Shopping
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Buy tortillas from the Mexican aisle rather than the bread aisle where they are sold as wraps.
Tortillas in the Mexican aisle are cheaper than wraps in the bread aisle.
one person who lived it
Buy vacuum-packed beets at Costco.
They are described as tasty and offer a great price per weight because you do not pay for liquid.
one person who lived it
Choose oval or pear-shaped avocados over round ones, as they tend to have smaller pits.
- Some argue it is just a gamble regarding seed size relative to fruit size.
- Others claim oval ones simply ripen quicker than round ones.
7 people, independently
Buy produce at different stages of ripeness, mixing older ones to eat soon with newer ones to save for later.
This staggers consumption.
- Mixing old and new fruits like apples can speed up ripening.
- Buying only when needed ensures freshness.
one person who lived it
Buy individual bananas at varying stages of ripeness instead of a whole bunch to stagger when they are ready to eat.
Bananas ripen faster when separated from the bunch, allowing you to avoid waste by having some ready immediately and others for later.
- Store workers may object to breaking up pre-bundled bunches, though it is generally acceptable if not banded or at stores that have already broken them up.
9 people, independently
Buy only the specific quantity of perishable produce needed for a recipe, even if buying in bulk appears cheaper per unit.
Buying more than you need often leads to waste, such as onions sprouting or lettuce going bad, negating small savings.
one person who lived it
If you shop at farmers' markets, go during the last half hour and offer to buy all remaining flats or large quantities of produce at a negotiated lower price.
Sellers prefer selling in bulk to avoid driving back with unsold produce or donating it for free.
one person who lived it
Buy croissants at Costco.
They are described as really good and excellent value.
one person who lived it
Buy extra virgin olive oil at Costco.
It is reported as the cheapest option found with pretty good quality.
one person who lived it
4 more on this
Switch to certain frozen vegetables.
You don't have to worry about them spoiling.
one person who lived it
Buy portion-packaged wild-caught salmon at Costco.
Portion packaging helps with defrosting.
one person who lived it
Buy frozen berries instead of fresh ones.
Frozen berries are flash-frozen at peak ripeness, whereas fresh market berries are often overripe; frozen ones may taste better and less sour.
one person who lived it
Immediately fold your reusable bag and place it in your purse or pocket after unpacking groceries to avoid forgetting it next time.
to ensure you do not forget it for the next trip
one person who lived it