While it may not have been the first thing on our minds during the pandemic, it was during that time that grocery prices began to heat up. Sheltering in place and supply chain issues may be behind us, but food manufacturers appear to enjoy record profits too much to consider reducing their prices. All that to say, $100 does not buy what it once bought in the grocery aisles — and it impacts all of us. That’s where Sam’s Club can come in to save your budget.
Sometimes, Sam’s Club has the lowest prices on the products you need, and sometimes it doesn’t. Before leaving your house, your best bet may be to use a coupon app or price comparison app to check area stores for the items on your list. One goal is to stretch that $100 as far as possible. The other is to purchase nutritious foods that can be used in several ways.
The following five staple grocery items can be purchased at Sam’s Club for under $100.
1. Rice
For example:
Rice is a versatile food that can be used in everything from casseroles and stuffed peppers to jambalaya and soups. The catch is that the best price on rice tends to be on large bags (20 to 25 pounds). If stored properly, white rice will keep almost indefinitely in the pantry, according to the website Think Rice. If you’d prefer a rice packed with more nutrients, brown rice will keep for approximately six months. Whether you prefer white, basmati, or brown rice, it’s a staple in any well-stocked pantry.
2. Frozen fruits and vegetables
For example:
The National Library of Medicine reports that frozen fruits and vegetables may actually be better for you than fresh, so go ahead and stock up on healthy versions of each that your household enjoys. Whether you use them to make a healthy smoothie each day or throw on top of a salad, they’re a great source of vitamins and easy to store.
Note: The Bolthouse Farms Organic Sweet Petite Carrots mentioned here are not pre-frozen. We’re including them as a reminder that some fresh fruits and vegetables can be safely frozen and stored until you need them. You have a couple of options:
- Blanch them in boiling water, then submerge them in ice water. Blanching helps preserve quality, color, taste, and nutrition, according to the website It’s a Veg World After All.
- If you’d prefer to skip blanching, slice the carrots into 1/2-inch coins, place them in a freezer bag, and seal tightly. Unblanched carrots last for up to two months in the freezer.
3. Potatoes
For example:
No matter how you like them — baked, mashed, or fried — potatoes are a great way to create a side dish without busting your budget. You can also add ground beef or chicken to the top, sprinkle a little cheese, and finish off with salsa for a filling Tex-Mex meal.
4. Canned tomatoes
For example:
Tomatoes are everywhere. They’re in soups, stews, chilis, marinara sauces, casseroles, and pasta dishes. Some people love them with their eggs in the morning, while others add them to chicken for a little kick. Best of all, as long as they’re properly stored, canned tomatoes will remain delicious for up to 18 months.
5. Meat
Take a look at what’s on sale and stock up. Ground beef and chicken can be safely frozen for three to four months. Frozen pork remains safe if consumed within four to 12 months, and you can keep a whole chicken or turkey frozen for up to one year. The deeper the discount, the more you want to buy.
For example:
In total, these purchases add up to $98.08, which serves as a great reminder: As we wait for inflation to cool, one of the best ways to protect our personal finances is to shop mindfully, purchasing tasty foods that are still relatively cheap.
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