CNY best & the most cost effective shopping
With the raising inflation and cost of groceries, as well as craaaazyyy cost of utilities in CNY, plus my inability to find any job in the past 4 years living here, I decided to fully live and express myself online. Saving is the MUST for me on the minimum disability income, so finding the most cost effective shopping became my new priority. And here it is. Many people think Walmart or Costco are the best for bulk shopping. Or though I agree if you shop for fall/winter storage, Costco is more cost effective, for things such as paper towels, caned veggies, preservative, oils and sauces, but for the everyday things, I found small batch shopping from other stores to be way more cost effective. So, here is it in Syracuse CNY area, most cost effective store so far:
Trader Joe’s many people think it is too boogie for CNY. Yes, and NO. They carry many of their own brands, contracted eith local producers to cut the logistic and transportation cost. Their portions are perfect for people looking for a balanced cooking, weight appropriate dishes and healthy organics in general. They have Normal size meals, not American style ”the bigger the better”. On average we spend $98.00 for 18 items, including pizzas, french soda and frozen meals. Huge CON they DO NOT DELIVER.
ALDI ® and ALDI ® Express this is East Cost ONLY exclusive supermarket chain. This is also middle-class mid-range price, and not the cheapest chain in Germany. This is also an affiliate of Trader Joe’s. Our average cost here is 20 items for $94.00, including paper towels, salads, bread, Deli, Dog food, fruits and vegetables. They do deliver everywhere local. They also offer normal size meals and always fresh produce with variety of uncommon European brands.
European Specialties on Westvale Plaza 2142 W Genesee St Westvale Plaza Syracuse, NY 13219. This is European foods from Ukraine, Russia, Middle East, Germany Poland etc. They offer fresh bakery, fresh pastries, salads and many Deli products, as well as variety of European Sweets and drinks. No alcohol. Their food is always fresh, pastries and bread are always warm. They cook daily. We buy on average between 20-35 items for under $140.00, which usually includes: deli meat of at least 2 varieties (bologna and smoked meat), pastries, fresh bread, smoked salmon, beet herring or olivier salad, frozen pelmeni, cake, chocolate, pickled mushrooms, etc.
Just as an example, we paid $331.99 for 19 items during our last shopping trip at Costco … This is for the family of 3 adults.
If you add it all up: we spend on average $340.00 for 58+ items from 3 stores ($5.60 per item) vs. 19 items for $332.00 at Costco ($17.50 per item) …
