Comparison Shopping

So, yes, it's been a lot quieter in the kitchen this week, but I've still been cooking. I managed to spend only $34.06 at Wegmans this week, but that doesn't mean we're not eating pretty well. By having a pretty well-stocked pantry and freezer, we've managed to have Easy Layered Beans and Rice, the Chicken Sausage and Provolone Penne Bake, Laura's Lean Beef Burgers, and pork chops with Baked Triple-Bean Pot. Supplemented, of course, with various frozen and fresh vegetables. Not bad.

I will probably throw one or two new recipes on for next week, but will still be trying to cook from the freezer and pantry. We still have plenty of beans, tuna for tuna melts, Wegmans' pierogies and raviolis, meatballs and marinara, a flank steak, and leftovers of Garlic Harvest Soup and Black Bean and Chorizo Chili.

Last week I started my comparison shopping between Sam's Club and Wegmans and it turned out to be very informative. While Wegmans does have competitive prices when compared to other grocery stores in the area and especially to what we were paying in Indiana at Meijer, most of their prices just don't compete with Sam's Club. Especially when it comes to meats and cheeses. Here are a few examples (all prices are per pound except Boursin which is by the container):


These prices are based on the cheapest items available at Wegmans, including their own store brand. Quite often, even their store brand can't compete with Sam's. There are some exceptions such as boneless, skinless chicken breasts - they will often be priced at $1.99 at Wegmans, but more often I see them for $2.59 - the price seems to change on a whim, never actually published as a sale. I haven't quite figured that one out.

My list is a lot longer than what I posted above, but a few exceptions, Sam's Club is still the most competitive. Look at the difference in goat cheese prices! For some reason, Wegmans seems to carry only a very expensive variety with no lower-priced options. If I were to buy just one pound of each of the items listed above, I'd be saving $32 at Sam's Club over Wegmans. That's nearly the price of the yearly $40 membership right there.

Looks like I'll be holding onto that membership. There are quite a few items, however, that I will continue to purchase at Wegmans even if they are cheaper at Sam's just because the bulk size at Sam's is just too large or more than we need at one time. If you can't even fit the container in your cupboard or fridge, it's not really all that convenient........

This week I will be near Giant with some time on my hands, so I will be collecting some prices in their store to see how they compare with Wegmans.