Thursday, March 24, 2011

Bargain guide, week beginning March 23rd

This Saturday, March 26th, is officially Make Up Your Own Holiday Day! One of my sources is calling it “Gourmet Macaroni and Cheese Day”, and offering for your delectation a concoction involving penne rigate, quartered pecans, two kinds of Cheddar cheese, applewood smoked bacon, and truffle oil, which as far as I’m concerned is far more attention than macaroni and cheese merits. For myself, I declare it Do Not Waste Points Day: if you’re going to use Points on something you like, use them on the good stuff, not a cheap replacement.

The 28th is National Something On A Stick Day. Kebabs with lots of veggies are very good. Or have an ice-cream, for all of me. And the 30th is, for absolutely no reason I can determine (certainly I’ve never thought of this as a foodstuff worth commemorating on the calendar), National Turkey Neck Soup Day.

It’s still Lent, still Frozen Food Month, and the fresh-fruit selection is gradually but perceptibly broadening.

March 23rd: National Chips and Dip Day, National Melba Toast Day
March 24th: National Chocolate Covered Raisins Day
March 25th: National Lobster Newburg Day, National Pecan Day, National Waffle Day
(Hm. Pecan waffles.)
March 26th: Make Up Your Own Holiday Day, National Spinach Day, National Nougat Day
March 27th: National Paella Day
March 28th: National Something-On-A-Stick Day, National Black Forest Cake Day
March 29th: National Lemon Chiffon Cake Day
March 30th: National Turkey Neck Soup Day



Albertson’s:

Beef t-bone steaks, family pack, $6.99/lb
Beef top sirloin steaks, boneless (?), family pack, $4.99/lb
Beef London broil, boneless (?), $4.99/lb
Ground chuck, fat content not listed, $1.99/lb (5 lbs or more)
Laura’s 92/8 ground beef, $4.99/lb
Hormel pork fillets, 27 oz pkg, $9.99, buy 1 get 1 free
Alaskan salmon, wild caught, 20 oz pkg, $5.99
Atlantic salmon, farm raised, 5 oz portions, $3.99
Alaskan cod fillets, wild caught, $3.99/lb
Pollock fillets, wild caught, $3.99/lb
Atlantic salmon fillets, farm raised, $8.99/lb
Alaska halibut, wild caught, 5 oz portions, $7.99 “weather permitting”
Albertson’s sour cream incl low-fat, 16 oz tub, $1.99
Deli: Dietz & Watson ham OR chicken breast, $5.99/lb
Charlie’s Pride roast beef/corned beef/beef pastrami/Italian beef, $5.99/lb
EarthGrains bread, 24 oz loaf, $2.99
EarthGrains “thin buns” (sandwich thins), 8 ct, $2.99
Smart Ones “Classic Favorites” frozen entrées, 2/$4
Embasa sliced nopalitos (cactus), 28 oz jars, 4/$5
Del Monte canned tomatoes, 14 oz cans, 10/$10
Libby’s canned veggies, 14-15 oz cans, 79¢
Chicken of the Sea chunk light tuna, 79¢
Clementine tangerines, 3 lb bag, $1.99
Strawberries, 1 lb box, $2.99
Blackberries OR blueberries, 6 oz box, $2.99
Raspberries, 6 oz box, $3.99
Oranges, 99¢/lb
Sonya apples, $1.49/lb
Kiwifruit, $1.99/lb
Organic Gala apples, $1.49/lb
Cherry tomatoes, 12 oz box, 2/$4
Mini sweet peppers, dry pint, 2/$
Fresh Express bag salads, “Premium Romaine” or “Green & Crisp”, 2/$4
Earthbound Farms organic box salads, 16 oz, $4.99
Mini carrots, 1 lb bag, 2/$3



Bashas’:

Beef ribeye steaks, bone in, value pack, $4.97/lb
Beef crossrib or bottom round roast, boneless, value pack, $3.49/lb (steaks $3.99)
Pork shoulder steak, $2.99/lb
Pork roast, center cut, boneless, $3.99/lb
Boneless skinless chicken breast, value pack, $1.67/lb
Rockfish fillets, $4.99 “weather permitting”
Basa swai fillets, farm raised, $2.99/lb
Dover sole fillets, wild caught, $5.99/lb
Full Circle swordfish steaks OR mahi mahi fillets, 12 oz pkg, $5.99
Bashas’ eggs, AA large, dozens, 88¢
Challenge butter, $2.69
Shamrock Farms cottage cheese incl low-fat, 16 oz tub, $2.49
Barilla pasta, 12-16 oz box, 10/$10
Del Monte pasta sauces, 26 oz cans, 10/$10
Bumble Bee chunk white albacore tuna, 10/$10
Clamato, 64 oz bottle, $4.99
Food Club granola bars, 7-9 oz box, $1.99
Apples, Fuji/Red Delicious, 87¢/lb
Apples, Gala/Braeburn/Golden Delicious, 97¢/lb
Navel oranges, 97¢/lb
Texas grapefruit (origin or variety? I don’t know), 47¢/lb
Strawberries, 1 lb box, 97¢ <-- Best price
Green seedless grapes, $1.97/lb
Lemons, 3/$1 or leave a note in comments, I have lots!
Bananas, 55¢/lb
Yellow onions, 47¢/lb
Celery, 87¢ ea
Asparagus, $2.97/lb
Green onions, 57¢/bunch



Food City:

Beef skirt steak, value pack, $3.49/lb
Beef top sirloin roast, boneless, $2.99
Sirloin cut pork chops, bone in, value pack, $1.29/lb
Chicken leg quarters, 49¢/lb (10 lb bag)
Boneless skinless chicken thighs, $1.99
Flounder fillets, $2.49/lb
Pollock fillets, $1.39/lb
Watermelon, 5 lbs/$1
Mexican papayas, 3 lbs/99¢
Whole pineapples, 2 lbs/98¢
Tangelos, 2 lbs/98¢
Jalapeño peppers, 4 lbs/96¢
Jicama, 3 lbs/98¢
Nopales, 2 lbs/98¢



Fry’s:

Beef t-bone steaks, family pack, $4.77/lb
Beef bottom round roast, boneless, $5.99/lb, buy 1 get 1 free
85/15 ground beef, $1.99/lb (2 lb chub)
Pork tenderloin, whole in bag, $3.99/lb
Whole frying chickens, 88¢/lb
Alaskan cod fillets, $4.99/lb
Tilapia fillets, family pack, $3.99/lb
Fry’s eggs, AA large, dozens, 99¢
Kroger solid white tuna, 99¢
Gorton’s Grilled Fillets $3.49 }
American Beauty pasta, 12-16 oz box, 99¢/lb } buy any 10,
Smart Ones frozen entrées, $1.88 } save $5
Del Monte or SW tomatoes, 14 oz can, $1.19 }
Strawberries, 1 lb box, 2/$5
Blackberries, small box, 2/$3
Navel oranges OR Minneola tangelos, 99¢/lb
Texas grapefruit, 2/$1
Cara Cara oranges, $1.49/lb
Seedless grapes, green/red/black, $1.99/lb
Mangos, 99¢ ea
Whole cantaloupes, 2/$5
Mini seedless watermelons, $2.99 ea
Vine tomatoes, AZ grown, 99¢/lb
Organic “mini peeled” carrots, orange or yellow, 1 lb bag, 2/$3



Rancho Grande:

Assorted pork chops, family pack, 99¢/lb
Pork cushion meat, $1.69/lb
Chicken breast, bone in, 99¢/lb
Tilapia fillets, $2.49/lb
Blue crabs, $2.79/lb
Hickman’s eggs, AA large, dozens, 99¢
Chicken of the Sea chunk light tuna, 69¢
Pineapple, 3 lbs/99¢
Cantaloupe, 2 lbs/99¢
Tomatoes, 3 lbs/99¢
Nopales, 1 lb bag, 99¢
Jicama, 3 lbs/99¢/lb
Pasilla chiles, 3 lbs/99¢



Safeway:

Beef chuck roast, boneless, 50% off
Beef top round steak, boneless, $4.99/lb
Beef crossrib steak, boneless, value pack, $4.99/lb
Beef loin New York strip steak, bone in, value pack, $5.99/lb
90/10 ground beef, value pack, $3.99/lb
Beef kebabs with veggies, $6.99/lb
Pork tenderloin, boneless, whole in bag, $4.79/lb
Eating Right boneless skinless chicken breasts, value pack, $2.49/lb
Sanderson Farms chicken thighs or drumsticks, bone in, $1.69/lb
Tilapia fillets, $5.99/lb
Steelhead fillets, farm raised, color added, $9.99/lb
True cod fillets, wild caught, $8.99/lb
Lucerne eggs, AA large, 18 ct, 2/$4
Lucerne cream cheese, 8 oz brick or tub, 10/$10
Lucerne cheeses, 6-8 oz chunk or shreds, 2/$4
SoBe LifeWater CeleBrates InterCapping, 20 oz BotTle, 10/$10
Safeway diced tomatoes, 14 oz can, 10/$10
Quaker Chewy Granola bas, 8-10 ct, $2.22
Lean Cuisine frozen entrées, $1.88
Smart Ones Morning Express frozen breakfasts, $1.99
Braeburn apples, 88¢/lb
Mangos, 99¢ ea
Kiwifruit, 3/99¢
Broccoli crowns, 99¢/lb
Eating Right “baby peeled” carrots, 1 lb bag, 99¢
Sweet onions, 99¢/lb



