Is anyone else thinking something has to give? The prices we are paying are absolutely insane. And don’t even get me started on health insurance premiums. I mean.
Anyway, this is what we bought in the month of September. It was a lot of money. A lot.
What We Bought
Since I’m doing the whole month at once this time, I’m going to group them by store. We went to Aldi three (3) times, Ralphs three (3) times, Trader Joe’s (3) times, the Discount Grocery store once, and Marshalls once. We also had two (2) purchases through the Too Good To Go app, and one Chipotle order. Oh, and an Amazon order and one order from Walmart. (Yes, I’m annoyed. They had the best prices available and I tried Costco first.)
Ralphs ($368.16 Spent)
Trips 1 and 2 ($148.76 plus $68.74 Spent, for a Total of $217.50)
- 2 Breyer’s ice creams ($3.99 each)
- Kroger sour cream ($2.000
- Philly cream cheese ($2.99)
- 2 Greek Gods Yogurt, 32 ounces ($4.79 each)
- 2 Chobani flips ($1.99 each)
- Kroger Eggs ($0, I had a coupon)
- 2 GF Pasta ($4.29 each)
- 2 Oreo Cookies ($2.99 each)
- 10 La Croix ($2.49 each, plus $2.00 CRV total)
- Kroger teriyaki stir fry meal kit ($2.49)
- Kroger salad bowl ($2.21)
- 2 Otham Green Romaine lettuce ($1.54 each)
- 1.46 pounds Honey Crisp apples ($5.83)
- Bananas ($2.03)
- Tomatoes ($1.84)
- Green Lettuce ($4.49)
- 2 limes ($1.00)
- Garlic ($0.50)
- 1.59 pounds of zucchini ($1.97)
- 1.2 pounds of mini cucumbers ($2.75)
- Watermelon ($4.82)
- Simple Truth milk ($4.49)
- Jar of sliced Kalamata olives ($4.29)
- 2 bags of tortilla chips ($2.50 each)
- Chips ($2.79 and $1.99 each)
- Tri Tip Steak ($17.10)
- Ahi Tuna Steaks ($10.91)
- Old Bay ($3.99)
- Feta Crumbles ($3.99)
- Nut Thins ($4.69)
- 3 Lay’s lightly salted potato chips ($5.97 total)
- Lay’s Salt and Vinegar Chips ($1.99)
- 2 Kettle Brand chips ($1.99 each)
- Kroger turkey burgers, 32 ounces ($8.99)
- Sliced cheddar, 8 ounces ($1.99)
- 2 blocks of cheese, 8 ounces ($1.99 each)
- 2 Kroger shredded cheese, 8 ounces ($1.99 each)
For the $68.74 trip, I had $60.46 in sales value (so the pre-sale total would have been $127.45 before tax). For the $148.76 trip, I had $61.19 of digital coupons and Ralphs reward savings – all in the app except for the paper coupon for the free eggs that came in the mail (for a pre-coupon/sales total of $209.95).
Trip 2 ($150.66 Spent)
- Ball Park Smoked White Meat Turkey Hot Dogs ($2.68)
- Jimmy Dean Pork Maple Breakfast Sausage, 16 ounces ($2.10)
- Athens Feta Cheese Crumbles, 6 ounces ($3.99)
- 2.06 pounds Boneless Chuck Roast (Beef) ($7.40)
- 0.79 pounds tenderloin steak ($9.47)
- 1.07 Beef Flap Meat ($7.21)
- 3.07 pounds boneless country pork ribs ($10.71)
- 1 Chobani Greek Yogurt, 32 ounces ($6.49)
- 8 ounces turkey breast ($5.99)
- 18 ounces of blueberries ($7.99) – outrageous
- 3 – 3 pound packages of Jenni O Ground Turkey ($18.45)
- 2 avocados ($7.00) – also outrageous
- 5 pounds pink lady apples ($5.00)
- 2 Kroger Mayo, 30 ounces ($4.32)
- 9 ounces honey ham ($3.15)
- 2 Kroger little smokies ($3.50)
- Chorizo ($0.84)
- Oikos Chocolate Protein Shake, 12 ounces (FREE)
- 8 count Oscar Meyer hot dogs ($1.62)
- 7.88 pounds pork butt ($23.56)
- 2 GF crackers ($5.58)
- 3 GF crackers ($8.37)
- 1 pound ground beef (Steakhouse Elite Kobe Crafted) ($4.99)
Aldi ($451.86 Spent)
These were all curbside pick-up orders that included a $1.99 charge for pickup, as well as charges for paper bags.
