example grocery list

[juliew]

I know there are lots of threads about raw being expensive, and that if you go about it the right way you can cut your grocery bills in half. I'm having a super hard time with this! I feel like I'm at the market every other day and I'm going through money like water. I'm only using nuts sparingly and not buying too many treats. Can you guys post your weekly grocery list so I can get an idea? Thanks soooo much!!

[Colorawdo girl]

My experience. Raw costs more in money,not less. I go through money like water too.

Edited...but I do not mind.No beer, no cigarettes, gambling, drugs,medicines, hospitals, doctors, aches, pains, complaints.....raw is freedom. I will buy that kind of freedom any day of the week. I love buying raw.

[RawLibrarian]

I find it expensive too. My husband and I went shopping today at the health food store that we have been going to for years. Here are some of the things we bought (my husband isn't a raw foodist, but does eat most of the foods on this list):

Kale (usually two kinds)
Parsley/Cilantro/Other herbs
Scallions
Bananas and other fruit (berries, lemons, limes, oranges ...)
Lettuce
Bell peppers
Mushrooms
Sprouts
Tomatoes
Avocados
Broccoli or cauliflower
Raw tahini
Zucchini (for raw hummus and for a salad dressing from Cherie Sorios' book)
Coconut water
Dehydrated granola
Almonds (to make my own almond milk)
Ezekiel tortillas

As you can see, the only prepared foods I buy are the granola, the Ezekiel tortillas, and the coconut water. No superfoods, cacao, goji berries, etc. All the produce we buy is organic. I have not found that farmer's markets in this area (Washington DC) are all that cheap.

There is no doubt that I could grow much of this myself, but with a demanding full-time job and a black thumb, it just isn't going to happen. I would rather spend money on good food than on pharmaceuticals, so I don't really mind--we can afford it.

Organic farmers do not get the government subsidies that conventional farmers do; that is one reason why organic foods are more expensive than conventional.

[mtraezme]

I've been buying broccoli, strawberries, frozen berries, and some greens at Coscto for cheap. I also found a little fruit market that has super cheap produce. Avocadoes are 5/$1!!! Their flesh can be frozen, so I stocked up on those. Are there any Hispanic or Asian neighborhoods around? They tend to have little markets that have really inexpensive fruits and veggies.

[RawSweetie]

I also find it expensive. I don't own a dehydrator, nor do I buy superfoods. I think where I live is a big part of it. I'm in Bar Harbor, Maine and there is only one very expensive farmer's market in town during the tourist season. Three health food stores in the area, but limited bulk options.

*dreaming of California--or Latin America* :)

[contessa20]

This is generally what my shopping trips look like. I eat plenty of other fresh foods too and sometimes substitute different things but this is kind of my "standard." I don't do superfoods or lots of treats either. I reserve that type of stuff for special occasions.

Weekly List
slicing tomatoes
cherry tomatoes
apples
1 tub spinach
1 - 2 bags kale
berries
bananas
sprouts
melon
pineapple
oranges
cucumbers
avocados
1 bunch collards or romaine (for wraps)
portabella mushrooms
young Thai coconut (if they have them)
mangoes, plums, nectarines, Asian pears (when each are in peak season)


Bi-Weekly List
peppers
carrots
celery
onions (purple & yellow)
squash
zucchini


As Needed List
nuts and/or seeds (usually ends up being 1 or 2 kinds a month)
nut butters (not often at all because I really don't like most of them)
agave
dates
vanilla beans
sun dried tomatoes

[Jehote]

Farmers Market! i went for the first time this past friday. its a great place! i DID buy the mixed greens pre-mixed in a big plastic thing at the grocery. but the farmers is a total score!

[Jenifae]

Well, it can vary. I depending on the seasonal fruits and veggies available.

