• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Seasonal Cravings

Seasonal Recipes and Travel

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • Resources
    • Gluten Free For Beginners
    • Gluten Free Food List
    • Pros and Cons of a Gluten Free Diet
    • How To Meal Plan
    • Clean Eating For Beginners
    • Clean Eating Pantry Staples
    • Gluten Free Halloween Candy List
    • Gluten Free Diet Meal Plan
    • 100 Gluten Free Dairy Free Breakfasts
    • 100 Gluten Free Lunch Ideas for Kids
    • 50 Easy Gluten Free Chicken Dinner Recipes
    • 45 Best Gluten Free Products at Costco
    • 30 Best Gluten Free Products at Trader Joe's
  • Recipes
    • Dairy Free
    • Keto
    • Paleo
    • Whole30
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Cocktails
    • Desserts
    • Dinner
    • Instant Pot
    • Salads
    • Slow Cooker
    • Soups
    • Smoothies
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
    • Bermuda
    • Europe
    • United States
      • Florida
  • About
    • About Karen
    • Contact
    • Disclaimer | Policies
    • Food Blogging Resources
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipe Index
  • Resources
  • About
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×
    • snack pack
      Meal Prep Recipes for Weight Loss
    • instant pot taco soup
      Taco Soup Recipes
    • Beach on Amelia Island in Northern Florida along the Atlantic Ocean
      Top 10 Cities in North Carolina To Visit
    • Decorated colorful skulls, ceramics death symbol at market, day of dead, Mexico
      17 Worldwide Festivals Not To Miss
    • Minestrone Soup
      10 Fall Soup Recipes to Warm Your Bones
    • Entrance of Kennedy Space Center
      Kennedy Space Center: Plan a Space Adventure Vacation
    • portrait of pretty woman with an apple close up
      What Healthy Food Tastes Better Than Unhealthy Food
    • disneyworld orlando Florida
      21 Things to Do in Orlando: An Ultimate Guide to the City’s Best-Kept Secrets
    • Hikers - people hiking, man looking at mountain nature landscape scenic with woman in background. Happy multicultural young couple in Yosemite National Park, California, USA
      Ranking The 9 National Parks in California
    • Aerial from Eagle beach on Aruba in the Caribbean
      Paradise Found: Discover The 5 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in The Caribbean for Vacation Bliss
    • Pizza
      3 Crucial Tips for Making The Best Gluten-Free Pizza
    • surprised woman
      Top Ten Most Caffeinated Energy Drinks

    10 Most Overpriced Foods To Avoid Buying at the Store

    Published: Aug 28, 2023 Modified: Aug 28, 2023 by Karen Kelly This post may contain affiliate links.

    When it comes to grocery shopping, it's essential to strike a balance between quality and price. However, the abundance of options available can sometimes leave us wondering if we're paying more than necessary. Not to mention, labels that scream “Non-GMO, Gluten-Free, and Low-Fat” give the appearance that we need to opt for those more expensive items when the reality is, most of the time, you are paying extra for no additional benefit.

    Here are the ten most overpriced foods you should avoid at the store. By being mindful of these items, you can make smarter choices and save some hard-earned cash while still enjoying a delicious and satisfying meal.

    Pre-cut Fruits and Vegetables

    Big shelf in supermarket with fresh fruits
    Photo Credit: Deposit Photos

    While the convenience of pre-cut fruits and vegetables may seem tempting, they often come with a significant price markup. Instead, opt for whole produce and take a few extra minutes to prepare them at home. Not only will you save money, but you'll also ensure fresher and more nutritious options. Another great option is to find your local produce at the farmer's market! This supports your neighbors and can cut the middle man (grocery stores) and give you the freshest produce there is!

    Bottled Water

    Precious water, gorgeous brunette woman with bottled water.
    Photo Credit: Deposit Photos

    Why, oh, why, do people buy bottled water?! Bottled water has become a ubiquitous choice for hydration, but it's often far more expensive than tap water. Investing in a reusable water bottle and filtering your own water can help you cut costs and reduce plastic waste. You are likely to drink more water throughout the day as well if you have a reusable one on you since most places have a water fountain to refill.

    Salad Dressings

    Assortment Of Salad Dressing Bottles
    Photo Credit: Deposit Photos

    Store-bought salad dressings can be expensive and loaded with additives and preservatives. Consider making your own dressings using simple ingredients like olive oil, vinegar, and herbs. This way, you'll have complete control over the flavor and save money in the process.