Smart & Final:

Beef top sirloin steak, boneless, $2.88/lb
Farmer John pork loin roast, boneless, $2.49/lb
First Street chicken leg quarters, value pack, 69¢/lb
Jennie-O jumbo turkey franks, 3 lb pkg, $2.99
Great American pre-portioned salmon fillet, 1.25 lb pkg, $5.59
Gala apples, 3 lb bag, $1.77
Seedless green grapes, 2 lb box, $2.49



Sprouts:

Beef rump roast OR stew meat, boneless, $3.99/lb
Pork loin roast, center cut, boneless, $1.97/lb
Boneless skinless chicken thighs, $1.99lb
All chicken or pork sausages, links or bulk, $2.99/lb
Haddock fillets, wild caught, $5.99/lb
Ahi tuna fillets, wild caught, $8.99/lb
All bulk-cut cheeses, 30% off
Ethnic Gourmet frozen entrees, 2/$5
Nature’s Path granola bars, 6-7 oz box, $2.99
Strawberries, 1 lb box, 4/$5
Apples, Gala/Fuji/Braeburn/Pink Lady, 99¢/lb
Organic apples, Braeburn or Pink Lady, also 99¢/lb
Bartlett pears, 99¢/lb
Navel oranges, 69¢/lb
Vine tomatoes, $1.88/lb
Asparagus, $1.88/lb
Broccoli OR cauliflower, 99¢/lb
Celery, 99¢ ea
Italian or yellow squashes, 99¢/lb
Red/gold/orange bell peppers, 4/$5

Friday, March 18, 2011

Happy St. Patrick’s Day. It’s also National Corned Beef and Cabbage Day, so enjoy – even if it’s more Irish-American than Irish. It’s also National Green Beer Day, upon which I will forbear to comment.

This third week of March is American Chocolate Week, and the 19th is National Chocolate Caramel Day. The 18th is National Oatmeal Cookie Day, a bit healthier or at least containing more fiber, and the 20th is California Strawberries Day. (Fruit is free! Freeeeeeeee!)

The 20th, this Sunday, is also the Great American Meat-Out. Honor it in the breach or the observance, as you choose. And in a non-food category, that date is also the birthday of Fred Rogers. (Won’t you be my neighbor?)

March 16th: National Artichoke Hearts Day
March 17th: National Corned Beef and Cabbage Day, National Green Beer Day
March 18th: Oatmeal Cookie Day
March 19th: National Poultry Day, National Chocolate Caramel Day
March 20th: Bock Beer Day, National Ravioli Day
March 21st: California Strawberry Day, National Ravioli Day
March 22nd: Coq au Vin Day, National Water Day, National Bavarian Crepes Day
March 23rd: National Chips and Dip Day, National Melba Toast Day



Albertson’s:

All the frozen food you can fit in a bag, 10% off
Beef tenderloin roast, whole in bag, $9.99/lb
Beef chuck roast/shoulder roast/London broil, boneless, $5.99/lb, buy 1 get 1 free
85/15 ground beef, $2.99/lb (5 lbs or more)
Boneless skinless chicken breast, $1.77/lb
Atlantic salmon fillets, farm raised, $6.99/lb
Alaskan pollock fillets, wild caught, $2.99/lb
Basa swai fillets, farm raised, $2.99/lb
Albertson’s milk, gallons, $1.59 <-- Best price!
Albertson’s cottage cheese incl. low-fat, 16 oz tub, 2/$3
Deli: Rotisserie turkey breast, $4.99/lb
Kretschmar baked or honey ham, $5.99/lb
Deli Fresh cheeses, multiple varieties, $5.99/lb
Gluten Free Café soups, 15 oz cans, 2/$5
Hunt’s pasta sauces, 26 oz cans, $1
Albertson’s canned tomatoes, 28 oz cans, $1
Green Giant specialty vegetables, 11-15 oz cans, $1
S&W canned beans, 15 oz cans, $1
Lean Cuisine frozen entrées, 5/$10
Healthy Choice frozen entrées, 4/$10
Dole frozen fruit, 12-16 oz bags, 2/$6
PictSweet frozen veggies, “Steamables” OR deluxe seasoned, 10-14 oz, 3/$5
Strawberries, 4 lb flat, $4.77
Apples: Braeburn or Red/Golden Delicious, $1/lb
D’Anjou pears, $1/lb
Navel oranges, $1/lb
Minneola tangelos, $1/lb
Texas grapefruit, $1/lb
Cut up strawberries, 20 oz bowl, $3.99
Cut up pineapple, 20 oz bowl, $3.99
Broccoli crowns, $1/lb
Cauliflower, $1/lb
Fresh spinach, $1/bunch
Sweet onions, $1/lb
Fresh Express “Salad Blends”, 2/$5
Earthbound Farms organic salads, 5 oz box $2.99, 16 oz box $4.99



Bashas’:

Beef top sirloin steak, boneless, value pack, $2.99/lb (regular pack $3.88/lb)
Beef round steak, boneless, $3.99/lb
Beef sirloin tip roast, value pack, $3.99/lb
Pork shoulder steak, bone in, value pack, $2.99/lb
Sirloin cut pork chops, boneless, value pack, $3.49/lb
Chicken breast, bone in, 88¢/lb
Haddock fillets, $4.99/bl
True cod fillets, “weather permitting”, $5.99/lb
Food Club cheeses, 2 lb chunk or shreds, $6.99
Bashas’ cottage cheese incl. low-fat, 16 oz tub, 99¢
Deli: Boar’s Head corned beef, $8.99/lb
Boar’s Head Swiss cheese, $7.49/lb
Stella Provolone cheese, $4.99/lb
Bumble Bee chunk light tuna, 49¢
American Beauty pasta, 1 lb pkg, 89¢
Green or red seedless grapes, 74¢/lb
Mangos, 69¢ ea
Fuji apples, 97¢/lb
Whole cantaloupes, 69¢/lb
Strawberries, 1 lb box, $2.99
Whole pineapples, $2.99
Mini seedless watermelons, $2.99 ea
Navel oranges, 89¢/lb
Red or yellow bell peppers, 79¢ ea
Fresh green beans, 99¢/lb
Cabbage, AZ grown, 59¢/lb
Green onions, 59¢/bunch
Winter squashes, 79¢/lb
Yellow onions, 69¢/lb



Food City:

Beef crossrib steak or roast, boneless, value pack, $2.69/lb
Sirloin cut pork chops, bone in, value pack, $1.99
Whole frying chickens, 59¢/lb
Boneless skinless chicken breast, $2.49/lb
Tilapia fillets, $2.99/lb
Food Club chunk light tuna, 2/$1
Flav-R-Pack frozen veggies, 1 lb bag, 79¢
Cantaloupe, 5 lbs/$1
Braeburn apples, 3 lbs/99¢
Pink grapefruit, 4/99¢
Brown onions, 3 lbs/99¢
Pasilla chiles, 3 lbs/99¢
Red bell peppers, 3/99¢



Fry’s:

The only time I regret that I ever started typing this flyer up is when I check the Fry’s sales and see that they’ve got a huge variety of wildly disparate items, all marked “save $5 when you buy 10 of ANY of these”:
Sargento “Deli Style” cheese slices, regular $2.99
Crystal Light drink mix, regular $2.49
Birds Eye “SteamFresh” frozen veg, regular $1.99
C&W frozen veg, regular $1.99
Del Monte OR S&W canned tomatoes, regular $1.19
Bumble Bee chunk white tuna, regular $1.49
Classico pasta sauce, regular $2.49
Gorton’s “Grilled Fillets”, regular $3.49
Smart Balance Spread, regular $1.99