My Normal Shopping List is:

Staple Veggies:

Spinach
Red Chard
Kale (Occasionally)
Red & Green Cabbage
Broccoli
Califlower
Zuchinni
Carrots
Celery
Beets
Radishes

Staple Fruits:

Bananas
Apples
Grapefruits
Coconuts

Seasonal Fruits:
Strawberries :)
HoneyDew Melon
Cantaloupe
Watermelon
Mango's
Pineapple

[juliew]

I find it expensive too. My husband and I went shopping today at the health food store that we have been going to for years. Here are some of the things we bought (my husband isn't a raw foodist, but does eat most of the foods on this list):

Kale (usually two kinds)
Parsley/Cilantro/Other herbs
Scallions
Bananas and other fruit (berries, lemons, limes, oranges ...)
Lettuce
Bell peppers
Mushrooms
Sprouts
Tomatoes
Avocados
Broccoli or cauliflower
Raw tahini
Zucchini (for raw hummus and for a salad dressing from Cherie Sorios' book)
Coconut water
Dehydrated granola
Almonds (to make my own almond milk)
Ezekiel tortillas

As you can see, the only prepared foods I buy are the granola, the Ezekiel tortillas, and the coconut water. No superfoods, cacao, goji berries, etc. All the produce we buy is organic. I have not found that farmer's markets in this area (Washington DC) are all that cheap.

There is no doubt that I could grow much of this myself, but with a demanding full-time job and a black thumb, it just isn't going to happen. I would rather spend money on good food than on pharmaceuticals, so I don't really mind--we can afford it.

Organic farmers do not get the government subsidies that conventional farmers do; that is one reason why organic foods are more expensive than conventional.

Mind if I ask how much your bill is and how long it lasts you?
Also, what kind of dehydrated granola? The one at my HFS is like 12oz for 11 dollars!
Thank you!

[juliew]

Well, it can vary. I depending on the seasonal fruits and veggies available.

My Normal Shopping List is:

Staple Veggies:

Spinach
Red Chard
Kale (Occasionally)
Red & Green Cabbage
Broccoli
Califlower
Zuchinni
Carrots
Celery
Beets
Radishes

Staple Fruits:

Bananas
Apples
Grapefruits
Coconuts

Seasonal Fruits:
Strawberries :)
HoneyDew Melon
Cantaloupe
Watermelon
Mango's
Pineapple


How much of each lasts you a week? Organic or conventional?
Just one young coconut is like 3 dollars here...
I appreciate your posts everyone!

[michigan roman]

banana
avacado
romaine
tomato
brocoli
mushroom
orange
lemon
lime
walnut
almond
kale
pineapple
raisin
garlic
onion
greenpepper
sesame seeds
flax seeds
applecidervinegar
pumpkin seed

[Jenifae]

How much of each lasts you a week? Organic or conventional?
Just one young coconut is like 3 dollars here...
I appreciate your posts everyone!

Hi Julie,

Well, I let me break down what I usually get with the Veggies and this usually lasts me a week to a week and a half. I buy mostly Organic and some non-organice. Yea, coconuts just went up to $2.99 here, too. :( I spend about $150-$200 a week. So, depending on our weekly finances I may leave out non-staple items for me.

Jen

Staple Veggies:

2 bunches of Spinach
1 bunch of Red Chard
1 Head of Red & Green Cabbage
1 Big Head of Broccoli
1 Big Head of Califlower
4 small Zuchinnis
1 Large bag of Carrots
1-2 Bunches of Celery
2-4 Beets
1 Bunch of Radishes

With the Fruits they all vary in how long they last.

Staple Fruits:

1 Bunch of Bananas - 1 week if I"m just eating them & less if DH is too. ;)
1 Large bag of Apples - 2 weeks
4 Large Grapefruits - 1 week

Non-Staple Fruits:

4 Coconuts - 1 week hopefully ;)
1 Flat of Strawberries - 1 week and Freeze about 1/2 if DH doesn't eat em'
2 HoneyDew Melons - 1 week
2 Cantaloupe - 1 week
1 Watermelon - 1 week (I have these occasionally)
4 Mango's - 1 week
2 Pineapple's - 1 week

[selina_k]

I do better shopping everyday. I never know what I'll want days ahead, and when I have attempted to shop ahead things go to waste.:(

In Texas produce is not so expensive. I am grateful. I think there is probably a wide variance by region.

we could start a thread where we track our purchases (w/ receipts if poss). Could keep us honest.;)

[betty boop]

I buy groceries once a week and always buy the fruit and veggie/leafy green that's on special.

