Best Cheap$kate Food Finds of 2024

 It's back to basics in this roundup of my Best Cheap$kate Food Finds of 2024. That doesn't mean you won't find a few outrageously one-of-a-kind cheap deals that I crow about. Prices are slowly going down this year. So go ahead and read 'em and reap (the savings, that is!).

I scour grocer mail flyers for weekly specials at my nearby chain grocery store Ralphs, especially during holidays when I stock up on for-sale meat to freeze, and walk to my local Latin Market for cheaper produce like avocados, tomatoes, onions, potatoes, and fresh Salsa. 

I luckily have a Dollar Tree within walking distance. It's not easy being a cheap$kate, I do work at it and enjoy sharing my frugal finds with you, and maybe giving my visitors a few recipe ideas using everyday discount food.

And be sure to click on any highlighted recipe name to see the original tasty blog post recipe.

I like to hit the bargain bins at Ralphs, my local grocer. They have a discount shelf with half-price pies, loaves of bread, pastries, and even hamburger and hot dog buns. Often the bread is still soft, but if not then toasting it will work. For desserts I usually heat a slice of pie or croissant for a minute, anyway.

At the end of the chilling meat and seafood sections, they have shrimp, fish, steaks, sausage, turkey pieces, bacon, etc. at reduced prices due to approaching expiration dates. I go by smell and color before purchasing anything. If the meat is still red, not gray or pale, and the odor is not sour or pungent, then I'll go for it.

Lately, Ralphs has weekday $6 deals. I go for a Thursday whole Roast Chicken, Wednesday Fried Chicken (8 pieces of legs and thighs), and Monday whole Frozen Pizza.  

Chicken is still cheap and I get mine from Superior, my local Latin grocer. Beef is expensive so I came up with a budget spin on Beef Stroganoff I call Chicken Stoganoff.

The Dollar Tree has single-serving Pizzas that I will indulge in from time to time. I'll usually add a few sliced black olives and an anchovy or two.

Superior, my local Latin market has the best deals for fruit and veggies. Avocados, potatoes, and lettuce are all around 99 cents...or less!

I make Stir Fry with frozen veggies I get from the Dollar Tree. I also get Asian bottled sauces. Of course, they usually carry Ramen and frozen Egg Rolls.

The holidays have the best deals. St. Patrick's Day look for whole Corned Beef at its cheapest of the year. Cabbage is dirt cheap, too. I have a delicious Easy Corned Beef recipe.

Thanksgiving and Christmas is the time of Turkey and Ham sales. A whole Turkey for less than a dollar a pound can be found. I was in Gonzales, Louisiana for Thanksgiving and the the talk of the town was Rouses Grocers was selling "Get a free Turkey with the purchase of a Ham." I jumped on that deal. And for a few days Sweet Potatoes were 29c per pound. I have a basic Roast Turkey with Stuffing that I think you will enjoy.

I still find a lot of great deals at my local Dollar Tree just check them out below. I'm a fan of cans and small packages of cooked fish. Check out my Pasta with Sardines recipe.

I make my Mexican dishes with Corn and Flour Tortillas. Canned Beans are always in the shelves. A favorite Mexican breakfast is Huevos Rancheros, a fried egg on refried beans and a tortilla topped with cheese, slices of avocado, and salsa...soooo goooood. I like Homemade Pinto Beans, but Canned Beans are fine.

I buy milk and plant-based milk from Dollar Tree. They sell containers that do not need refrigeration until they are opened.

Dried Pasta, Tomato Sauce, Pasta Sauce, Black Olives, Dried Herbs, and Dried Parmesan come cheaply. Check out my link for National Pasta Day to see the recipes I've created using cheap$kate ingredients. 

Dollar Tree does not sell fresh vegetables or fruit, but they do carry frozen and canned produce.

Here is the best of the rest.

Keep checking back for my great cheap$kate finds in the new year.

Happy bargain hunting in 2025!