Trip 1 ($164.91)
- Shredded Colby jack cheese, 12 ounces ($2.45)
- Butter Puffed Corn, 5 ounces ($1.89)
- Cheese Puffed Corn, 5 ounces ($1.89)
- 1.09 pounds jumbo shrimp ($9.58)
- 12 ounces frozen medium raw shrimp ($7.15)
- 1.58 pounds zucchini ($3.44)
- Bananas, 0.66 pounds ($0.51) – they gave me exactly one banana, so no way this is correct
- 5 pounds of yellow potatoes ($5.29)
- Cilantro ($0.55)
- 1 pound mini-cucumbers ($1.95)
- 5 pounds russet potatoes ($2.85)
- 12 ounces broccoli florets ($1.89)
- 8 ounces brie cheese round ($4.39)
- 8 ounces of whipped cream cheese ($2.49)
- 32 ounces of half and half ($3.09)
- Feta block, 8 ounces ($3.85)
- Shredded Mexican cheese, 12 ounces ($2.85)
- Generic Doritos ($1.45)
- Salsa con queso, 15 ounces ($2.45)
- 2 Chickpea pasta, 12 ounces, rotini ($6.18)
- Salsa verde, 16 ounces ($3.25)
- 2 Chickpea pasta, 12 ounces, penne ($6.18)
- Green enchilada sauce, 28 ounces ($3.29)
- Avocado oil cooking spray, 4.7 ounces ($3.29)
- Guacamole salsa, 15.7 ounces ($3.29)
- Avocado oil, 17 ounces ($7.15)
- Everything But the Bagel Seasoning, 2.3 ounces ($1.75)
- Banana pepper rings, 16 ounces ($2.65)
- Dijon mustard, 12 ounces ($1.75)
- Hamburger Dill Pickle Chips, 32 ounces ($2.85)
- Canned diced tomatoes with green chilies, 10 ounces ($1.09)
- Dozen eggs ($5.85)
- 3 pounds of white rice ($2.95)
- Half gallon of organic 2% milk ($4.39)
- Questo flavored chips, 9.5 ounces ($1.75)
- Garlic and herb goat cheese log, 4 ounces ($1.99)
- 2 pound box of bacon cheddar burger patties ($10.99)
- Original potato chips, 10 ounces ($1.99)
- Kalamata olives, 6 ounces ($2.45)
- Sea Salt and Vinegar chips, 8 ounces ($1.99)
- 3 limes ($0.57)
- Honey goat cheese log, 4 ounces ($1.99)
- 3 avocados ($1.65)
- Honey Nut Cheerios, 15.4 ounces ($4.45) – up from $4.05 the previous trip
- 1 pint of blueberries ($2.85)
- 2 Bang Bang stir fry sauce, 14.5 ounces ($3.78 total)
- Organic Marinara sauce, 23.5 ounces ($2.09)
- 12 ounces wild caught ahi tuna ($4.65)
- Grape tomatoes, 10 ounces ($2.75)
Trip 2 ($174.01)
- 10 ounces olive tapenade hummus ($2.75)
- 3 count romaine lettuce hearts ($3.05)
- 2 pounds shredded Mexican cheese blend ($7.59)
- 7 ounce gouda cheese slices ($1.65)
- 7 ounce havarti cheese slices ($1.65)
- 7 ounce cheddar cheese slices ($1.65)
- 1.51 pounds of bananas ($0.69)
- 2 – 12 packs of sparkling water ($4.35 each)
- 23.5 ounces organic marinara pasta sauce ($5.10)
- 21 ounce package of gluten free Italian meatballs ($6.49) – these were amazing.
- 4.25 ounces of gluten free cheddar crackers ($3.85)
- 2 Gluten Free kettle popcorn chips, 7 ounces ($3.29 each)
- Microwave popcorn, 12 count ($5.05)
- Rice Cakes, 4.9 ounces ($2.39)
- 9.25 ounces corn chips ($1.89)
- sour cream and onion chips, 9.5 ounces ($1.99)
- 10 ounces tortilla chips ($2.09)
- salt and vinegar chips, 8 ounces ($1.65)
- 8 ounces chopped pecans ($4.09)
- 6 ounces slivered almonds($2.99)
- Raw cashews, walnuts and macadamia nuts, 8 ounces ($4.39)
- 14 ounces unsalted whole almonds ($6.79)
- 8 ounces sliced mushrooms ($1.85)
- 3 count bell peppers ($2.49)
- 2 limes ($0.50)
- 8 ounces shredded lettuce ($1.45)
- 24 ounces bite size medley potatoes ($3.29)
- deli sliced pepper jack cheese, 7.5 ounces ($1.95)
- 1 pound brussels sprouts ($3.15)
- Frozen broccoli stir fry mix ($1.65)
- 2 pounds Vidalia onions ($2.55)
- 12 ounce jar of artichoke hearts ($2.45)
- 8 ounces Genoa salami ($3.29)
- 2 – 4 ounce logs of goat cheese (honey, garlic and herb) ($1.99 each)
- 2 pounds of bacon cheddar beef burger patties ($10.99)
- 6 ounce jar Kalamata olives ($2.45)
- 4 avocados ($2.20)
- 1 pound mini-cucumbers ($1.95)
- 2 boxes Honey Nut Cheerios, 15.4 ounces ($8.10)
- 2 pints of blueberries ($7.70)
- 4 cartons of Greek Yogurt, 32 ounces ($16.60)
- 4 ounces feta cheese crumbles ($2.05)
- 2 pounds green grapes ($6.05)
Trip 3 ($112.94)
- GF queso flavored chips, 9.5 ounces ($1.75)
- 9.5 ounces creamy horseradish ($2.84)
- 10 ounces wavy potato chips ($1.99)
- Gen Tso’s GF Chicken, 22 ounces ($7.15) – this is delicious and good for a night you don’t have the energy
- 24 pack of water bottles ($3.55, plus $1.20 CRV)