The week before last I bought kale, spinach, baby bokchoy (half price), one bunch of beets with tops, carrots, 4 pineapples, 2 cans coconut milk, 2 bags of the Dole Asian salad (half price) 4-6 apples and 2 - 4 pound containers of strawberries (half price) and a bag each of chickpeas, sunflower seeds, flax and mung beans for sprouting which I haven't done yet.

Last week I bought 10 avocados, cilantro, 2 limes, 2 lemons, 4 mangos, 3 tomatoes, a big tub of field greens, 6-8 apples, 2 pears, 2 bananas, a carton of almond milk, a head of celery and a bag of carrots.

This week I bought a case of mangos, spinach, romaine, cilantro, an onion, 4 apples, a grapefruit, 2 tomatoes, 2 bags of broccoli slaw and one bag of stir fry veggies. (the 3 bags were half price) a kilo of pistachios and only a few grapes because they weren't on special.

I spend about $20. a week on groceries give or take a few dollars. I seldom buy organic unless it's on sale.

[juliew]

I do better shopping everyday. I never know what I'll want days ahead, and when I have attempted to shop ahead things go to waste.:(

In Texas produce is not so expensive. I am grateful. I think there is probably a wide variance by region.

we could start a thread where we track our purchases (w/ receipts if poss). Could keep us honest.;)

omg i would love that because 20 dollars per week seems amazing since 10 avocadoes would cost me at least 10 dollars!!
lets do that thread!!

[betty boop]

The avocados were on sale, that's why I bought 2 bags of them, so were the limes, the lemons, the pears, the big tub of organic field greens, celery, the mangos and the bag of carrots. That's why my groceries usually cost around $20. because I buy the things that are on sale and/or marked down half price!

[DebB]

We do buy food items elsewhere - but the bulk of what we buy is at Costco. I buy my greens (chard, collars, etc) at my local market, organic for $3 per bunch.

We buy cases of 9 coconuts for just $11.35 at a local Asian market - compared to $2.58 each in the grocery store.

Fruit:
Mangos
Bananas
organic apples
oranges
papaya
organic raisins
dates
lemons
limes
Meyer lemons (this was a first this year)
strawberries
blackberries
blueberries
cantelope
watermelon
pineapple


Veggies:
organic baby spring green mix (lettuces)
organic baby spinach
organic carrots, 10# bags
sweet onions
English cucumbers
button and baby bella mushrooms
sugar snap peas
4 packs of celery
6 packs of sweet peppers
mini sweet peppers
avocados

Frozen:
blueberries
triple berry blend (marion, blue & raspberries)
smoothie blend (mixture of frozen fruits)

Nuts:
(not technically raw because they're pasteurized)
pecans
walnuts
almonds
pine nuts

[DebB]

For those that live in MN, IA, N&SD, NB, MT, WY, ID, WA, OR, CA, NV, UT, AZ, AK and HI- you might like to check out Azure Standard. I just placed my first order with them yesterday.

I'm not having luck with the hyperlink lately, so:

http://www.azurestandard.com

[selina_k]

lets do that thread!!

Sounds good to me. :) I already shopped today so whoever shops next, go first. (recipes from each shopping trip included would be fun and useful too.)

[klomasius]

I try to do a big shop every week, but end up topping it up here and there, mainly as I'm always looking for specials and also get a stallholders discount at the market I work at.