Beef New York strip steaks, bone in, $6.99/lb
Beef crossrib steak, boneless, family pack, $3.49/lb
Beef top round roast or London broil, boneless, family pack, $3.79/lb
Extra lean ground turkey, 85/15, $2.33/lb (3 lb chub)
Alaskan sockeye salmon, wild caught, $8.99/lb
Kellogg’s Special K/Fiber Plus/Nutri-Grain bars, 2/$4
Seedless grapes, green/red/black, OR Red Globe seeded, 1.99/lb
Strawberries, 1 lb box, 2/$5
Blueberries OR blackberries, small box, 2/$5
Mangos, 99¢
Navel oranges, 99¢/lb
Minneola tangelos, 99¢/lb
Mandarins, 3 lb bag, $4.99
Cara Cara navel oranges, $1.49/lb
Pears, red or D’Anjou, $1.29/lb
Artichokes, 2/$5
Broccoli OR cauliflower, $1.29/lb
Sweet onions, 99¢/lb



Rancho Grande:

Beef top sirloin steaks, $2.99
Chicken breast, bone in, 99¢/lb
Boneless skinless chicken thighs, $1.49
Tilapia fillets, $1.99/lb
Clamato, 32 oz bottles, 2/$3
Pagasa pasta, 7 oz pkg, 5/$1
Ragu pasta sauces, 26 oz jars, $1.29
Watermelon, 7 lbs/99¢
Papaya, 2 lbs/99¢
Tangerines, 4 lbs/99¢
Jicama, 3 lbs/99¢
Nopales, 4 lbs/99¢
White onions, 7 lbs/99¢



Safeway:

Beef bottom round roast, boneless, buy 1 get 1 free
Beef ribeye steak, bone in, value pak, $7.99/lb
Beef top sirloin steaks, “restaurant cut”, value pack, $5.99/lb
Pork sirloin chops, boneless, value pack, $1.49/lb
Pork loin roast, boneless, whole in bag, $1.99/lb
Boneless skinless chicken breast, 4 lb bag IQF, $7.96 ($1.99/lb)
Open Nature whole chickens, $1.79/lb
Safeway chicken thighs/drums, bone in, $1.19/lb
Zacky Farms turkey breast tenderloins, 20 oz pkg, $5.99/lb
Alaskan cod fillets, wild caught, $7.99/lb
Atlantic salmon fillets, farm raised, color added, $8.99/lb
Rockfish OR Dover sole fillets, wild caught, “weather permitting”, $8.99/lb
Dairy Glen milk, gallons, $1.69
Lucerne cheeses, 2 lb chunk or shreds, 45.99
Navel oranges, 8 lb bag, $2.98
Mangos, 99¢/lb
Strawberries, 1 lb box, 2/$5
Blueberries, 6 oz box, 2/$5
O Organics box salads, 2/$6
Broccoli, 99¢/lb
Vine tomatoes, 99¢/lb <-- Best price



Smart & Final:

Beef flap meat, $4.99/lb
Farmer John pork tenderloin, boneless, $3.49/lb
Foster Farms chicken breast, bone in, 99¢/lb
First Street cheeses, 2 lb chunk, $4.99
Cantaloupe, 3 lbs/99¢
Seedless green grapes, 2 lb box, $2.49
Red Delicious apples, 3 lb bag, $1.99
Eat Smart broccoli florets OR veggie medley, 2 lb bag, $2.99



Sprouts:

All ground beef, pork, chicken, or turkey, 30% off
Beef sirloin tip roast, boneless, $3.99/lb
Beef flank, skirt, or tri-tip, boneless, $5.99/lb
Pork sirloin chops or roasts, boneless, $1.97/lb
Boneless skinless chicken breast, value pack, $2.99/lb
Chicken thighs or drumsticks, bone in, value pack, $1.49/lb
Alaskan sockeye salmon fillets, wild caught, $9.99/lb
Tilapia fillets, $4.97/lb
Swordfish or tuna steaks, wild caught, frozen single packs, $8.99/lb
Dry pack sea scallops, 10 ct, wild caught, $9.99/lb
Seapoint Farms frozen veggie blends, 12-16 oz bags, $1.99
Muir Glen canned tomatoes, 28 oz cans, $1.69
Muir Glen pasta sauces, 25 oz jars, 2/$5
Santa Cruz organic applesauce, 23 oz jars, $2.99
Seedless green grapes, 99¢/lb
Apples: Braeburn, Cameo, Pinova, 77¢/lb
Navel oranges OR “Rio Red” grapefruit, 49¢/lb
Organic apples: Fuji, Gala, Braeburn, 99¢/lb
Strawberries, 1 lb box, 2/$5
Blueberries, 6 oz box, 2/$5
Whole pineapples, 2/$5
Clementine tangerines, 3 lb bag, $1.99
Asparagus, $1.88/lb
Bell peppers, red/gold/orange, 99¢ ea
Roma tomatoes, 99¢/lb
Organic leaf lettuces, green/red/Romaine, 2/$3
Spinach, 99¢/bunch

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Bargain guide, week beginning March 9th

Lent begins, and so seafood prices are down. This is pleasant for those of us who happen to like seafood: not so much for those who have not that good fortune. Oddly, beef is also under strong promotion. And since St Patrick’s Day is just over a week away, corned beef and anything green are being heavily promoted (cabbage has a PointsPlus count of zero; sadly I have not yet found a PointsPlus-free green cupcake).

Tomorrow is National Pack Your Lunch Day. How better to control what you eat? And Monday, 3/14, is Pi Day in mathematical circles, so bake one.

March 9th: National Crabmeat Day
March 10th: National Pack Your Lunch Day, National Blueberry Popover Day
March 11th: Oatmeal-Nut Waffles Day
March 12th: National Baked Scallops Day
March 13th: Coconut Torte Day
March 14th: Pi Day, National Potato Chip Day
March 15th: National Poires Belle Hélène Day, National Agriculture Day
March 16th: National Artichoke Hearts Day



Albertson’s:

Beef ribeye steak, bone in, family pack, $4.77/lb
Beef petite sirloin steaks, boneless, family pack, $7.99/lb, buy 1 get 1 free
Beef chuck tender steaks, family pack, $3.99/lb
Beef brisket, whole in bag, $2.99/lb
80/20 ground beef, $1.77/lb (3 lb chub)
John Morrell corned beef, flat cut, $2.49/lb
Shenson’s corned beef, round cut, $2.99/lb
Pork chops, “assorted”, bone in, $2.69/lb
Sanderson Farms boneless skinless chicken breast, $4.99/lb, buy 1 get 1 free
Alaskan cod fillets, wild caught, $3.99/lb
Tilapia OR swai fillets, farm raised, $2.99/lb
Fresh tuna OR swordfish, wild caught, $7.99/lb
Catfish fillets, farm raised, $3.99/lb
Skinny Cow ice-cream novelties, 4-6 ct, $3.99
Deli: Charlie’s Pride corned beef/Italian roast beef/beef pastrami, $4.99/lb
Jennie-O oven roasted turkey breast, $4.99/l
Kretschmar Virginia ham, $4.99/lb
Deli Fresh Provolone/mild Cheddar/pepperjack/Muenster, $4.99/lb
Albertson’s chunk light tuna, 2/$1
Kashi breakfast cereals, 10-17 oz boxes, 2/$7
Smart Ones “Classic Favorites” entrées, 2/$4
Smart Ones “Bistro Selections” entrées, 2/$6
Healthy Choice “Steaming” entrées, 5/$19
Whole cantaloupes, $1 ea
Strawberries, 1 lb box, 2/$5
Organic strawberries, 1 lb box, $3.99
Blackberries OR blueberries, 6 oz box, $2.99
Navel oranges, 99¢/lb
Kiwifruit, 1 lb container, $1.99
Earthbound Farms organic box salads, 5 oz, $2.99 (16 oz, $4.99)
Asparagus, $2.99/lb
Large artichokes, 2/$5
Sweet onions, 99¢/lb
Rosseau Farms “mini” carrots, 2 lb bag, $1.99
Cherub tomatoes, 10 oz box, $3.99, buy 1 get 1 free
Cabbage, 39¢/lb



Bashas’:

