SmartShopper

Price Book: Best prices for food and non-food products

With the continuing rise in food and non-food prices, here is an updated Price Book listing the best "buy" prices for meat, produce, dairy, non-food and more.

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Strawberries

With the continuing rise in food and non-food prices, here is an updated Price Book listing the best "buy" prices for meat, produce, dairy, non-food and more.

Following is an updated Price Book (March 2022) with both the low price I usually wait for as an experienced shopper and couponer as well as the prices of the upper limits that new couponers should aim to stay at or under. The upper/high end prices are still good deals, they just aren’t as low as they go when the stars are aligned and the coupons match perfectly with the sales (which we all know doesn’t happen for every product every day).

As we have all seen, prices have increased everywhere. The good news is that I am still seeing my pre-pandemic buy prices for many products and there are still very competitive sale prices every week. Your willingness to shop the sales at more than one store can save you a good deal of money. Make sure you look at my weekly deal lists for the Triangle area grocery stores to find the best buys.

My suggestion is to stock up for 4-6 weeks worth of product when the prices hit the Low Prices listed for those items that are non-perishable or can be stored in the freezer. If you are running low on something and need it to complete the meal plan or you are just getting started, it’s fine to buy at the High End prices, but don’t stock up on too much. Save your stocking up for the Low End prices. Many of the prices for items (other than meat and produce) are found when a sale and coupon are combined.

I have received a number of questions from readers about whether the buy price changes as you become more proficient at couponing and as your stockpile increases. The answer is definitely YES! When I first started couponing, I was thrilled when I bought name brand toothpaste for .75 a tube. Now that I have been couponing for a while and have a number of tubes in my overstock, I generally wait until it is free after coupons and/or rewards. Sometimes, I even get paid to take it home with the combination of sales, coupons and drug store reward programs.

Please keep in mind that if you have allergy issues or special dietary needs (gluten-free, for instance), some of these prices will not apply because those products are generally going to be more expensive.

Produce

Try to stay at $1.50/lb or less for most produce. Ideally, look for produce sales that are $1.00/lb or less. All the area grocery stores often have carrots, apples, pears and oranges for $1 or less per pound on a regular basis. As a general rule, don’t buy packaged lettuce and spinach unless you want to spend more per pound than needed.

Here are some ideal buy prices for fruit and veggies. Keep in mind that when they are in season, you will find these prices more often. Sometimes you will even find them at lower prices. That might be a good time to buy in bulk and freeze the produce. It is often less expensive per pound to buy produce bagged in 3, 5 or 8 lb bags.

When produce is out of season and $50 per pound (ok, not really that high) I often buy frozen produce. When on sale with a coupon, I can often purchase 12 – 16 oz. of frozen veggies including broccoli, peas, corn, carrots and more for $1 or less. Keep in mind that organic produce will usually be much higher than the cost of the non-organic prices I have listed below.

Apples
Lower buy price: $1.00/lb. or less

Higher buy price: $1.25/lb.

Asparagus
Lower buy price: $1.50/lb or less (when it finally hits $1.50 or so once a year, I stock up, blanch and freeze because we all love asparagus oven-roasted with olive oil and a little bit of salt)

Higher buy price: $2 per lb or less

Bananas
Lower buy price: $0.49 each

Higher buy price: $0.59 each (Look for “ripe” bananas in the produce mark-down section for .25 - .35/lb)

Broccoli bunch
Lower buy price: $1.25 each or less

Higher buy price: $1.99 per bunch or less

Cantaloupe
Lower buy price: $1.50 each

Higher buy price: $2.00

Carrots
Lower buy price: $.50/lb.

Higher buy price: $1.00/lb.

Carrots, peeled baby/mini
Lower buy price: .79/lb

Higher buy price: $1.25/lb.

Celery
Lower buy price: $1.00 each or less per bunch

Higher buy price: $1.75 per bunch

Citrus
Lower buy price: $.75/lb. or less

Higher buy price: $1.25/lb.

Cucumbers
Lower buy price: $.50 each

Higher buy price: $.75 each

Grapes
Lower buy price: $1.00 per lb

Higher buy price: $1.50 per lb

Lettuce, Romaine, green leaf, red leaf lettuce
Lower buy price: $1.00 - $1.50 per bunch

Higher buy price: $1.99 per bunch (Greens are usually much more expensive when pre-packaged)

Peaches
Lower buy price: $1.00/lb. or less

Higher buy price: $1.50/lb.

Pears
Lower buy price: $1.00/lb. or less

Higher buy price: $1.50/lb.