Regular weekly stuff:

Veg:
tomatoes
Greens I (lots and lots, 3-4 bags, 3-4 bunches and top ups for two adults one kid)
carrots (dutch and regular)
capsicums (bell peppers)
celery
onion
spring onion
cauliflower
cucumbers
mushrooms
snowpeas
avocados
broccoli
zucchinis

Fruit
bananas (always bananas, we buy about 10 kilos of these (20 pounds?) a week)
apples
oranges (lots, round 6 pounds a week)
grapes
seasonal fruit
coconuts
lemons/limes

Misc

nuts (I usually buy one type in bulk every couple of weeks)
coconut oil
celtic salt
seaweed sheets (1-2 packets)
'superfoods' (I buy a bag/container of one type every so often)
apple cider vinegar
dates
etc.

Fresh food is expensive, and we buy mostly organic (it tapers off a bit toward the end of my pay cycle but I don't worry), but there are ways of reducinf the cost.

Some of the ways I use to reduce the cost are these

* Always ask if they have any 'out back' specials, this works really well with bananas and I almost always get them extremely cheap. Many shops don't like to sell bananas with brown spots on them, so they put them away to chuck or give to the staff. They are often quite happy to practically give away whole boxes dirt cheap!

* I buy lots of seconds fruits and veg, nobody notices a few nobby bits after fruit/veg has been blended or chopped up.

* Buy seasonal fruits like berries and mangoes and freeze them (LOTS of them, a chest freezer is handy. I sometimes get trays of mangoes 15 - 20 of them in mid season for dollars a tray and spend a whole evening peeling and chopping them).

* If you have them locally, go to 'pick your own' farms. We try to do this each season as it's fun for the kids and prices are insanely cheap (plus it's pick one to eat, pick one for the bucket ;)

* Get a business number (register as business) so you can buy in bulk at fruit/veg wholesalers. Lets face it, many of us buy bulk amounts anyway! This saves HEAPS, so if you have a wholesaler nearby it's a good idea. If you don't know, ask your local wholefood shop or co op.

* Get together with others to buy bulk amounts for discounts on things like nuts, oils, dates etc. Even if you can't get wholesale prices, you can at least get bulk discounts.

* Hang around at produce markets just before closing time (especially if there is a closing day the next day) and wait for the sales to come out (sometimes boxes of stuff for dollars!).

* Don't be afraid to do some haggling at markets, especially if you are buying lots from one market stall.

[juliew]

How much does your bill run? I looked into a lot of farms in this area and they all end in may :(

[rawbabymama]

I've been skating the poverty line for years, which was part of the difficulty I had in trying to be all raw. Money has been slightly better this past year, but still less than 20 grand for me & my son.

My weekly groceries (which are just for me) are something like this when I am strapped for cash:

7 bunches of greens, usually kale and romaine - kale has the highest concentration of nutrients for your money, so you can make a salad of just kale and skip the other veggies and still be ok, nutrient-wise.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil - I use about a liter a month

7 brazil nuts (one per day, for selenium)

Fruit on sale - usually organic apples, conventional watermelon (in summer), organic bananas, conventional grapes (terrible terrible), etc.

A head of garlic.

Sunflower seeds (but they make me itchy, so I don't buy them anymore)

Raw ACV - I buy this in bulk by the gallon, which lasts me for months.

Dulse Flakes - I bought some in 2007 in bulk, and I still have 8 cups left.

That's all folks. This is pretty much all the nutrients one needs, if one adds some sunshine, zinc(only if no sunflower seeds are eaten) and a B12 supplement, to be safe. Cost: $30-$35 per week.

I usually have some food in addition to this, even when broke, because I buy things for my son like fresh and frozen strawberries, frozen blueberries, red bell peppers, young coconuts, etc. which he doesn't always eat all of, or shares with me, etc. My son's food budget has been about $100 a week since he was 4 - he has expensive taste. I have often put his food above my own and lived off his scraps, hence my Armageddon-ready metabolism. :rolleyes:

Right now I will be living off green smoothies since we have plenty of frozen fruit and greens are cheap; we are almost out of evoo, so I will save that for my little guy.