ugh…
Sorry to hear about your water heater!
Gas prices are pretty steady over here - I have no clue what they’re like in CA though! Let’s talk about those tollway fees though - I could go on and on about those!
They like 4.89 a gallon, give or take, for premium. And the tolls here are nuts. Thank goodness I don’t have to use them. Most of the tollroads are like $4-5 bucks, each way! I’m going up to Orange Co. in a week and I use the toll road but other than that, avoid them!
I have to take 355 and 88 to work every single day. It is ridiculous. The prices just doubled on january 1st.
Prices are definitely going up. It could be worse, groceries in Canada have always been a lot higher than in the States. I spend about $100 - 125 per week and lately it’s been getting higher and higher.
Yes, grocery price have gone up and the size of packages are shrinking too:-( Is there a way you could get farm fresh eggs? I know you live in the Chicago area, but where we live cage free organic eggs are about $3.50 and up, but I can get them from the ‘egg lady’ on the way home for $2.
Also, coupons don’t seem as good as they used to be and double coupons are a no go around here too. Plus, I must complain that most coupons are for packaged foods and junk foods..which never have fit into our budget. I really wish the cash register would spit out a coupon for $1 off fresh produce on your next visit like Target frequently does.
We do have a farmer who sells eggs on the weekends - not sure how much they cost! I’ll have to look into that!
I agree that grocery prices seem to be getting higher. Yesterday I went to a local winter farmer’s market and I was surprised that veggies seemed to be cheaper there! I’m a newbie at farmer’s markets so maybe that’s the norm, but I love it!
YES! Grocery prices have went sky high in the past few months- I was talking to a lady at work the other day and we were discussing how the prices of everything have went up even in the last few weeks, from about 3 cents to 30 cents- depending on the item….. I neeeeeed more oats- seeing yours makes me sad inside, I don’t have enough to get through the week
Whatever will I do?!?!?
I wouldn’t be able to do it if I were you! I’d be going to the store to get some!!
I made this quinoa by a pretty great lady to hold me over till I can make it to the store…. You might like to try it- it was DELICIOUS! http://cleaneatingchelsey.com/2012/01/31/peanut-butter-cacao-quinoa/
HA! This totally cracked me up. I was confused for like 5 seconds and then I got it.
I definitely feel like my grocery bill keeps going up and up and up! I’ve been trying to force myself to go shopping less often, so that I use up what I have, before stocking up with new things! It’s hard though, especially because I pretty much want to try everything
Haha
I remember reading an article that cereals (grains etc.) were expected to increase 2-4x in 2012. It has something to do with how rainy last year was, a lot of international crops were destroyed, plus inflation.
But I totally agree with you, groceries are ridiculously expensive, especially if you are trying to buy fresh foods.
Have a great Sunday!
I better stock up on oats NOW!!
I definitely feel like grocery prices are constantly rising. But, in reality, the price of EVERYTHING is rising. Every year it seems to get more and more expensive just to live. I love that you’re so good about sticking with your budget though- upping it to $350 makes perfect sense to me.
When I was growing up, graham crackers with milk was my favorite treat. I think I may need to re-introduce that into my life…
Unfortunately, salaries are NOT increasing! Yikes!
It’s awful how food prices keep rising! Good luck with the new water heater.
You are so right— I think the price of everything has been going up lately—groceries and other items, gas, etc..
Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
Definitely! I’m trying for no more than $50 a week (that’s just for myself) and it’s a struggle for sure. I buy a lot in the bulk section and use coupons whenever I can, but it’s always the fresh veggies that put me over. I don’t mind frozen veggies, but I reaaaally love my organic spring mix and kale. It’s kind of sad to think that I need to *limit* the amount of greens I eat.
Ummmm, YES! I feel like every time I go, the prices just go up. It’s quite sad actually, I just got back from the store and spent nearly 2x as much as you.
You buy a lot of fish though! Don’t feel bad!
The prices of things are definitely going up. Gotta stretch those food dollars as far as they can go!
man thepriceof food has defintly gone up!! especially the fresh produce stuff, I wish they would put high tax or something on biscuits and junk food and make whole produce much cheaper. I do find ways to shop around though, we get most of it online alternate the shops, and I get most of my veggies and fruit from the local market. I also don’t eat meat which makes it cheaper.
That is an idea! Too bad the FDA would never go for it!
Up your budget. I totally agree about prices going up lately and we are having to do the same thing. He heats up the graham crackers? I might need to try that!
I think since I started couponing and then Project:Food Budget in the last couple of months I haven’t noticed. I’ve actually cut my food spending down significantly from ~$65/wk to $40. This is just for me. And I’m maintaining the $40 while doing the Crazy Sexy Cleanse. I do spend a bit of time comparing prices and couponing and whatnot but really only shop at Trader’s, Wegmans, and WF (a couple times a month since its about a 30 min drive vs 2 min for Trader’s and 10 for Wegmans).