Beef t-bone or New York Strip steaks, bone in, value pack, $4.49/lb
Beef tenderloin, whole in bag, $5.99/lb (cut and wrapped free)
Beef filet mignon steaks, $8.99/lb
Ground chuck, fat content not listed, value pack, $1.19/lb
Buckley Farms corned beef, point cut, $1.49/lb (flat cut, $2.79/lb)
Pork shoulder steaks, bone in, value pack, $2.99/lb
Pork tenderloin, $4.99/lb
Sanderson Farms chicken leg quarters, 59¢/lb (10 lb bag)
True cod fillets, wild caught, $4.99/lb
Sockeye salmon, wild caught, $6.99/lb
Redrock fillets, $4.99/lb
Grenadier fillets, wild caught, $1.99/lb
Basa swai fillets, $2.99/lb
Fresh clams, 2 lb bag, $6
Bashas’ cottage cheese incl. low-fat, 24 oz tub, $1.99
Food Club cheeses, 8 oz chunk/shreds/cubes, 2/$3
Deli: Eckrich honey-cured or Virginia ham, $4.99/lb
Finlandia Swiss cheese, regular or light, $6.99/lb
Gorton’s “Grilled Fillets”, 2/$5, still only 2 points per piece!
PictSweet frozen veggies, 28 oz bag, $1.99
Morningstar Farms frozen entrées, 2/$7
Barilla pasta sauces, 24 oz jar, 2/$4
Hunt’s pasta sauces, 26 oz cans, 10/$10
Campbell’s “Select Harvest” soups, 18 oz cans, 4/$5
StarKist albacore tuna, 99¢/lb
Strawberries, 1 lb box, $1.19
Whole cantaloupes, 39¢/lb
Navel oranges, 49¢/lb
Texas grapefruit, 49¢/lb
Fuji OR Red Delicious apples, 89¢/lb
Green or red seedless grapes, $1.89/lb
Celery, 69¢ ea
Broccoli, AZ grown, 89¢/lb
Radishes, 59¢/bunch
Vine tomatoes, $1.99/lb



Food City:

Beef chuck steak or roast, bone in, value pack, $1.99/lb
Pork shoulder steak, bone in, $1.99/lb
Boneless skinless chicken breast, $1.49/lb  Best price
Whole tilapia, 99¢/lb
Pollock fillets, $1.99/lb
Food City eggs, AA extra large, 20 ct, $1.79
Bumble Bee chunk light tuna, 2/$1
Veg-All, 15 oz cans, 79¢
Navel oranges, 5 lbs/$1
Mexican key limes, 3 lbs/99¢/lb
Cantaloupe, 2 lb/98¢
Mexican papaya, 2 lbs/98¢
Cabbage, 6 lbs/96¢
Jicama, 2 lbs/98¢
Nopales (cactus), 3 lb/99¢
Mexican green onions, 3 bunches/99¢



Fry’s:

Beef chuck roast or steak, boneless, 50% off (regular $5.99/lb)
Beef t-bone/ribeye/New York strip steaks, family pack, 50% off (regular $9.99/lb)
Corned beef brisket, point cut, $1.39/lb
Corned beef, flat cut, $2.59/lb
Whole frying chickens, 88¢/lb
Boneless skinless chicken breast, $2.79/lb
85/15 ground turkey, $2.33/lb (3 lb pkg)
Sockeye salmon fillets, wild caught, $6.99/lb
Tilapia fillets, $2.99/lb
Cod fillets, 2.5 lb bag, $9.99
Lean Cuisine frozen entrées, 5/$10
Milk, gallons, 50% off (regular $3.49)
Starkist chunk light tuna, 50% off (regular 69¢)
Fry’s or Kroger canned tomatoes or beans, 14-15 oz cans, 5/$3
Strawberries (1 lb box) OR blueberries (6 oz box), $2.99
Peaches OR plums, from Chile, $1.99/lb
Jazz apples, $1.29/lb
Navel oranges OR Minneola tangelos, 99¢/lb
Cara Cara oranges, $1.49/lb
Mangos, 99¢ ea
D’Anjou pears, $1.29/lb
Lemons, 2/88¢ or leave a note in Comments and I will bring some next week
Cabbage, 4 lbs/$1
Nature Sweet cherry tomatoes, 12 oz bag, 2/$3



Rancho Grande:

Beef liver, 79¢/lb
Pork ribs, family pack, $1.79/lb
Whole chickens, twin pack, 79¢/lb
Hickman’s eggs, AA large, 18 ct, $1.89
Doña Maria nopalitos, 30 oz jar, 99¢
San Marcos whole jalapeños, 2.6 oz can, 99¢
Papayas, 3 lbs/99¢
Oranges, 5 lbs/99¢
Jonagold apples, 2 lbs/89¢
Jalapeño chiles, 5 lbs/$1
Pasilla chiles, 2 lbs/99¢



Safeway:

Beef round tip OR chuck crossrib roast, buy 1 get 1 free
Beef t-bone steak, $5.47/lb
Beef round steak, value pack, $3.49/lb
90/10 ground beef, $3.99/lb
Safeway corned beef flats, $2.59/lb
Pork tenderloin, boneless, whole in bag, $4.79/lb
Sanderson Farms whole chickens, 89¢/lb
Eating Right turkey bacon, 10 oz pkg, $2.99
Steelhead fillets, farm raised, $8.99/lb
Rockfish fillets, wild caught, $8.99/lb
Rainbow trout, dressed, farm raised, $5.99/lb
Barilla pasta, 12-16 oz boxes, 10/$10
Classico OR Bertolli pasta sauces, 15-24 oz jars, buy 1 get 1 free
Nature Valley granola bars, 2/$5
Bumble Bee solid white tuna, 10/$10
Gorton’s “Grilled Fillets”, buy 1 get 1 free
Healthy Choice frozen entrées, 4/$10
Gala apples, 68¢/lb
Strawberries, 1 lb box, 2/$5
Whole cantaloupe, 2/$4
Kiwifruit, 3/$1
Lemons or limes, 2/$1
Navel oranges, 99¢/lb
Vine tomatoes, $2.99/lb
Broccoli, 2 lb/$1
Eating Right “baby peeled” carrots, 2 lb bag, 2/$5



Smart & Final:

First Street corned beef brisket, whole or half, $2.59/lb
Foster Farms chicken thighs OR drumsticks, 99¢/lb
Great American tilapia fillets, 3 lb frozen bag, $8.99
Great American red snapper fillets, 2.5 lb frozen bag, $8.99
Great American salmon fillets, 2 lb frozen bag, $9.99
Trident salmon burgers, 3 lb frozen pkg, $14.99
Chicken of the Sea chunk light tuna, 66 ounce can, $6.99
Strawberries, 4 lb box, $5.99
“Mini peeled” carrots, 2 lb bag, $1.99



Sprouts:

Beef New York steak, boneless, $4.99/lb
Beef rump roast, boneless, $3.99/lb
Corned beef brisket, mild or spicy, $3.99/lb
Pork loin chops or roasts, boneless, center cut, $2.99/lb
Whole or cut up chickens, $1.49/lb
Chicken or pork Italian sausage, hot or sweet, $2.99/lb
Salmon fillets, $8.99/lb
Corvina sea bass fillets, wild caught, $6.99/lb
Alaskan cod fillets, wild caught, $4.99/lb
Roasted veggie chips, $4.99/lb
Cascadian Farm frozen veggies, 1 lb bag, 2/$4
Gardenburger veggie patties, 10 oz pkg, $2.99
Navel oranges, 19¢/lb  Best price!
“Rio Red” grapefruit, 49¢/lb
Apples: Gala, Jonagold, Cameo, 99¢/lb
Mangos, 49¢/lb
Organic tropical mangos, 99¢ ea
Organic apples: Braeburn, Cameo, Fuji, 99¢/lb
Seedless grapes, red or black, $1.99/lb
Strawberries, 1 lb box, 2/$5
Blackberries OR blueberries, 6 oz box, 2/$5
Whole pineapples, $1.99
Baby carrots, 1 lb bag, 99¢
Green beans, 99¢/lb
Red/white/yellow onions, 49¢/lb
Red/gold/orange bell peppers, 77¢ ea

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Bargain guide, week beginning March 2nd

Disclaimer, for the benefit of our newer members: my weekly handout (like this blog version) is a completely unofficial publication of Cactus Wren who does it as a hobby. It is SO VERY VERY MUCH NOT an official Weight Watchers publication.

According to a study published in Food and Nutrition Research, you use more energy in digesting a meal of minimally processed foods than in digesting a nutritionally equivalent meal of highly processed foods.

Welcome to March, National Nutrition Month and National Meat-Out Month. March is also National Frozen Food Month, which means we’ll be seeing very good prices on frozen foods all month long. (National Frozen Food Month is one of the comparatively few such periods that have a practical reason for their existence and their timing: food packers want to clear their freezers out and make room for this year’s pack.)

(March is also National Celery Month, National Flour Month, National Noodle Month, National Peanut Month, National Sauce Month, and National Caffeine Awareness Month.)

Tomorrow, the 3rd, is National Cold Cuts Day – lean cold cuts and light cheese in a FlatOut make a very good light lunch. The 7th is National Crown Roast of Pork Day: I by policy do not prepare anything whose raw ingredients have to be special-ordered from my butcher, but if such a thing pleases you, by all means go for it.

