Smart Shopping: Essential Grocery Items to Buy This Fall
As fall settles in, winter isn’t far behind. Just like animals prepare for the colder months by gathering food, you can take advantage of current grocery prices to save money before winter sets in.
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Prices for groceries tend to fluctuate with the seasons. Experts from GOBankingRates highlight key items to buy now before winter prices take effect.
Warm Drinks
“Hot beverages like tea, coffee, and hot cocoa are favorites during winter, making them cheaper as fall arrives,” explains Destiny Chatman, a consumer expert at TopCashback.
Adam Schwartz, CEO of CouponSurfer Inc., adds, “Look for good discounts on hot chocolate, especially in bulk. Buying now will prepare you for cozy nights when prices typically rise due to increased demand.”
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Meat Products
As Labor Day approaches, big sales can often be found on chicken, beef, pork, and other meats, according to Schwartz.
“Currently, split chicken breast is priced at just $0.99 per pound, down from its usual $2.49,” he reports. “I stock up in my extra freezer to have meat ready for months.”
With winter and holiday cooking in mind, acquiring a variety of meats now can lead to savings later. Don’t forget to buy marinades and seasonings too. “These usually go on sale, and many are shelf-stable for more than six months, making them easy to stock up on,” Schwartz adds.
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Baking Essentials
During the holiday season, prices for items like butter and cream cheese increase quickly. It pays to stock up now.
“Both can be frozen, and unopened cream cheese generally keeps well for months,” advises Ashley Schuering, a food blogger and freelance writer at Confessions of a Grocery Addict. “Long-lasting pantry items like flour, oats, sugar, and chocolate chips often do not go on sale closer to the holidays,” she adds.
Miscellaneous Supplies and Craft Items
Stocking up on various supplies for the winter is wise. “Look for discounts on paper towels, toilet paper, garbage bags, and cooking disposables,” Schuering recommends.
Winter is also a popular time for gifting. “If you enjoy making homemade gifts, now is the time to purchase packaging materials such as washi tape and bakery boxes,” Schuering notes. You can save on gift wrap by decorating plain bags and boxes, making them usable all year.
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Fruits and Vegetables
Now is the time to stock up on both fresh and frozen produce. “Take advantage of the summer harvest,” says Schuering. “I often buy peaches, berries, and tomatoes, ready for pickling or preserving.”
“During winter, prices for items like blueberries and cherries usually rise significantly since they must be shipped from farther away,” Schwartz adds.
While buying fresh products can be tricky, preserving is an option. “You can make jams or salsas, and even pickle a variety of vegetables,” Schuering suggests. These homemade products are often tastier and cheaper than store-bought versions and make wonderful holiday gifts.
Frozen fruits are also a great choice. “Stocking up on frozen fruits saves money while preserving their nutrients,” Schwartz concludes. “Having them on hand in winter can offer a taste of summer amid the cold days.”
Spices
“Visit international or bulk spice stores for savings. Buy spices packaged in plastic bags and reuse your containers,” Schuering recommends. “This can lead to significant cost savings.”
She also suggests opting for whole spices over ground when possible. “Whole spices retain their flavor longer and can be ground as needed. In contrast, ground spices lose potency after 6-12 months,” she explains.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 6 Grocery Items to Buy Now Before Prices Rise for Winter
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