If you feel you need to increase, go for it! Less than $100/wk on groceries for 2 people is still impressive!
PS For things like oats, condiments, cereal, and snacks its worth looking into coupons for other stores. Sometimes its cheaper, sometimes it isn’t!
I’ve found that TJ’s is cheapest for organic condiments - and for the snacks, I don’t buy any. Seriously. I make the Husband his cookies/granola bars/etc. The only thing I buy is chips for his lunches!
Base price…absolutely. But sometimes, when you score the right coupon and right scale…well nothing beats free, right?!
I just commented to my husband yesterday on this when we were in Costco! I noticed a two pack of agave syrup went up $3 and hemp hearts $2!
i definitely think prices have gone up. i am all about reading the circulars for the week to find the best deals, especially since fresh foods are ridiculously priced! my husband always reminds me that even though we are spending more now, buying fresh veggies, better meats, etc. which costs a bit more, our health care bills will eventually be lower than those who spent less money on junk food. He is a nurse and of course, as all husbands do, has an answer for everything haha
YES! I agree with you. K, those are my thoughts.
They have gone up a lot in Australia too, and we just moved into a neighbourhood which is really close to my work so I am saving money on petrol, but the little cramped supermarket is REALLY expensive and has next to no variety. Now I kind of miss living in my dodgy, far-away suburb with it’s farmer’s market, massive supermarket plus asian and indian specialty shops.
I totally agree about groceries! Here in AL, they are so much more expensive than where I am from in NY… you would think the opposite but its not! It stinks.
A couple of months ago, my mom warned me that peanut butter prices were going to go up. I didn’t take her too seriously at the time, but now I’m definitely noticing a difference in price! Ugh! :/
Go on girl, get political! I actually LOVE discussing politics but refrain because inknownits such a devisive topic. I wig I knew better if grocery prices were increasing or not, but I wont know until indona better job of focusing on our budget- eeks. Soon!
I hear ya about grocery prices! I try to have a $75 per week budget but it is very difficult to stick to it - especially when you need to replenish supplies like TP or Tide!
Boo about the water pump! Ours had to be replaced a week and a half ago — there always seems to be unexpected expenses!
I think grocery prices have been slowly going up for a while now. I go to like five different stores to get the lowest prices of my favorite things but that takes time…and gas money. Sigh.
I’m visiting my Dad in Texas and compared to in Ontario, it’s ridiculous how cheap some stuff is! When it comes to cereal and tea in particular-crazy!
I saw the kale in your picture and am reallllly excited because there’s some in my dad’s fridge. Time to introduce the family to kale chips for the first time.
I haven’t been to TJ’s in forever. I need to go get GF rolled oats! If only TJ’s had coupons…my life would be complete.
I don’t know if I’ve noticed a price increase necessarily, but I agree that groceries are flipping expensive! I find it hard to spend less than $75 a week… and that’s for just ME!
I do most of my shopping at TJ’s, groceries are going up. Have you ever posted a weekly meal plan with grocery list? I tend to grocery shop, buy a bunch of ingredients, but nothing for a complete recipe…oops
I’ve done a series on grocery shopping, but never done a meal plan with grocery list - that’s a great idea! Be on the lookout Patti!
Groceries are soooo expensive. Especially if you have to buy certain foods due to allergies or intolerances. A good tip for anyone who needs to eat gluten free is to browse online for staples like gf pasta etc as it is sometimes cheaper. I swear all my money is pretty much spent on eating. When I need to stretch my dollar I tend to go for frozen fruits & vegetables, and bulk out meals with them. I need to be more dilligent about following a budget like you!
I need to get my grocery bill under control.
And honestly, if I bought more real fresh food as you do, it would be even higher. Sad, but true.
I am such a creep! I love seeing your groceries! YES prices are going up. Costco ones, too. ughh
Your creepiness is nothing compared to me dreaming abut you.
bwahaha touche.
Groceries are getting ridiculously expensive! I spend, on average, $200/week on groceries. Mind you, I have to feed 5 people…and that also includes household items such as toiletries, etc. But that number doesn’t include meat from Costco. Oy!
Grocery prices are definitely rising! That+ my breastfeeding appetite is NOT a good combination!
Sounds like everyone is bummed about the price of food, maybe we could post our cheap but healthy recipes.
I remember when I first read that Peanut Butter prices were going up thinking that I should stock up … wish I took my own advice seriously. I shop primarily at Trader Joe’s and found a Target near by that has some of the additional branded stuff at lower price. I definitely shop around & take note of the different prices in the city to get the best deal.
I do feel that grocery prices have gone up! It’s really sad, especially since I love my nut butters so much ….
I can keep the price down if I shop at Trader Joe’s or Kroger. It’s when I stop at Whole Foods or Harris Teeter that the prices climb. Now that my husband and I are older we feel like we can spend more on groceries but we find that we feel better when we stretch our budget another week and just eat stuff from the freezer. We feel less wasteful.