March 2nd: National Banana Creme Pie Day
March 3rd: National Cold Cuts Day, National Mulled Wine Day
March 4th: National Pound Cake Day
March 5th: National Absinthe Day, National Cheese Doodles Day (not a combination that would have spontaneously occurred to me)
March 6th: National Frozen Food Day, National White Chocolate Cheesecake Day
March 7th: National Crown Roast of Pork Day, National Cereal Day
March 8th: National Peanut Cluster Day
March 9th: National Crabmeat Day

Tomorrow is the 132nd anniversary of the birth of Elmer McCollum, discoverer of Vitamins A, B, and D. And the 6th of March, this Sunday, is (my sources cannot agree) either the 99th or 102nd anniversary of the introduction of the Oreo cookie!

My apologies for the paucity of listings this week: half my flyers did not arrive. I will add the balance to the blog as they become available.



Albertson’s:

Beef petite sirloin steaks, $7.99/lb, buy 1 get 2 free
Beef chuck/crossrib/sirloin tip roasts, boneless, $5.99/lb, buy 1 get 1 free
Beef tri tip steaks, boneless, $6.99/lb
Beef top sirloin steaks, boneless, family pack, $4.99/lb
85/15 ground beef, $2.69/lb (5 lbs or more)
Whole frying chickens, 88¢/lb
Pork chops, “assorted”, family pack, $2.49/lb
Chicken drums/thighs/leg quarters, family pack, 88¢/lb
Boneless skinless chicken breast, $2.69/lb
Honeysuckle White 93/7 ground turkey, 1.2 lb pkg, 2/$7
Tilapia fillets, farm raised, $3.99/lb
Albertson’s milk, half gallons only, 78¢
Albertson’s eggs, AA arge, dozens, 88¢
Albertson’s cheeses, 16 oz chunk, 2/$7
Yoplait yogurts incl. Light, 10/$4
Deli: Dietz & Watson turkey OR cheeses, $6.99
Kretschmar Virginia ham, $5.99/lb
Joseph Farms cheeses, $5.99/lb
Lean Cuisine frozen entrées, 5/$10
Healthy Choice frozen entrées, 4/$10
Smart Ones “Classic Favorites” frozen entrées, 2/$5
Dole frozen fruit, 12-16 oz bag, 2/$6
PictSweet Deluxe or “Steamables” frozen veggies, 10-14 oz pkg, 3/$5
Gluten Free Café soups, 15 oz cans, 2/$5
Classico pasta sauces, 15-24 oz jars, 2/$5
Barilla pasta, 12-16 oz boxes, 10/$10
Wasa crispbread, 6.7-9 oz boxes, 2/$5
Green or red seedless grapes, 77¢/lb
Strawberries, 1 lb box, $2.99
“Refrigerator size” watermelons, $2.99 ea
Navel oranges, 99¢/lb
Cantaloupes, $1.99 ea
Jazz apples, $1.49
Cut up cantaloupe, 38 oz bowl, $3.99
Fresh Express bag salads, 2/$3
Earthbound Farms box salads, $2.99
Vine tomatoes, $2.69
Rousseau Farms mini carrots, 1 lb bag, 2/$3



Bashas’:

Beef round steak, boneless, value pack, $1.77/lb (regular pack $2.77/lb)
Beef sirloin tip steak (value pack) or roast, $3.99/lb
Beef boneless crossrib roast, $3.99/lb
Beef stew meat, boneless, $3.99/lb
Pork loin, boneless, whole in bag, $1.77/lb
Pork roast, center cut, boneless, $2.27/lb
Pork shoulder steak, bone in, value pack, $2.49/lb
Sanderson Farms boneless skinless chicken breast, $1.67/lb  Best price!
Food Club butter, $2.49
Tillamook cheeses, 8 oz chunk/shreds/slices, 2/$5
Yoplait yogurts, 10/$4
Shamrock Farms sour cream incl Light, 16 oz tub, $1.69
Shamrock Farms cottage cheese incl. Light, 16 oz tub, $2.49
Green or red seedless grapes, 77¢/lb
Gala/Red Delicious/Fuji/Granny Smith apples, snack size, 87¢/lb
Navel oranges, 47¢/lb
Mangos, 47¢/lb
Yellow onions, 47¢/lb
Peaches or nectarines, from Chile, $1.87/lb
Black or red plums, $1.87
Whole cantaloupe, 87¢/lb
Asparagus, $2.87/lb
Broccoli, AZ grown, 87¢/lb



Fry’s:

Beef New York strip steaks, bone in, family pack, $4.97/lb (regular pack $5.99)
Beef chuck steak, boneless, family pack, $3.79/lb
Pork tenderloin, whole in bag, $3.99/lb
Foster Farms chicken, buy 1 get 1 free (same item)
Private Selection turkey breast, bone in, frozen, $1.99/lb
Kroger cheeses, 6-8 oz chunk or shreds OR 6 oz “Deli Thin” slices, 50% off
Kroger sour cream OR cottage cheese, incl. Light, 24 oz tub, $1.99
Del Monte canned veggies, 11-15 oz cans, 79¢
Buitoni pasta OR sauce, 9-15 oz pkg, 2/$6
Green Giant “Steamers” frozen veggies, 11-12 oz pkg, $1.37
Pictsweet frozen veggies, 16 oz bag, 2/$3
Lean Cuisine frozen entrées, 5/$10
Blueberries, from Chile, 6 oz box, 99¢
Strawberries, 1 lb box, $2.99
Blackberries, 4.4 oz box, $2.99
Mandarins, 3 lb bag, $4.99
Navel oranges OR Minneola tangelos, 99¢/lb
Peaches or nectarines, from Chile, $1.99/lb
Pears, D’Anjou/red/Bosc, $1.29/lb
Grapefruit, 2/$1
Green or red seedless grapes, $1.99/lb
Lemons, 2/88¢ or post in the blog’s Comments section and I’ll bring you some



Safeway:

Safeway boneless skinless chicken breast, $1.77/lb
Eating Right boneless skinless chicken breast, $2.49/lb
Sanderson Farms boneless skinless chicken breast, $2.99/lb
… Okay, now they’re just messing with us.

Beef ribeye steak, bone in, value pack, $5.47/lb
93/7 ground beef, value pack, $3.99/lb
Beef London broil, $4.49/lb
Beef 7-bone chuck pot roast, $3.49/lb
Pork loin chops, “assorted”, value pack, $1.99/lb
Pork top loin chops, boneless, value pack, $3.99/lb
Jennie-O extra lean ground turkey breast, 20 oz pkg, $5.99
Open Nature chicken sausage, 12 oz pkg, $3.99
Alaskan sockeye salmon fillets, wild caught, $6.99/lb
Dairy Glen milk, gallons, $1.69  Best price!
Lucerne cheeses, 1 lb chunk or shreds, $2.99
Safeway canned veggies, 11-15 oz cans, 2/$1
Wheat Thins, $1.88
Lean Cuisine frozen entrées, 5/$10
Birds Eye “Steamfresh” frozen veggies, 11-15 oz bag, 2/$5
“Mystic Treat” red graes, 2 lb box, $4.99 – I have not tried these
Cantaloupes, 88¢ ea
Strawberries, 1 lb box, $1.88
Navel oranges, 39¢/lb  Best price!
Gala apples, $1.29/lb
Asparagus, $2.99/lb
Eating Right “baby peeled” carrots, 2 lb bag, 2/$5

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Bargain guide, week beginning February 23rd

Starting this week, Safeway is instituting its own system of shelf-tag nutrition labeling. Under the “SimpleNutrition” system, foods can be labeled with any of twenty-two different “benefit tags”, including “Made With Whole Grains”, “Good Source of Fiber”, “100% Juice”, and “Lean Protein”. (As the bloggers at Fooducate point out, Safeway’s intent is to sell foods, so there are no “Drawback Tags”: no food is going to be tagged, say, “Contains over 40% of your daily sodium” or “Good source of saturated fat”.)

Today is both National Banana Bread Day and National Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day. Call me unappreciative, but I’ve tried a number of different dog biscuits and have not found one that is an adequate substitute for banana bread. The 27th is National Strawberry Day (strawberries are PointsPlus-free) and National Kahlua Day (Kahlua most decidedly is not). March 1st is National Peanut Butter Lovers’ Day: I am not numbered among the peanut butter lovers, but if you are (and I know Debi is), enjoy.

