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Coupons for fresh produce. They are like unicorns. Don’t let that discourage you, though. There are ways to make the most of your hard earned money and not settle for unhealthy food options with these 5 ideas to help you save on fresh produce.
Weigh Pre-packaged Items
Not all packages contain the exact weight stated on the label. Weigh a few carrot or apple bags and you’ll find some contain more product at the same price. This works best on items that are not sealed because the air in the bags can be deceiving. This also includes items that are sold in bunches such as green onions and cilantro.
Check for Manager’s Specials
These sale items will vary between stores. They are usually items that have some discoloration or bruising. Vegetables like lettuce and onions may just have a layer that can be discarded leaving the rest perfectly consumable.
Coupons & Apps
Many stores have coupon mailers that will include cents off coupons on produce, meats and even deli items. Register your email and mailing address if you use frequent shopper cards. Thesestores monitor your purchases, but don’t let that scare you. It just means they will send out flyers and coupons that are specific to your buying habits. Take advantage of these offers, they do make a difference in your grocery budget.
Snap by Groupon (insert your own affiliate link) and Ibotta (insert your own affiliate link) are both great savings apps. You take a picture of your receipt and you earn cash back! Don’t worry if you used a coupon in the store because these rebates can be stacked, adding to your savings. Walmart’s savings catcher, does price comparisons of local stores against what you’ve purchased. Another great way to cut your costs.
Discount Warehouses
Now, I’m not suggesting to run out and join the nearest discount warehouse like Costco or Sam’s Club just for produce. But if you already have a club membership you might notice that there are certain produce items that are cheaper when purchased in bulk. Produce that have multiple purposes like mushrooms and spinach can be used in a ton of different meals from breakfast to dinner. And even mushrooms can be frozen (after they’re cooked).
Farmer’s Markets
Of course, last but certainly not least the farmer’s market. The farmer’s market is my go to for fresh, clean produce. There are a number of benefits of purchasing from local farmers, plus having them all in one place makes it even easier. If you’re new to the marketplace, browse first. Find the best quality within your budget. Once you find your farming “soul mate” you’re all set. Sellers will often show their appreciation of loyalty with a little extra here and there. Not to mention, you’ll probably get a heads up on upcoming harvests. That’s a meal planner’s paradise! Stocking the freezer for winter from the farmer’s market is super easy too!
Do you have your own tips on saving on produce?
Thank you so much! I never would’ve thought to weight the pre-packaged produce. I always just assume they would be accurate, but now I know that it may not be the case I will always double check.
They’re not! And they vary wildly! Glad this could help!
Now that I live in a really warm, sunny climate, I’m discovering the magic of gardens. If you have the time, growing a garden is the best way to save on produce.
Growing your own can certainly save some money. But be prepared to fight the insects and know that not everything will grow well. I love the farmer’s market because I can get it fresh, organic and with minimal effort in the heat here of 100+ indexes. Great idea!
Thank you for these great tips! Fresh produce does tend to get expensive but especially during the summer I love it so! I’ve been hitting the farmer’s market a lot more lately as I seem to get more for my money there.
I’m really a farmer’s market junkie especially this time of year!
My main sources of saving on fresh produce are apps like Ibotta and Checkout 51. I also have a local supermarket that sells locally grown produce and they are super cheap. I can oftentimes get cucumbers 5/$1 or a bag of potatoes for just $1.99!
You’re lucky to have local grown produce at your grocery. I’ve never seen Checkout51 I’ll have to look at that!
We eat a lot of fresh produce, so it is always nice to find ways to save. I hadn’t thought of looking for coupons for produce, but that is an awesome idea.
you won’t find national coupons for produce, you MIGHT find local ones but again they’re like unicorns.
I love to find ways to save on produce. We go through so much of it and it can add up fast. I love to hit up our markets some times we get some really great marinades.
I had no idea that the prepackaged foods didn’t all weight the same! Shocker! Seriously I am going to start weighting it now!
I love coupon apps myself. I also love to go to Farmer’s Markets. The food is nice and fresh and the money is kept local in a lot of cases.
Our farmer’s market is small but wonderful! I’m hooked!
I never knew to weigh produce bags! What a great idea. I’ll do that from now on.
No, I wish I did. We go through so much fresh produce, it is crazy. I do use that Walmart app and have gotten some money back :)
I love these tips! We usually get our produce from a local farmers market. I help local farmers and I’m getting fresh produce.
absolutely!
I love the Walmart Savings Catcher app – I’ve caught almost $100 in savings since I started using it!
This market makes me think of the farm we used to go to when i was a kid and pick veggies and fruit. Thanks for sharing.
I love buying produce for my family. Of course I love to save too so these are going to become helpful tips.