Peppers, Green bell peppers
Lower buy price: $.65 each

Higher buy price: $1.00 each

Peppers, Yellow, Orange or Red Bell Peppers
Lower buy price: $1.00

Higher buy price: $1.50 each

Spinach
Lower buy price: $1.50/bunch

Higher buy price: $2.00/bunch

Squash, Zucchini squash
Lower buy price: $.75/lb. or less

Higher buy price: $1.25/lb.

Strawberries
Lower buy price: $1.25/lb. (when in season in late April/early May)

Higher buy price: $2.50/lb.

Tomatoes
Lower buy price: $1.00/lb or less
Higher buy price: $1.75 per lb or less

Roma tomatoes are often less expensive than slicing tomatoes and can often be found for $99/lb or so.

Meat

Look for buy one get one free deals, family size packages and marked down meat to get the best buys. The prices below are sale and family size prices. Keep in mind that markdown prices can go even lower so check the markdown meat section at your stores when you shop. I recommend you use the meat that day or freeze it.

Beef: London broil, beef stew meat
Lower buy price: $3.99/lb or less

Higher buy price: $4.99 per lb or less

Beef Roast (like boneless eye of round)
Lower buy price: $3.99/lb or less

Higher buy price: $4.99 per lb or less

Beef Steaks (like NY strip steak)
Lower buy price: $4.99/lb

Higher buy price: $6.99 per lb

Beef: Ground Beef (75% - 80% lean)
Lower buy price: $2.99/lb or less

Higher buy price: $3.99 per lb

Ground beef is usually cheaper when sold in bulk (often 3 lb containers). Obviously, you will pay more for 93% lean (usually around $4 - $5/lb)

Chicken legs
Lower buy price: $.59/lb (often sold in 10 lb bags)

Higher buy price: $.99/lb

Chicken: Whole fryers
Lower buy price: $.99/lb

Higher buy price: $1.50/lb

Chicken: Split Chicken Breast
Lower buy price: $1.00/lb or less or less

Higher buy price: $1.50 per lb or less

Chicken: Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast
Lower buy price: $1.69/lb or less

Higher buy price: $2.25 per lb or less

Pork: Boston Butt pork roast
Lower buy price: $1.49/lb or less

Higher buy price: $2.99 per lb

Pork Ribs
Lower buy price: $1.99/lb or less

Higher buy price: $3.49 per lb

Pork Chops Boneless, pork steaks
Lower buy price: $2.50/lb or less

Higher buy price: $3.99 per lb

Seafood: Fish
Lower buy price: $4.00/lb or less

Higher buy price: $9.99 per lb

(Certain types of fish are usually less expensive like Tilapia and Catfish which you can find for around $4.99-$6.99/lb. Some fish is much more expensive like Wild Alaskan Salmon, Wild Caught Cod, Wild Caught Mahi Mahi and more. They are running around $8.99 - 12.99/lb in March 2022. You'll find that frozen fish is often a much better price than fresh seafood. )

Seafood: Shrimp, raw, shell-on
Lower buy price: $5.00/lb or less

Higher buy price: $7.99 per lb

Turkey, whole

Lower buy price: $.40 - .50/lb - usually this price is only found around Thanksgiving so buy an extra one for the freezer at this price, if you have the room.

Higher buy price: $.99 per lb or less

The best price on turkeys is in November and December.

Turkey Breast
Lower buy price: $.99/lb or less
Higher buy price: $1.75 per lb

Again, the best price on turkey breast is in November and December. Stock up for the next few months when they hit $1 - $1.25/lb.

Turkey bacon, 12 oz., $2.50 to $4
Bacon, 12 - 16 oz, $2.99 - $4.99
Smoked sausage, 14 oz, $2.50 - $3.50

Dairy & Frozen

Biscuits and croissants, 4-6 count, .50 - $1 each
Butter, 16 oz quarters
Lower buy price: $1.75 or less (butter freezes well so if you use it often, stock up when it hits $2 or less per lb)

Higher buy price: $2.50 per lb

Cheese: American cheese slices, 12 oz
Lower buy price: $1.50 or less

Higher buy price: $2.50 per package

Cheese: Shredded cheese, 8 oz.
Lower buy price: $1.35 or less

Higher buy price: $1.75

When grocery stores offer their store brand cheese BOGO (or during the Harris Teeter Buy 2 Get 3 Free promo), it usually makes the price $1.50 or less per 8 oz package, which is a good price. Cheese freezes well in the package so stock up when it's $1.35 or less per 8 oz.

Cheese: Natural sliced cheese, 8 oz.
Lower buy price: $1.50 or less

Higher buy price: $2.00 per package (look for BOGO sales on store brand or name brand with a coupon.)

