5 Things I Won’t Be Buying at the Grocery Store This Week (and the Mason Jar Secret)
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5 Things I Won’t Be Buying at the Grocery Store this Week
If you’re anything like me, you’ve noticed that grocery shopping has become a bit of a budget challenge lately, which is exactly why there are 5 things I won’t be buying at the store this week. I was looking at my receipts and realized I was spending so much extra money on what I call the “convenience tax”—those little markups we pay just because we’re in a rush.
I decided to start making a few quick swaps at home instead, and not only am I saving a ton of money, but my kitchen actually feels more organized. The real game-changer has been using Mason jars (amazon.com) for almost everything. It sounds simple, but it keeps my food fresh so much longer!
Here is what I’m skipping on my next trip and what I’m doing at home instead:
1. That bag of pre-shredded cheese
I used to grab the bags because they’re easy, but they are actually way more expensive per pound. Plus, they’re usually coated in potato starch so they don’t stick together, which is why they never melt quite right. Now, I just buy a big block of cheese when it’s on sale. I spend two minutes shredding the whole thing at once and keep it in a quart-sized Mason jar. (amazon.com) It stays perfectly fresh, and it melts so much better on tacos or pizza.
2. Individual yogurt cups
Those little plastic cups add up so fast, and you’re mostly paying for the extra packaging. I started buying the large 32oz tubs instead. On Sunday night, I scoop the yogurt into small 8oz jars and top them with some frozen fruit. They look so cute sitting in the fridge, and they’re ready to grab on the way out the door in the morning.
3. Those little taco seasoning packets
I used to have a whole drawer of those $1.50 spice packets, but they’re mostly salt and fillers. Now, I just keep a tiny Mason jar filled with my own mix of chili powder, cumin, garlic, and onion powder. It takes two seconds to shake up, costs almost nothing, and I can make it as spicy as I want. Be sure and check out our Recipe Index for other Dry Mix recipes ideas.
4. Bottled water and flavored drinks
I finally stopped lugging those heavy cases of water into the house. It’s such a waste of money and plastic! Now, I just keep a big glass jar in the fridge filled with filtered water and a few slices of lemon or cucumber. It feels like I’m at a spa every time I take a sip, and it’s basically free.
5. Pre-cut fruits and veggies
This is the biggest money-waster. Those pre-cut melon bowls and onion packs are marked up like crazy, and they always seem to go slimy so fast. I buy everything whole and spend about 15 minutes “jarring” them up when I get home.
The secret is the glass jar! Since Mason jars are airtight, they keep things fresh way longer than plastic bags:
- For carrots and celery: I cut them into sticks, put them in a jar, and fill it with cold water. They stay crunchy for weeks!
- For berries: I put them in a dry jar (don’t wash them until you’re ready to eat!) and they stay firm and mold-free for so much longer.
- For salad greens: I stuff them in a jar with a paper towel on top and store it upside down. No more soggy lettuce!
It feels so good to open the fridge and see all that fresh food ready to go. It’s saving me a ton of money, and I’m throwing away way less food than I used to.