February 23rd: National Banana Bread Day, Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day
February 24th: National Tortilla Chip Day
February 25th: National Clam Chowder Day, National Chocolate Covered Nuts Day
February 26th: National Pistachio Day
February 27th: National Strawberry Day, National Kahlua Day
February 28th: National Chocolate Souffle Day
March 1st: National Peanut Butter Lovers' Day, National Fruit Compote Day
March 2nd: National Banana Cream Pie Day



Albertson’s:

Beef t-bone steaks, family pack, $4.88/lb
Beef top sirloin steaks, boneless, family pack, $4.99/lb
Beef petite sirloin steaks, boneless, $7.99/lb, buy 1 get 1 free
Pork loin chops, “assorted”, bone in, $2.99/lb, buy 1 get 1 free
Pork sirloin chops, boneless, family pack, $1.99/lb
Boneless skinless chicken breast, $1.77/lb
Alaskan cod, wild caught, $3.99/lb
Milk, gallons, $1.59 (limit 2) <-- Best price!
Albertson’s cheeses, 8 oz chunk, 2/$4
Deli: Rotisserie turkey breast, $5.99/lb
Jennie-O honey smoked or “oven brown” turkey breast, $5.99/lb
Kretschmar honey or baked ham, $5.99/lb
Kretschmar hard or Genoa salami OR pepperoni, $5.99/lb
Charlie’s Pride roast beef/corned beef/beef pastrami, $5.99/lb
Deli Fresh cheeses, too many varieties to fit, $5.99/lb
Hunt’s spaghetti sauce, 26 oz cans, $1
Bumble Bee chunk light tuna, 69¢
Libby’s canned veggies, 79¢
Star “Ex-Virgin” olive oil (that’s what it SAYS!), 17 oz bottle, $3.99
Green Giant “Valley Fresh Steamers” frozen veggies, 12 oz pkg, 2/$3
Navel oranges, 3 lb bag, 99¢
Minneola tangelos, $1/lb
Clementines, 3 lb bag, $3.99
Strawberries, 1 lb box, $2.99
Mangos, $1 ea
Red or Golden Delicious apples, $1/lb
Mixed cut up fruit, 2 lb bowl, $9.99
Bell peppers, red/yellow/orange, $1 ea
Asparagus, green or white, $1.99/lb
Broccoli crowns, $1/lb
“Sno White” cauliflower, $1/lb
Sweet onions, $1/lb
Leaf lettuce, green/red/Romaine, $1 ea
Earthbound Farms organic box salads, 1 lb box, $4.99



Bashas’:

Beef crossrib or bottom round roast, twin pack, $1.98/lb
Beef sirloin tip/crossrib/bottom round steaks, buy 1 get 1 free
Pork shoulder steak, bone in, $3.49/lb
Bashas’ chicken drums/thighs/leg quarters, 87¢/lb
Sanderson Farms whole chickens, 87¢/lb
Steelhead fillets, farm raised, $6.99/lb
Food Club cheeses, 1 lb chunk or shreds or 12 oz string, $2.77
Bashas’ cottage cheese incl. lowfat, 16 oz tub, $1.39
Promise OR Brummel & Brown OR I Can’t Believe, 8-16 oz pkgs, 2/$5
Libby’s canned veggies, 20/$10 (50¢ ea)
Gala or Red Delicious apples, 79¢/lb
Strawberries, 1 lb box, $1.49 <-- Best price!
Clementines, 3 lb bag, $2.49
Navel oranges, 79¢/lb
Mangos, 99¢ ea
Green or red seedless grapes, $1.89/lb
Red or black plums, $1.89/lb
Whole cantaloupe, 79¢/lb
Peaches or nectarines, $1.89/lb



Food City:

Top sirloin steak, boneless, value pack, $2.89/lb
Pork shoulder steak, bone in, $1.99/lb
Chicken leg quarters, 49¢/lb (10 lb bag)
Flounder fillets, $2.49/lb
Value Time spread, 45 oz tub, $1.99
Cantaloupe, 3 lb/99¢
Mangos, 3/99¢
Pineapples, 2 lbs/98¢
Avocados, 5/99¢



Fry’s:

Beef t-bone or New York strip steaks, bone in, $5.77/lb
Beef top sirloin steaks, boneless, $5.77/lb
“Pork extravaganza”, buy 1 get 1 free
Kroger ground turkey, (extra lean), 3 lb pkg, $6.99
Fry’s milk, gallons, $1.59 <-- Best price!
Fry’s eggs, AA large, dozens, 5/$5
Kroger cheeses, 12-16 oz chunk or shreds, $2.99
Chicken of the Sea chunk light tuna, 10/$5
Fry’s canned fruit, 10/$10
Bush’s beans, 10/$10
Barilla pasta, 12-16 oz boxes, 10/$10
Healthy Choice frozen entrees, $1.88
Strawberries, 1 lb box, 4/$5
Navel oranges, 99¢/lb
Cara Cara navel oranges, 75¢/lb
Minneola tangelos, 99¢/lb
Green or red seedless grapes, $1.99/lb
Mangos, 99¢ ea
Vine or large tomatoes, $1.99/lb



Rancho Grande:

Boneless pork leg, family pack, $1.39/lb
Chicken breast, bone in, 99¢/lb
Watermelon, 5 lbs/$1
Peaches, 49¢/lb



Safeway:

Rancher’s Reserve beef round steak, boneless, value pack, $1.99/lb
Rancher’s Reserve beef top sirloin steak, boneless, $5.99/lb
Beef chuck crossrib roast, boneless, $4.49/lb
Chicken drums/thighs/leg quarters, value pack, 99¢/lb
Alaskan cod fillet, wild caught, $5.99/lb
Lucerne cheeses, 2 lb chunk or shreds, $4.99/lb
Safeway pasta sauce, 67 oz jar, 2/$7
Safeway Select olive oil, 17 oz jar, $5.49
Safeway apples, Gala/Fuji/Granny Smith/Red Delicious, 3 lb bag, 2/$6
Strawberries, 1 lb box, 2/$3
Red seedless grapes, $1.99/lb
Broccoli crowns, 88¢/lb
Eating Right bag veggies, 12 oz bag, $1.99



Smart & Final:

Beef top round roast or London broil, boneless, $2.49
Beef round whole sirloin tip, boneless, whole in bag, $2.79/lb
Pork loin roast, boneless, $2.69
Foster Farms mixed thighs and drumsticks pack, 99¢/lb
Seedless red grapes, 2 lb box, $2.49



Sprouts:

Beef rump roast, boneless, $2.97/lb
Beef New York steak, boneless, $7.99/lb
Pork sirloin chops or roast OR ground pork, $2.99/lb
Boneless skinless chicken breasts, value pack, $1.97/lb
Boneless skinless chicken thighs, value pack, $1.97/lb
Atlantic haddock fillets, wild caught, $3.97/lb
Sprouts extra virgin olive oil, 33 oz bottle, $6.99
Cascadian Farms frozen veggies, 1 lb bag, $2.49
Strawberries, 1 lb box, $1.67/lb
Navel oranges OR “Rio Red” grapefruit, 49¢/lb
Organic Valencia oranges, 4 lb bag, 2/$5
Whole cantaloupes, 99¢ ea
Apples, Gala/Fuji/Braeburn, 99¢/lb
Mangos, 49¢ ea
Whole pineapples, $1.99
Seedless red or black grapes, $1.99/lb
Organic apples, Jonagold/Red Delicious, 99¢/lb
Organic broccoli, 2 lbs/$3
Organic butternut squash, 99¢/lb

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Bargain guide, week beginning February 16th

Courtesy of Fooducate, at Xtranormal we have an animated video, a sardonic riff on food processors’ attempts to convince us that heavily processed foods are healthier than un- or less-processed foods. (“Have you tried quinoa?” “That is a carb. I would rather eat a candy bar made with sugar alcohols that make my stomach feel as though a demonic alien baby were trying to claw its way out of me.”)

Friday, the 18th, is Drink Wine Day; it is followed by National Chocolate Mint Day, National Cherry Pie Day, and National Sticky Bun Day. And at the extreme opposite end of the food-appeal spectrum, one week from today, the 23rd, is National Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day. (I’ve tried them. They’re filling enough and crunchy, but definitely left me with that deprived feeling WW tells us we should avoid.)

