We all know that produce is seasonal and that if you decide to make a huge batch of strawberry preserves the best time of year to do so would be during the summer when strawberries are in season.
A savvy shopper waits until a product is on sale and then buys lots of it to get it at its lowest price! The idea is to create a stockpile that will last you 3-9 months or until the product goes back on sale and can be bought at its lowest price.
Packaged foods are seasonal, just like produce. Check out the list below
and find out when your favorite foods will more than likely be at their cheapest.
January:
National Oatmeal Month: quick, old-fashioned, rolled, and steel-cut oats,
ready to cook oatmeal packets,
ready to cook oatmeal packets,
Diet Foods including: cereal, frozen entrees, meal and granola bars, diet shakes/ drinks
Healthy Choice, South Beach, Lean Cuisine, Special K, Kashi, Smart Start, 100 Calorie Packs,
diet aids: shakes, weight scales, diet cookbooks, exercise equipment & weights
Organization aids– shelving, plastic tubs & containers, labels
Super Bowl Sunday: Soda, chips, dips, cheese, sandwich items, crackers,
snacks, wings, cut fruit & veggie trays
Seasonal Produce: oranges, pears, grapefruit, tangerines, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, celery,
chard, collards, kale, kiwi, avocado, cabbage, spinach
Clearance: Christmas– decorations toys, lights, stocking stuffers, artificial trees,
ornaments, wrapping paper, gift bows, New Year’s party supplies– noise makers, hats,
party favors, wines & sparkling juices
Winter Health: cold medicines and vitamins, cough syrup
Healthy Choice, South Beach, Lean Cuisine, Special K, Kashi, Smart Start, 100 Calorie Packs,
diet aids: shakes, weight scales, diet cookbooks, exercise equipment & weights
Organization aids– shelving, plastic tubs & containers, labels
Super Bowl Sunday: Soda, chips, dips, cheese, sandwich items, crackers,
snacks, wings, cut fruit & veggie trays
Seasonal Produce: oranges, pears, grapefruit, tangerines, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, celery,
chard, collards, kale, kiwi, avocado, cabbage, spinach
Clearance: Christmas– decorations toys, lights, stocking stuffers, artificial trees,
ornaments, wrapping paper, gift bows, New Year’s party supplies– noise makers, hats,
party favors, wines & sparkling juices
Winter Health: cold medicines and vitamins, cough syrup
February:
National Canned Food Month: canned fruit, vegetables, pie fillings, soups,
meats: tuna, chicken, salmon
Super Bowl Sunday: Soda pop, chips, dips, cheese, sandwich items, crackers, snacks,
wings, cut fruit & veggie trays
National Hot Breakfast Month: oatmeal, Cream of Wheat, frozen waffles,
syrup, waffle & pancake mix, hash browns, bacon, sausage
Valentine’s: boxed and bar chocolate, lubricants & KY jelly, perfume, cards,
stuffed animals, gift sets, wine/ sparkling cider, flower arrangements, candles
Seasonal Produce: artichoke, asparagus, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, celery, chard,
collards, grapefruit, kale, oranges, parsnips, pears, potatoes, turnips
meats: tuna, chicken, salmon
Super Bowl Sunday: Soda pop, chips, dips, cheese, sandwich items, crackers, snacks,
wings, cut fruit & veggie trays
National Hot Breakfast Month: oatmeal, Cream of Wheat, frozen waffles,
syrup, waffle & pancake mix, hash browns, bacon, sausage
Valentine’s: boxed and bar chocolate, lubricants & KY jelly, perfume, cards,
stuffed animals, gift sets, wine/ sparkling cider, flower arrangements, candles
Seasonal Produce: artichoke, asparagus, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, celery, chard,
collards, grapefruit, kale, oranges, parsnips, pears, potatoes, turnips
March:
Frozen Food Month: frozen meals and entrees, veggies, side dishes,
desserts, juice concentrate
March Madness: soda pop, chips, dips, cheese, crackers, sandwich items,
snacks, wings, cut fruit & veggie trays
St. Patrick’s Day: decorations, corned beef, cabbage, Irish soda bread
Clearance: winter clothing, snow shovels, ski and sledding equipment
Spring/ Easter: Decorations, baskets, candy, ham, eggs and egg dyeing kits,
gift sets, dresses and accessories.