Cream cheese bricks, 8 oz
Lower buy price: $1.00 each or less

Higher buy price: $2

During the pandemic, cream cheese has been hard to find at times and is often more expensive than in the past. I have found good prices and stock at my local ALDI and Walmart in the last few weeks.

Cream cheese spreadable tub, 8 oz
Lower buy price: $1.25 each or less (with sale and coupon)

Higher buy price: $2.00 each

During the pandemic, cream cheese has been hard to find at times and is often more expensive than in the past. I have found good prices and stock at my local ALDI and Walmart in the last few weeks.

Cookie dough, $1.50 to$2.50 per package
Dip (like Dean's Dip or Heluva Good Dip or store brand dip, 8 oz) $1.00 to $1.50
Eggs
Lower buy price: $0.89 per dozen or less

Higher buy price: $1.25 per dozen

Ice Cream, 48 oz.- 56 oz
Lower buy price: $1.75 or less

Higher buy price: $3

Look for BOGO sales, especially on store brands for good ice cream deals.

Margarine sticks, 16 oz.
Lower buy price: $.75 or less

Higher buy price: $1.25 or less

Milk
Lower buy price: $2.00 or less per gallon

Higher buy price: $3.25 per gallon

Almond Milk, 64 oz.
Lower buy price: $1.69 or less

Higher buy price: $2.50 per gallon

Orange Juice, 64 oz
Lower buy price: $1.75 or less (usually store brand)

Higher buy price: $2.50

Pierogies: Frozen pierogies - $2 to $2.50 per box
Pizza, frozen (medium to higher quality)
Lower buy price: $2.50

Higher buy price: $4.50

Ravioli: Frozen ravioli – look for BOGO sales making them around $2.50 - $3.50 per 24 oz. package
Sour cream, 16 oz
Lower buy price: $1.00

Higher buy price: $1.50

Veggie burgers (like Morningstar and Boca): $2.50 to 3.50 or less per package
Vegetables: Frozen vegetables (10 - 12 oz)
Lower buy price: $0.75

Higher buy price: $1.50

Vegetables: Frozen vegetables (16 oz)
Lower buy price: $1

Higher buy price: $1.75

Yogurt singles, 4-6 oz
Lower buy price: $.20 each or less (with sales and coupons)

Higher buy price: $.50 each

Greek yogurt singles, 5.3 oz: $0.50 - $0.80 (with sales and coupons)
Yogurt 4-packs (like Activia, Danimals, etc) $1.50 - $2.50 with sale and coupon

Miscellaneous Food

Bread: 100% Whole wheat bread, 20 oz loaf
Lower buy price: $1.00 each or less

Higher buy price: $2 per loaf or less

Bread: White bread, 20 oz. loaf
Lower buy price: $1.00 each or less

Higher buy price: $1.75 per loaf

Brownie mix, $1 – 1.25 per box
Buns: Hamburger and hot dog buns, 8 count, white bread, $0.99 - $1.50
Cake mix, $1 or less
Cereal (both high fiber and kids cereals)
Lower buy price: $1 each or less

Higher buy price: $2 per box or less

There are many good cereal deals during August and September during back to school sales. Cereal is usually in date for many months so stock up when your favorite hits a low price. Look for store brand BOGO sales and check out the regular every day cereal prices at ALDI, Lidl and Wegmans.

Chips (potato, tortilla, cheese puffs, etc, 8 to 10 oz)
Lower buy price: $1.00 each or less (often for store brand BOGO)

Higher buy price: $2

Crackers (8-16 oz)
Lower buy price: $1 or less (usually with BOGO sale)

Higher buy price: $1.50 - $2 per box

Extra virgin olive oil (also known as EVOO), 17 oz, $2.99 to $3.99 (usually with BGO sale)
Flour, 5 lb bag, $1.00 - $2.25 (you'll often find the lower $1 price during holidays where there is a lot of baking)
Granola Bars
Lower buy price: $1 each or less per box (with sale and coupon)

Higher buy price: $2 per box

Mustard (12 oz specialty or 20 oz yellow mustard)
Lower buy price: $0.75 or less (usually a store brand BOGO sale)

Higher buy price: $1.25 each

Jelly/jam (10 – 18 oz depending on brand)
Lower buy price: $1.00 each or less (usually a store brand BOGO sale)

Higher buy price: $2 or less

Juice: 100% juice, 64 oz
Lower buy price: $1.50 each (usually a store brand BOGO sale)

Higher buy price: $2.50

Ketchup, 10 oz pouch or 24 oz bottle
Lower buy price: $0.75 each or less (usually a store brand BOGO sale)

Higher buy price: $1.00

Mayonnaise, 30 oz.
Lower buy price: $2 (usually a store brand BOGO sale)