February 16th: National Almond Day
February 17th: National Indian Pudding Day, National Café au Lait Day
February 18th: Crab-Stuffed Flounder Day, Drink Wine Day
February 19th: National Chocolate Mint Day
February 20th: National Cherry Pie Day
February 21st: National Sticky Bun Day
February 22nd: National Margarita Day
February 23rd: National Banana Bread Day, National Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day



Albertson’s:

93/7 ground beef, $2.19/lb (5 lbs or more)
Beef chuck/crossrib/bottom round/sirloin tip roasts or steaks, boneless, $2.99/lb
Pork loin roast, boneless, whole in bag, $4.99/lb, buy 1 get 1 free
Pork butt shoulder roast, bone in, whole in bag, $1.99/lb
Pork picnic roast, bone in, whole in bag, $1.69/lb
All Sanderson Farms tray pack chicken, buy 1 get 1 free (same item only)
Deli: Jennie-O oven roasted turkey breast, $4.99/lb
Joseph Farms provolone/pepperjack/mild Cheddar cheeses, $4.99/lb
Kretschmar Virginia ham/Italian roast beef/pastrami/corned beef, $4.99/lb
Albertson’s cheeses, 2 lb chunk, $5.99
Shamrock Farms cottage cheese incl low fat, 24 oz tub, $2.99
Muir Glen organic pasta sauces, 26 oz jars, $3.99
Kashi breakfast cereals, 10-13 oz boxes, 2/$7
Albertson’s fruit bowls (shelf-stable), 4 pk, $1.79
Skinny Cow ice-cream novelties, 4-12 ct, $3.99
Red seedless grapes, 88¢/lb
Apples: Braeburn, Red/Golden Delicious, $1/lb
D’anjou pears, $1/lb
Navel oranges OR Minneola tangelos, $1/lb
Whole cantaloupes, $1.99 ea
Grape tomatoes, 12 oz box, 2/$3
Rousseau Farms “Gourmet Mini” carrots, 1 lb bag, 2/$3
Asparagus, green or white, $2.99/lb
Earthbound Farms box salads, 16 oz, $4.99



Bashas’:

Beer chuck roast, bone in, value pack, $1.88/lb (steaks $2.88/lb)
Beef New York strip steak, bone in, value pack, $4.77/lb
Beef crossrib roast, $2.99/lb (steaks $3.49/lb)
Pork shoulder roast, bone in, $2.49/lb
Mahi mahi fillets, wild caught, $8.99/lb, “weather permitting”
Bashas’ eggs, AA large, dozen, 99¢
Bashas’ cottage cheese OR sour cream incl. low fat, 24 oz tub, $1.88
Deli: Stella baby Swiss cheese, $6.99/lb
Harvest Provisions cold cuts, $5.99/lb
Nature’s Own bread, $1.99
Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain or Fiber Plus bars, 2/$5
Food Club oats or instant oatmeal, 2/$3
Classico pasta sauces, 8-24 oz jars, 2/$4
Food Club pasta, 13-16 oz box, 89¢
Green or red seedless grapes, 96¢/lb
Dole whole pineapples, 39¢/lb
Navel oranges, 99¢/lb
Minneola tangelos, AZ grown, 99¢/lb
Blueberries, 6 oz box, $2.99
Peaches or nectarines, from Chile, $1.99/lb
Bananas, 59¢/lb
“Mini peeled” carrots, AZ grown, 1 lb bag, 2/$3



Food City:

Beef crossrib steaks, boneless, value pack, $2.69/lb
Sirloin cut pork chops, bone in, value pack, $1.19/lb
Chicken thighs or drumsticks, bone in, 58¢/lb (10 lb bag)
Food Club canned veggies, 69¢
Food Club canned tomatoes, 79¢
Fuji apples, 3 lbs/99¢
Tangelos, 2 lbs/98¢
Tomatillos, 2 lbs/98¢
Brown onions, 5 lbs/$1
Avocados, 4/99¢



Fry’s:

(Fry’s has its usual, and too annoyingly tedious to format, “save $5 when you buy 10 participating items” sale.)

Beef New York strip steak, bone in, family pack, $3.88/lb
Half pork loin, boneless, whole in bag, $1.88/lb
Whole frying chickens, 99¢/lb
Jennie-O ground turkey, 1.25 lb pkg, 25% off
Fry’s milk, half gallons only, 78¢
Kroger cheeses, 6-8 oz chunk or shreds, $1.48/lb
Green or red seedless grapes, 88¢/lb
Peaches or nectarines, from Chile, $1.99/lb
Strawberries, 1 lb box, 2/$5
Blackberries or blueberries, small box, 2/$5
Oranges, 99¢/lb
Del Monte whole pineapples, $2.99 ea
Minneola tangelos, AZ grown, 99¢/lb
Kiwifruit, 3/99¢
Leaf lettuce, green/red/Romaine, AZ grown, 99¢ ea
Collard/mustard/turnip greens, 99¢/bunch
Broccoli OR cauliflower, 99¢/lb
Dole OR Fresh Selections bag salads, 2/$5
Organic “mini peeled” carrots, yellow or orange, 1 lb bag, 2/$3



Rancho Grande:

Beef sirloin tip steak, $2.89/lb
Assorted pork chops, family pack, $1.19/lb
Pork steak, bone in, $1.49/lb
Chicken drumsticks, 59¢/lb
Jonagold apples, 2 lbs/99¢
Oranges, 5 lbs/99¢
Iceberg, 3/99¢



Safeway:

Beef chuck 7-bone pot roast, $1.89/lb
Beef t-bone steaks, value pack, $4.99/lb
Beef London broil, boneless, $3.99/lb
Beef chuck crossrib roast, boneless, $2.99/lb
93/7 ground beef, value pack, $2.49/lb
Pork loin, boneless, whole in bag, $2.49/lb
Pork loin chops, bone in, value pack, $2.99/lb
Sanderson Farms boneless skinless chicken breast, $3.99/lb
Dairy Glen milk, gallons, $1.59  Best price!
Lucerne cheeses, 2 lb chunk or shreds, $5.99
Prego “Heart Smart” pasta sauces, 23 oz jar, $1.89
Chicken of the Sea chunk light tuna, 2/$1
Campbell’s Chunky “Healthy Request” soups, 2/$3
Campbell’s “Select Harvest” soups, buy 1 get 1 free
Safeway frozen veggies, 8-16 oz bag, 3/$5
Smart One “Bistro Selections” frozen entrées, 4/$10
Healthy Choice frozen meals, 5/$10
Red seedless grapes, 99¢/lb
D’Anjou or Bosc pears, 99¢/lb
Red/yellow/orange bell peppers, 88¢ ea
Broccoli crowns, 99¢/lb
Roma tomatoes, 99¢/lb
Yellow onions, 2 lbs/$1



Smart & Final:

Beef top sirloin steak, boneless, $2.99/lb
Moran’s 96/4 ground beef, 2 lb chub, $6.98 ($3.49/lb)
Farmer John pork tenderloin, boneless, $2.99
Foster Farms whole chickens, 79¢/lb
First Street milk, gallons, $1.67
La Romanella pasta, 1 lb pkg, 99¢/lb (free with purchase of Turning Leaf wine)
Apples: Fuji/Gala/Granny Smith/Red Delicious, 8 ct, $2.99
Nectarines, 2 lb pkg, $2.49



Sprouts:

Beef chuck roast, boneless, $3.99/lb
Pork loin chops or roasts, center cut, boneless, $2.99/lb
Most bone-in chicken, 99¢/lb
Salmon fillets, $8.99/lb
All deli meats, 30% off
Kashi frozen pizzas, $3.99
Sprouts canned tomatoes, 28 oz can, $1.49
Think Thin protein bars, 2/$3
Sprouts frozen veggies, 16 oz bag, 2/$3
Navel oranges, 49¢/lb
Mangos, 49¢/lb
Pinova apples, 88¢/lb
Fuji or Braeburn apples, organic, 99¢/lb
Green or red seedless grapes, 2 lbs/$3
Peaches/plums/nectarines, 2 lbs/$3
Strawberries, 1 lb box, 2/$5
Blueberries, 4.4 oz box, 99¢
Organic mangos, 4/$5
Organic carrots, 1 lb bag, 88¢
Organic yellow onions, 3 lb bag, 2/$5

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Bargain guide, week beginning February 2nd

From what I see on the news, when Punxsutawney Phil – or any other groundhog – stuck his head out this Groundhog Day, all he saw was snow. (Am I the only person here old enough to remember Agua Fria Freddie?)

Some sort of sporting event is scheduled for this weekend, or so I am given to understand: actually, it’s the biggest food-consumption day of the year, beating out Thanksgiving. So chips, dips, steaks, burgers, soft drinks, beer, and anything else suitable for serving to large groups of shouting men is heavily promoted this week.

And so welcome to February, which is – at the healthier end of the spectrum – Berry Fresh Month, National Cherry Month (I have no idea why, as any fresh cherries in February have to be imported from Chile!), National Fiber Focus Month, National Grapefruit Month, National Heart Healthy Month, and National Hot Breakfast Month. This first week of February is Shape Up With Pickles Week – again I have no idea why, but pickles are a tasty snack and most of them are PointsPlus free. The 4th of the month, this Friday, is Homemade Soup Day: as I type this it is 40° out and a plate of homemade soup sounds gooood. The 6th is Frozen Yogurt Day – all hail Golden Spoon – but I think we will be pretty well frozen by then even without the yogurt.

February 2nd: Heavenly Hash Day
February 3rd: National Carrot Cake Day
February 4th: Homemade Soup Day, National Stuffed Mushroom Day
February 5th: National Chocolate Fondue Day
February 6th: National Frozen Yogurt Day
February 7th: National Fettucine Alfredo Day*
February 8th: Molasses Bar Day
February 9th: National Bagels and Lox Day, National Pizza Day

* I am reliably informed that Alfredo would have been shocked at the notion of an "Alfredo sauce" -- Alfredo dressed his fettucine with lumps of butter and piles of freshly shredded Parmesan.

