Eight Guidelines to Holiday Grocery Savings

If you find yourself saying, “Oh, deer,” while trying to plan a holiday meal that’s crowd-pleasing, delicious, healthy and budget-friendly, you’re not alone.

Check out these eight festive ‘reindeer rules’ to guide you in saving money and planning a tasty meal your loved ones will enjoy.

Plan, plan, plan. This will light your way. Mapping out your meals based on your budget is one of the key holiday meal planning tips, helping keep your spending in check and preventing you from buying more than you truly need.
Shop through your pantry, fridge and freezer first. Make an inventory of what you already have before you make your shopping list. This helps you avoid buying duplicates and prevents any accidental food waste. Bonus: Clearing out the fridge helps you make some room for those holiday leftovers.
Rudolph says, “Spread the joy!” Consider a potluck where each participating family can bring a dish they enjoy. This helps everyone in the group save time and money and adds variety to the dishes.
Stick to your list while you’re at the store. When you shop, avoid impulse buys and focus on your goal. Some people find that they save money by ordering groceries online because they skip the tempting smells and shiny displays. If you choose to shop in person, be like Dasher: dash in, grab what you need and dash out.
Be flexible with your protein choice. A whole turkey often costs less per person than a turkey breast. If you are planning on red meat, consider using less expensive cuts of meat, such as a top round steak (London Broil), sirloin steaks or sirloin tip roast. Delicious doesn’t have to mean expensive.
Buy in-season produce. Seasonal fruits and vegetables tend to cost less, taste better and are packed with nutrients. Local farmers’ markets in Polk County, Florida, can be a great source for fresh, affordable produce. If you decide to go shopping at the grocery store, look for the big bins filled with a single item to help guide you on what might be in season. Also, check the store ad for the fruits and vegetables on sale; it’s time to enjoy these foods! Include them as the star of your sides or main dishes. Fall and winter in-season foods include pears, apples, oranges, grapefruit, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, leafy greens, winter squash and broccoli. If you are in Florida, hang on – fresh strawberries will be coming soon.
Compare before you buy. Locate the “unit price” on the shelf sticker to compare brands and sizes and see which option offers you the best deal. Bigger packages or store brands often cost less, but not always, especially during sales. A quick glance can save you big.
Think fresh, frozen or canned – each form of fruits and vegetables has its advantages and disadvantages—Cupid loves them all. Being flexible with the options can keep your meals healthy and budget-friendly. Sometimes fresh broccoli is a great deal, while other times it might be better to get a frozen bag. Frozen and canned produce are packed at peak freshness, so they’re nutritious and tasty options, too.

Remember that the most important thing about the holidays is spending time with family and friends. People will remember the interactions and relationships long after the meals are eaten. If you, like many others, find yourself struggling to meet your family’s needs during the holiday season, resources are available in Polk County, FL.

Andrea Nikolai is a registered dietitian and the UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent.

The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human, and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries and all Florida residents.