Higher buy price: $3

Pasta, 1 lb packages
Lower buy price: $0.75/lb or less

Higher buy price: $1.25 per lb

Pasta sauce (approximately 26 oz)
Lower buy price: $.50 - .75 per jar (Store brand and Hunt's are often on sale for $1 per jar or use sale and coupon combo to get Ragu and other brands for $1 or less)

Higher buy price: $1.50 per jar

Peanut butter (14 – 16 oz), $1.00 - $1.75
Popcorn, 3 pack microwavable, $1.25 or less with sale and coupon or store brand
Pumpkin, canned, 15 oz, $1 - $1.50
Rice, brown or white, 1 lb bag, $1 - $1.50 
Salad dressing or marinades (16 oz)
Lower buy price: $.75 or less (with sale and coupon)

Higher buy price: $1.50

Salsa (16 oz)
Lower buy price: $1.50 or less (with sale and coupon)

Higher buy price: $2

Sodas - 2 ltr.
Lower buy price: $.59 each or less (usually store brand)

Higher buy price: $1.50

Sodas, 12 pack 12 oz cans
Lower buy price: $2.00 or less (often store brand BOGO or Buy 2 Get 3 Free sale)

Higher buy price: $3 - $3.50 (for name brand)


Sodas, 6 pack, 16.9 oz bottles
Lower buy price: $2.50 a six pack

Higher buy price: $3 a six pack

Soup, canned, condensed $1 to $1.50 each
Soup, canned, ready to heat, $1.00 to $1.50 each
Sugar, 4 lb, $1.00 - $2 on sale with coupon (you'll often find the lower $1 price during holidays where there is a lot of baking)
Tuna, canned, 5 oz, chunk light, $0.75-$1.25 on sale
Tuna, canned, 5 oz, chunk white, $1-$1.50 on sale
Vegetables, canned including beans (approx 15 oz can), $0.39 to $0.60

Non-Food

Bath tissue, 12 double roll or 24 regular rolls
Lower buy price: $3.00 or less with sales, coupons and drug store rewards

Higher buy price: $5.00

Bleach, 81 oz, $2-$3
Cleaning sprays, 26 - 32 oz.
Lower buy price: $1 or less (with sales and coupons and often a drug store reward)

Higher buy price: $2.00

Cough drops, $1 - $1.50 for a 25-30 count bag
Diapers Jumbo Pack
Lower buy price: $5.00 or less (after sales and coupons and often drug store rewards)

Higher buy price: $8.00 after sales

Deodorant, approx., 2.6 oz, $1 - $1.50
Dryer sheets (40 count)
Lower buy price: $.75 or less

Higher buy price: $1.25

Facial tissues: $0..75 to $1.25 per box
Feminine products: Maxi pads, 24 count, $2.00 - $3 or less with sale and coupons
Feminine products: Mini pads, 22 count, $1 or less with sale and coupons
Feminine products: Tampons, 18 count, $1.50 - $2.00 or less with sale and coupons
Floss, $1 or less with sale and coupons and drug store rewards
Laundry detergent, 40-50 oz
Lower buy price: $1.50 each or less with sales and coupons
Higher buy price: $2.50

Look for BOGO (buy one get one free) sales and couple with coupons. Brands that often offer good sales and coupons include Purex, All, Xtra and Arm & Hammer.

Lotion, 12 – 18 oz, $1.50 or less after sales and coupons
Pain relievers, $1 - $2 after sales and coupons and drug store rewards
Paper towels, 6 regular roll package
Lower buy price: $3.50 each or less with sales, coupons and drug store rewards

Higher buy price: $5.00

Razors, multi-pack disposable, $1.00 to $2.50 after sales and coupons/rewards
Razors, refillable, regular price $10 or so, usually on sale for $3.99 or less after sale, coupons and drug store rewards
Shampoo/conditioner/hairspray
Lower buy price: $.50 each or less for name brand with sales, coupons and drug store rewards

Higher buy price: $1.50

Shaving cream, $1.00 - $1.50 after sale and coupons
Soap: Hand soap, 7.5 - 8 oz bottle
Lower buy price: $0.75 or less (after sale and coupons)

Higher buy price: $1.25

Soap: Body soap, 2 or 3 bar pack
Lower buy price: $1 or less (after sale and coupon)

Higher buy price: $1.50

Toothpaste: FREE to $0.50 with sales and coupons and drug store rewards
Toothbrushes: FREE to $1 with sales and coupons and drug store rewards
Zipper sandwich bags, 50 count
Lower buy price: $1 or less 

Higher buy price: $1.50

As I always say, it’s your money – spend it wisely!

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