In the news, the USDA finally (in January 2011) got around to announcing its 2010 dietary guidelines. Which are full of such shocking advice as “Eat more whole grains”, “Fill half your plate with vegetables”, and “Drink water, not sugary drinks”, all of which we’ve been hearing from Weight Watchers for years now.



Albertson’s:

Beef London broil/bottom round/crossrib roasts, $4.99/lb, buy 1 get 1 free
Pork loin back ribs, $7.99/lb, buy 1 get 2 free
Pork sirloin chops or roast, boneless, $1.99/lb
Hormel spiral sliced ham, bone in, $1.99/lb
Boneless skinless chicken breast, $1.77/lb
Honeysuckle White 93/7 ground turkey, 3 lb chub, $3.69, buy 1 get 1 free
Alaskan cod fillets, wild caught, $6.99/lb
All Pepsi products incl. Diet, 12 packs, $2.40 (must buy 5)
Deli: Jennie-O oven roasted turkey breast, $4.99/lb
Kretschmar Virginia ham, $4.99/lb
Dietz & Watson lunchmeats and cheeses, $6.99/lb
Deli Fresh cheeses, $5.99/lb
Margherita hard salami/Genoa salami/pepperoni, $5.99/lb
Sargento cheeses, 5-8 oz shreds, 2/$5
Wheat Thins, other Nabisco snack crackers, 5.5-10 oz boxes, $1.88
Ro-Tel tomatoes, 10/$10
Nathan’s pickles or sauerkraut, 24-32 oz jars, $3.29
Claussen pickles or sauerkraut, 20-32 oz jars, $3.29
Bush’s beans, 79¢
Pictsweet frozen veggies, 14-16 oz bags, 3/$4
Clementines, 3 lb bag, $2.77
Navel oranges OR tangelos, 99¢/lb
Gala apples, $1.49/lb
Seedless grapes, green or red, $2.99/lb
Roma tomatoes, 99¢/lb
Fresh Express bag salads or spinach, 2/$3
Hass avocados, 99¢ ea
Hearts of romaine, 2/$4
Asparagus, $2.99/lb
English cucumbers, 99¢
Earthbound Farms box salads, 1 lb box, $4.99



Bashas’:

Beef tenderloin, whole in bag, $6.99/lb
Beef porterhouse steaks, value pack, $4.97/lb
Beef t-bone or New York strip steak, bone in, value pack, $3.97/lb
Beef crossrib roast, $3.99/lb
Pork tenderloin, $4.49/lb
Pork shoulder roast, bone in, $1.99/lb (steaks, $2.49/lb)
Assorted pork chops, bone in, value pack, $1.99/lb
Chicken breast, bone in, value pack, 97¢/lb
Chicken leg quarters, bone in, value pack, 97¢/lb
Deli: Eckrich ham, $4.99/lb
Stella Provolone cheese, $4.99/lb
Bashas’ cottage cheese incl lowfat, 16 oz tub, $1.39
C&W or Birds Eye frozen veggies, 11-16 oz bags, 5/$10
Ragu pasta sauces, 16-26 oz jars, $1.59
Starkist chunk light tuna, 69¢
Hunt’s canned tomatoes, 14 oz can, 10/$10
Whole pineapples, $1.99
Navel oranges, 99¢/lb
Blueberries or blackberries, 6 oz box, 2/$5
Gala or Red Delicious apples, 99¢/lb
Vine tomatoes, AZ grown, 99¢/lb
Small Hass avocados, 4/$1
Asparagus, $2.49/lb
Cucumbers, 79¢ ea
Italian squash, 99¢/lb



Food City:

Beef crossrib steaks or roast, boneless, value pack, $2.49/lb
Boneless skinless chicken breast, value pack, $1.49/lb
Basa swai fillets, $2.99/lb
Flav-R-Pac frozen veggies, 1 lb bag, 88¢
Red seedless grapes, 99¢/lb
Navel oranges, 5 lbs/$1
Tangelos, 2 lb/98¢
Fuji apples, 2 lbs/98¢
Mexican papayas, 2 lbs/98¢
Asian pears, 2 lbs/98¢
Roma tomatoes, 3 lbs/99¢
Red bell peppers, 2/98¢



Fry’s:

Beef ribeye, boneless, whole in bag, $3.97/lb, cut & wrapped free
Beef top sirloin, family pack, $4.97/lb
Beef top round roast or London broil, boneless, family pack, $3.79/lb
Beef crossrib roast, boneless, family pack, $3.79/lb
85/15 ground beef, 1 lb chub, $3.29
Pork loin back ribs, $2.77/lb
Assorted pork loin chops, $2.69/lb
Boneless skinless chicken breast, 3 lb IQF bag, $1.67/lb
Whole frying chickens, $1.09/lb
85/15 ground turkey, $1.99/lb (3 lb pkg)
Kroger cheeses, 6-8 oz chunk or shreds or 6 oz “Deli Thin” slices, 50% off
Navel oranges OR Minneola tangelos, $1/lb
D’Anjou pears, 4 lbs/$5
Green or red seedless grapes, $2.49/lb
Blackberries or blueberries, 4.4-6 oz box, 2/$5
Mangos, $1 ea
Lemons, 2/88¢ or post a note in Comments and I will bring some
Peaches OR nectarines, $1.99/lb
Vine OR large OR Roma tomatoes, $1/lb
Dole bag salads, $1
Kroger “mini peeled” carrots, 1 lb bag, $1
Radishes OR green onions, 2 bunches/$1
Sweet onion, $1/lb



Rancho Grande:

Beef shoulder steak or roast, family pack, $2.49/lb
Beef liver, $1.29/lb
Assorted pork chops, $1.39/lb
Whole chickens, family pack, 79¢/lb
Clamato, 32 oz bottles, 2/$3
Whole pineapples, 2 lbs/99¢
White onions, 5 lbs/99¢
Jalapeño chiles, 4 lbs/99¢
Roma tomatoes, 2 lbs/99¢
Cabbage, 3 lbs/99¢



Safeway:

Beef ribeye OR New York strip steaks, bone in, value pack, $4.77/lb
Beef chuck crossrib OR bottom round roast, boneless, $3.99/lb
Beef New York steak, boneless, value pack, $6.99/lb
90/10 ground beef, value pack, $2.19/lb
Pork top loin chops, boneless, value pack, $3.99/lb
Pork shoulder country style ribs, bone in, value pack, $1.99/lb
Chicken drums/thighs/leg quarters, value pack, 88¢/lb
Sockeye salmon fillets, wild caught, $8.99/lb
Land O Lakes butter, 2/$7
Safeway frozen veg, 8-16 oz bags, 2/$4
Bumble Bee solid white tuna, 10/$10
Mt Olive pickles, 24 oz jar, buy 1 get 1 free
Red seedless grapes, 99¢/lb
Navel oranges, 2 lb/$1
Kiwifruit, 3/$1
Blueberries, 6 oz box, 2/$5
Vine tomatoes, $2.49/lb
Green asparagus, $2.99/lb
New Star bag spinach, 1 lb bag, 2/$3



Smart & Final:

Beef ribeye steak, boneless, $4.99/lb
Farmer John spareribs, $1.69/lb
Foster Farms chicken breast, bone in, family pack, 99¢/lb
Hass avocados, 4 ct, $2.49
Eat Smart veggie tray, 4 lbs, $9.99
Grape tomatoes, 12 oz box, 99¢



Sprouts:

Beef sirloin tip steak or roast, boneless, $3.99/lb
Beef ribeye or New York steaks, boneless, $7.99/lb
“Super lean” ground sirloin, fat content not listed, $3.99/lb
Pork sirloin chops or spare ribs, $2.99/lb
Bonelss skinless chicken breast, $2.99/lb
Chicken sausage, $2.99/lb
Mahi mahi fillets, wild caught, $7.99/lb
Sprouts canned beans, 77¢
Cantaloupes, 99¢ ea
Navel oranges OR “Rio Red” grapefruit, 49¢/lb
Gala or Fuji apples, 99¢/lb
Organic Braeburn apples, 99¢/lb
Bosc or D’Anjou pears, 99¢/lb
Peaches, nectarines, black or red plums, 2/$3
Blueberries, dry pint, $1.77
Honeydew melons, 2/$4
Pineapples, 2/$4
Red seedless grapes, 2 lbs/$3
Leaf lettuce, green or red, 99¢
Tomatoes, 88¢/lb
Green bell peppers, 49¢ ea
Red/gold/orange bell peppers, 88¢ ea
Radishes OR green onions, 49¢/bunch
Summer squashes, 88¢/lb
Grape tomatoes, dry pint, 2/$3