Seasonal Produce: artichoke, asparagus, avocado, broccoli, cabbage, carrots,
cauliflower, celery, grapefruit, grapes, lemon, lime, mushrooms, onions, peas,
radish, rhubarb, spinach, strawberries
desserts, juice concentrate
March Madness: soda pop, chips, dips, cheese, crackers, sandwich items,
snacks, wings, cut fruit & veggie trays
St. Patrick’s Day: decorations, corned beef, cabbage, Irish soda bread
Clearance: winter clothing, snow shovels, ski and sledding equipment
Spring/ Easter: Decorations, baskets, candy, ham, eggs and egg dyeing kits,
gift sets, dresses and accessories.
Seasonal Produce: artichoke, asparagus, avocado, broccoli, cabbage, carrots,
cauliflower, celery, grapefruit, grapes, lemon, lime, mushrooms, onions, peas,
radish, rhubarb, spinach, strawberries
April:
Easter: ham, eggs, dyeing kits, stuffed animals, candy, chocolate, baskets, decorations
Baking supplies: sugar, spices, baking mixes, flour, chocolate chips, refrigerated cookie dough
Earth Day: natural and organic foods and personal care products, reusable bags
and water bottles, Energy Star appliances, CFL and LED lighting
Spring: gardening equipment and seeds, bird feeders, spring cleaning supplies, allergy medicine
Seasonal Produce: artichokes, asparagus, avocados, beets, broccoli, cabbages, carrots,
grapefruit, mushrooms, onions, peas, rhubarb, strawberries
Clearance: After Easter sales are the time to stock up on decorations, baskets & grass,
egg dyeing kits & stickers etc for the next year!
Baking supplies: sugar, spices, baking mixes, flour, chocolate chips, refrigerated cookie dough
Earth Day: natural and organic foods and personal care products, reusable bags
and water bottles, Energy Star appliances, CFL and LED lighting
Spring: gardening equipment and seeds, bird feeders, spring cleaning supplies, allergy medicine
Seasonal Produce: artichokes, asparagus, avocados, beets, broccoli, cabbages, carrots,
grapefruit, mushrooms, onions, peas, rhubarb, strawberries
Clearance: After Easter sales are the time to stock up on decorations, baskets & grass,
egg dyeing kits & stickers etc for the next year!
May:
Cinco De Mayo: salsa, shredded cheese, tortillas, tortilla chips, canned & refried beans,
shredded lettuce, pinatas & pinata fillers, frozen Mexican entrees & snacks (taquitos, mini tacos, chimichangas)
Mother’s Day: bouquets, gift sets, perfume, chocolate, photo frames and crafts, jewelry, candles
Memorial Day: BBQ sauce, ketchup, condiments, charcoal, salad dressing, potato chips,
dips, paper plates, plastic utensils, sandwich fixings
Summer needs: insect repellant, sunscreen, outdoor furniture, shorts, sun hats, beach toys,
bird feeders, lawn mowers, barbecues and grilling utensils
Gardening: plants, flowers, seeds, watering cans, plant food, soil, weed killers, mulch,
compost buckets, water hoses
Seasonal Produce: artichokes, asparagus, avocado, beets, blackberries, carrots, corn, green beans,
onions, peas in the pod, potatoes, raspberries, strawberries
shredded lettuce, pinatas & pinata fillers, frozen Mexican entrees & snacks (taquitos, mini tacos, chimichangas)
Mother’s Day: bouquets, gift sets, perfume, chocolate, photo frames and crafts, jewelry, candles
Memorial Day: BBQ sauce, ketchup, condiments, charcoal, salad dressing, potato chips,
dips, paper plates, plastic utensils, sandwich fixings
Summer needs: insect repellant, sunscreen, outdoor furniture, shorts, sun hats, beach toys,
bird feeders, lawn mowers, barbecues and grilling utensils
Gardening: plants, flowers, seeds, watering cans, plant food, soil, weed killers, mulch,
