So, $200 per Month for Groceries. Really? (Part 10)

Yes.  Really!

Here's how it usually works:

Meat:  $35-$40
I purchase most of our meat from Sam's club in bulk. Eventually I would like to find a co-op or some place where I can buy organic meat, but we're not quite there yet. For now, Sam's works for us, and it's very fresh and yummy.We aren't big meat eaters, but we do usually have either beef or chicken in one of our meals for six out of seven days a week.  We have one vegetarian dinner per week. We also eat breakfast meat on occasion. 

Milk and other dairy products: $35
Our milk and eggs are so expensive in PA right now!  Over $3.40 per gallon of milk and eggs are $1.39. I purchase most of my dairy products with coupons at Giant Eagle. 

Canned/boxed goods, snacks, bread, and freezer items: $30
I purchase most of my canned items at Aldi because I can usually get them less expensively there than I can with coupons at Giant Eagle. The other boxed goods are purchased at Giant Eagle. 

Produce: $25

I purchase my produce at Sam's and Aldi.  I buy lettuce and some fruit at Sam's, and veggies like cucumbers, tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, onions, potatoes, etc. at Aldi. 

Diapers/Wipes: $25-$30
Purchased mainly at Target and Rite Aid. 

Paper Products: $20
These are purchased at either Target or Giant Eagle, depending on the sales and coupons available. This category includes paper towels, napkins, toilet paper, kleenex, etc. 

Cereal: $15
I don't buy cereal until I can get it for about a dollar per box, and then I buy a month's supply of it. Our cereal is always purchased at Giant Eagle with coupons. 

Personal Care: $5-$10
Purchased at either Giant Eagle, Target, or one of the other drug stores.


If I hit a big deal on several items and purchase them in bulk, it will bump the diapers over the $200 mark, but on a good month the diapers will fit within the $200 budget.

Next time I will list how much you can reasonably expect to pay for many grocery items using coupons.


Enjoying this series? Follow me on twitter (@andriajenise) or subscribe to my posts so you don't miss anything!