- 1 jar organic marinara pasta sauce, 23.5 ounces ($2.55)
- 21 ounces GF meatballs ($6.49)
- 10 ounces potato chips ($1.99)
- Hint of Lime tortilla chips, 13 ounces ($2.09)
- 1 cantaloupe ($1.75)
- 3 pack of romaine lettuce hearts ($2.85)
- 2 limes ($0.50)
- 6 cases of sparkling water, 12 cans per case ($4.35 each)
- 8 ounces Genoa salami ($3.29)
- 4 ounce goat cheese log ($1.99)
- 2 avocados ($1.30)
- 1 pound of mini-cucumbers ($1.95)
- 2 boxes Honey Nut Cheerios, 15.4 ounces ($8.10 total)
- 1 pint of blueberries ($1.85)
- 2 cartons of Greek Yogurt, 32 ounces ($8.30)
- 2 packages of feta crumbles, 4 ounces ($4.10)
- 24 ounces of red cabbage with apples ($2.69)
- 11.6 ounces of white peeled asparagus ($2.99)
- 24 ounces German style sauerkraut ($1.49)
- 9 ounces turkey breast deli meat ($3.75)
Discount Grocery Store ($15.36 Spent)
I took one trip to the Discount Grocery Store. I bought a kid in line behind me the drink he had on the conveyer belt for $0.55. Otherwise, I got the following:
- Spaghetti sauce ($2.99)
- Corn tortillas ($4.59)
- Tostada shells ($2.59)
- Half-gallon organic 2% milk ($4.49)
- A bag (I forgot my reusable bags) $0.15
Marshalls ($22.97 Spent)
I also sent my daughter to Marshalls to pick up some syrup for her coffee (2 x $7.99) and she picked up my favorite chocolate treat while she was there ($6.99).
Trader Joe’s ($87.11 Spent)
I sent my daughter on 3 trips to Trader Joe’s. There’s always going to be something added to the car that I didn’t ask for. 🙂 I didn’t get pictures, but here’s what we bought:
Trip 1 ($43.41 Spent)
- 3 gluten free hamburger buns ($4.99 each)
- 3 vanilla bean greek yogurt, 32 ounces ($16.47 total) – Not my favorite. Won’t buy again.
- Macadamia nut milk ($2.49)
- Half & Half, quart ($3.49)
- 4 avocados ($5.99)
Trip 2 ($24.85 Spent)
- Macadamia nut milk ($2.49)
- 4 bottles of Cold Brew Coffee ($5.49 each, plus $0.40 CRV total)
Trip 3 ($18.85)
- Dark chocolate covered cashews ($4.99)
- Pink Lady Apple chips ($2.29)
- 2 bags of jasmine rice ($3.29 each)
- Gluten free chocolate chunk cookies ($4.99)
Too Good To Go App ($12.98 Spent)
I recently discovered the app Too Good To Go. It allows you to purchase at a massive discount food that was over prepared or would otherwise be thrown away. If I could eat gluten, I’d be all over the Whole Foods prepared foods bags and bakery bags. You can’t choose what you get, so it’s a little bit of a gamble.
I got this from a local Halal market for $6.99. It was DELICIOUS. Definitely more than worth the price. It included tandoori chicken, chicken with peppers and onions, and a bag of fresh veggies.
This one was from a local restaurant for $5.99. They were good, but not worth the price to be honest. I wouldn’t order from here again.
Chipotle ($78.17 Spent)
I didn’t take a picture, but we got this:
To be honest, I caved with the Chipotle. I was exhausted and just couldn’t face cooking. So, yeah, not the best decision. This one essentially one meal for my family with *some* leftovers, but none of the chicken – that was eaten in one meal.
As a side note, my Chipotle app was still set to Dallas, Texas and the price was $20 HIGHER there.
Amazon and Walmart ($270.21 Spent)
Amazon ($95.46 Spent)
Walmart ($174.75 Spent)
We got:
- Celsius Energy Drinks
- Red Bull Sugar Free Energy Drinks
- Alani Nu Energy Drinks (3 different cases)
- 2 Dr. Pepper (24 packs)
- Dr. Pepper Zero (24 pack)
- Diet Dr. Pepper (24 pack)
- Strawberries and Cream Dr. Pepper (12 pack)
September Totals
Our total for August was $1,306.82. I’m honestly appalled. Too much of this total is drinks and snacks. We still have a shit ton of Dr. Pepper left, maybe 12 energy drinks, and 8 of the protein drinks. My daughter requested the protein drinks to up her protein intake (protein has been shown to help with ADHD symptoms).
I have a plan for how to get this down in October. I discovered something super cool that is going to be a game changer for our family. I’ll tell you all about it later in October.
What was your total spend for September? Was it more or less than you anticipated?
Frugal Forward 
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