compost buckets, water hoses
Seasonal Produce: artichokes, asparagus, avocado, beets, blackberries, carrots, corn, green beans,
onions, peas in the pod, potatoes, raspberries, strawberries
June:
National Dairy Month: eggs, milk (free milk Catalina, wyb cereal), ice cream, cheese, butter, yogurt,
Cool Whip, in-store dairy coupons or booklets
End of June is Fourth of July Sales: hot dogs, hamburgers, BBQ sauce, ketchup, condiments,
charcoal, salad dressing, potato chips, dips
Seasonal Produce: apricots, blackberries, blueberries, boysenberries, cherries, corn, cucumbers,
eggplant, grapes, honeydew, nectarines, peaches, potatoes, raspberries, red onions, summer squash,
strawberries, sweet Vidalia onions, tomatoes, watermelons
Cool Whip, in-store dairy coupons or booklets
End of June is Fourth of July Sales: hot dogs, hamburgers, BBQ sauce, ketchup, condiments,
charcoal, salad dressing, potato chips, dips
Seasonal Produce: apricots, blackberries, blueberries, boysenberries, cherries, corn, cucumbers,
eggplant, grapes, honeydew, nectarines, peaches, potatoes, raspberries, red onions, summer squash,
strawberries, sweet Vidalia onions, tomatoes, watermelons
July:
National Ice Cream Month
More 4th of July BBQ Sales: hot dogs, hamburgers, BBQ sauce, ketchup, condiments, charcoal,
salad dressing, potato chips, dips
End of July, Back to School Sales begin: crayons, pencils, folders, binders
Seasonal Produce: Asian pears, Bartlett pears, green beans, blueberries, corn, cucumbers, eggplants,
figs, garlic, grapes, nectarines, red onions, Valencia oranges, peaches, sweet bell peppers, plums, potatoes,
summer squash, tomatoes, watermelon
More 4th of July BBQ Sales: hot dogs, hamburgers, BBQ sauce, ketchup, condiments, charcoal,
salad dressing, potato chips, dips
End of July, Back to School Sales begin: crayons, pencils, folders, binders
Seasonal Produce: Asian pears, Bartlett pears, green beans, blueberries, corn, cucumbers, eggplants,
figs, garlic, grapes, nectarines, red onions, Valencia oranges, peaches, sweet bell peppers, plums, potatoes,
summer squash, tomatoes, watermelon
August:
Back to school supplies: erasers, pens, crayons, paper, binders, backpacks, notebooks, markers, note cards
School lunch items: pudding cups, lunch meat, single serve juices, lunchables
Disinfectants: Clorox and Lysol wipes & sprays
Seasonal Produce: Avocados, beans, berries, cherries, corn on the cob, cucumbers, eggplants, figs, seedless grapes, melons, onions, peaches, pears (Bartlett), peppers (sweet bell), plums, summer squash, tomatillos, and tomatoes
Clearance: insect repellent, sunscreen, charcoal, swim suits, gardening supplies and seeds, fans, camping gear
School lunch items: pudding cups, lunch meat, single serve juices, lunchables
Disinfectants: Clorox and Lysol wipes & sprays
Seasonal Produce: Avocados, beans, berries, cherries, corn on the cob, cucumbers, eggplants, figs, seedless grapes, melons, onions, peaches, pears (Bartlett), peppers (sweet bell), plums, summer squash, tomatillos, and tomatoes
Clearance: insect repellent, sunscreen, charcoal, swim suits, gardening supplies and seeds, fans, camping gear
September:
Back to School Sales through Labor Day: pens, pencils, paper (filler & printing), backpacks, erasers,
folders, binders, dividers
Labor Day Sales: restaurants deals, movie theater perks (free popcorn, soda, concession candy),
shoe & apparel store weekend passes
Diabetes awareness: glucose meters, Glucerna cereal, diabetic care– socks, test strips,
sugar-free products, vitamins, weight scales
Seasonal Produce: apples, artichokes, beans, cucumbers, eggplant, grapes, onions,
pears (Asian & Bartlett), peppers (bell and chili), squash, tomatillo, tomatoes
Clearance: camping gear, gardening supplies, bug spray, fans & air conditioners, BBQ supplies – grills,
charcoal, lighters
folders, binders, dividers
Labor Day Sales: restaurants deals, movie theater perks (free popcorn, soda, concession candy),
shoe & apparel store weekend passes
Diabetes awareness: glucose meters, Glucerna cereal, diabetic care– socks, test strips,
sugar-free products, vitamins, weight scales
Seasonal Produce: apples, artichokes, beans, cucumbers, eggplant, grapes, onions,
pears (Asian & Bartlett), peppers (bell and chili), squash, tomatillo, tomatoes
Clearance: camping gear, gardening supplies, bug spray, fans & air conditioners, BBQ supplies – grills,
charcoal, lighters
October:
Halloween: candy, costumes & accessories
Baking sales (mid-October to late December): canned pumpkin, evaporated milk, baking chips,
pie crust (mix and ready-made frozen)
National Seafood Month: fish, shrimp, lobster, crab
Breast Cancer Awareness Month: promotions & deals featuring participating “pink” products
Adopt a Shelter-Dog Month: wet & dry dog food, dog toys & chews
Seasonal Produce: apples, artichokes, arugula, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, chard,
cranberries, parsnip, pears, pomegranates, potatoes, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, winter squash, turnips, yams
Baking sales (mid-October to late December): canned pumpkin, evaporated milk, baking chips,
pie crust (mix and ready-made frozen)
National Seafood Month: fish, shrimp, lobster, crab
Breast Cancer Awareness Month: promotions & deals featuring participating “pink” products
Adopt a Shelter-Dog Month: wet & dry dog food, dog toys & chews
Seasonal Produce: apples, artichokes, arugula, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, chard,
cranberries, parsnip, pears, pomegranates, potatoes, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, winter squash, turnips, yams
November:
Baking goods: nuts, chocolate chips, evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, coconut,
cake & brownie mixes, Chex cereal (for homemade Chex mix)
Canned foods: soup, broth, vegetables & fruits, spaghetti sauce
Holiday staples: turkey, canned pureed pumpkin, stuffing mix, boxed potatoes, gravy mixes,
ready-to-bake rolls, frozen pies, cranberry sauce, gelatin, marshmallows
Seasonal Produce: apples, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, celery,
cranberries, kiwis, lemons, oranges, pears (Anjou & Comice), potatoes, pumpkin, squash, yams
Halloween Clearance: The best time to stock up on things for the next year: door decorations,
spider webs, candy bowls, yard & outdoor props, plates, cups, napkins & tablecloths, window clings,
pumpkin carving kits, streamers, confetti, string lights, Halloween candy-alternatives to stretch
next year’s candy bowl supply.
Also party favors like: spider rings, erasers, plastic fangs, pencils, bookmarks, stickers, and bouncy balls.
Costumes: Generic items like witch hats, gloves, tiaras/ crowns, play swords, pet costumes, capes & cloaks, fangs,
and fairy wings are best, especially when you have children whose preferences change year to year.
Black Friday/ Cyber Monday: Deep savings on doorbusters and advertised items ranging from
clothing and toys to electronics and appliances. Research sales, make a list, and stick to it for the best results.
Seasonal clearance: rakes, outdoor furniture, bikes
cake & brownie mixes, Chex cereal (for homemade Chex mix)
Canned foods: soup, broth, vegetables & fruits, spaghetti sauce
Holiday staples: turkey, canned pureed pumpkin, stuffing mix, boxed potatoes, gravy mixes,
ready-to-bake rolls, frozen pies, cranberry sauce, gelatin, marshmallows
Seasonal Produce: apples, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, celery,
cranberries, kiwis, lemons, oranges, pears (Anjou & Comice), potatoes, pumpkin, squash, yams
Halloween Clearance: The best time to stock up on things for the next year: door decorations,
spider webs, candy bowls, yard & outdoor props, plates, cups, napkins & tablecloths, window clings,
pumpkin carving kits, streamers, confetti, string lights, Halloween candy-alternatives to stretch
next year’s candy bowl supply.
Also party favors like: spider rings, erasers, plastic fangs, pencils, bookmarks, stickers, and bouncy balls.
Costumes: Generic items like witch hats, gloves, tiaras/ crowns, play swords, pet costumes, capes & cloaks, fangs,
and fairy wings are best, especially when you have children whose preferences change year to year.
Black Friday/ Cyber Monday: Deep savings on doorbusters and advertised items ranging from
clothing and toys to electronics and appliances. Research sales, make a list, and stick to it for the best results.
Seasonal clearance: rakes, outdoor furniture, bikes
December:
Holiday Dinner: egg nog, deli platters, instant potatoes, gravy mixes, Rhodes rolls, frozen pies,
cranberry sauce, Jello, marshmallows
Baking: flour, sugar, butter, cream, cake mixes, brownie mixes, muffin mixes, breads, pie crusts,
marshmallows, whipped cream
Canned foods: soup, broth, condensed milk, vegetables, fruits, spaghetti sauce
Clearance: Buy all your Thanksgiving decorations, extra table settings, and turkey carving products
now once they’re at least 50% off.
cranberry sauce, Jello, marshmallows
Baking: flour, sugar, butter, cream, cake mixes, brownie mixes, muffin mixes, breads, pie crusts,
marshmallows, whipped cream
Canned foods: soup, broth, condensed milk, vegetables, fruits, spaghetti sauce
Clearance: Buy all your Thanksgiving decorations, extra table settings, and turkey carving products
now once they’re at least 50% off.
My Fav store for organic produce at very affordable prices is def Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods is my #1 store for
produce but it can def get very expensive – specially for us who live on a tight budget.
Always try to purchase more of what’s in season and Locally grown – you will save a lot of money. You can find coupons for fruits and veggies check out Target for web coupons - Register with http://www.ebfarm.com/ to receive internet coupons for organic fruits and veggies.
Remember you can always pair up clearance Items with In-store promotions and coupons (unless stated by the coupon) Target, Kohls, Drug Stores, & AC Moore are my Favorite spots for stocking up on end of season items.
I am currently ready for Christmas 2012 with wrapping paper, greeting cards, tape, ribbon, and even a few gifts – you can too!
Visit My blog at couponlovehappystuff.blogspot.com for more couponing and on a budget living tips.
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Whew! Great post. That’s a lot of detail. I knew groceries were seasonal or cyclical but I didn’t realize there were so many specifics and so many items tied to a specific month.
Matt Wegner recently posted..If you Feel you MUST Get a Credit Card, Keep These Tips in Mind
Matt, I am sure you will shop a little different after reading the list. I know I do!
This is one great guide for people who want to save a lot in grocery expenses. It seems that you have invested a lot of time in coming up with this list.
Douglas recently posted..jamorama
Douglas – I can’t take credit for the entire list – it’s a list many couponers go by and I thought it’d be neat to share it here. For anyone who knows how to pickle or make jam – best thing to do is to shop when fruit and veggies are cheaper and in season. For parents is great to know when school supplies etc are at their cheapest to stock up and save for the following school year. I suggest target’s web coupons – they have a huge variety of items and they allow you to stack a target coupon with a manufacture’s coupon for bigger savings. I have gotten brand new clothing items for $2 -$4 – and many food items for free by stacking coupons – clearance and in season is the way!!!
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