    Gourmet Spices

    Spices and herbs in wooden bowls. Food and cuisine ingredients.
    Photo Credit: Deposit Photos

    While exotic spices can add a unique touch to your dishes, they often come with hefty price tags. Consider buying basic spices in bulk and exploring online or local markets for more affordable alternatives. You'll still be able to elevate your culinary creations without breaking the bank.

    Single-Serve Snack Packs

    Wide selection of potato chip or junk food on shelf display in a convenient store at Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
    Photo Credit: Deposit Photos

    Individually packaged snacks like chips and cookies may seem convenient for on-the-go consumption. However, they tend to be more expensive than their larger counterparts. Buying in bulk and portioning snacks into reusable containers can help you save money and reduce unnecessary packaging waste.

    Pre-packaged Deli Meats

    deli meats
    Photo Credit: Shutterstock

    Pre-packaged deli meats are undoubtedly convenient, but they are often priced higher than buying fresh cuts from the deli counter. Take a trip to the deli section of your grocery store and ask for freshly sliced meats. Not only will you save money, but you'll also have more control over the thickness and quality of your cuts.

    Frozen Dinners

    A Frozen Turkey TV Dinner Over White
    Photo Credit: Deposit Photos

    Frozen dinners may offer convenience, but they often sacrifice taste and quality in the process. These pre-packaged meals tend to be expensive for what they offer. They also have additives such as sodium, preservatives, and synthetic flavors. Instead, consider batch cooking and freezing your own homemade meals. It's a healthier and more cost-effective alternative.

    Brand Name Cereals

    cereal
    Photo Credit: Deposit Photos

    Popular brand-name cereals often come with a higher price tag due to marketing and packaging costs. Opting for generic or store-brand cereals can be just as delicious while saving you significant money. Compare ingredients and nutritional value to ensure you're making a nutritious choice. The basic store brands are usually just as good without the added price!

    Pre-made Smoothies

    Fresh Blueberry and Strawberry Smoothie on a background
    Photo Credit: Deposit Photos

    Pre-made smoothies may seem quick and healthy, but they are typically expensive and may contain added sugars. Invest in a blender and create your own delicious smoothies using fresh fruits, vegetables, and yogurt. There are hundreds of recipes online to implement in your daily morning routine. You'll have more control over the ingredients and save money in the long run.

    Specialty Coffee Drinks

    Set of coffee drinks: espresso, cappuccino, latte and Americano. On a black stone background. Top view.
    Photo Credit: Deposit Photos

    While indulging in a fancy coffee drink from a popular chain can be a treat, it can also be costly. Consider brewing your coffee at home and exploring various flavors and brewing techniques. You'll not only save money but also have the freedom to experiment with different blends and flavors.

    Awareness of the most overpriced foods at the grocery store is a valuable skill that can save you money without compromising taste and quality. By avoiding these ten items and exploring alternative options, you can stretch your grocery budget further and make more informed choices. Remember, the key is to strike a balance between your desire for convenience and your wallet's well-being. Happy shopping, and enjoy the satisfaction of finding value in every aisle!

    About Karen Kelly

    Hi, I'm Karen Kelly a certified health coach, freelance food writer, and blogger. At Seasonal Cravings, you will find wholesome gluten-free recipes and healthy lifestyle tips.

    Reader Interactions

    Follow us on Pinterest, Facebook , and Instagram for all of the latest recipe and travel content.

    Tell Us What You Think Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Hello!

    I'm Karen Kelly a food and travel writer, health coach and recipe creator. At Seasonal Cravings you will find quick, healthy recipes and the best travel tips!

    ABOUT KAREN»

    Summer

    London Broil

    Fail Proof Tender London Broil Recipe

    45 Healthy Oatmeal Toppings

    woman lifting weights

    5 Power Foods to Fuel Your Workout

    best trader joes products

    30 Best Gluten Free Products at Trader Joe's

    Creamy curry chicken with white rice

    Campbell's Chicken Curry

    Watermelon Feta and Cucumber Salad

    15 Summer Watermelon Recipes

    Sheet Pan Brown Sugar Pork Chops

    30 Easy Pork Recipes

    strawberry and pecan salad with feta cheese in a white bowl

    Strawberry Feta Salad

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Recipes
    • About Me
    • Disclaimer | Policies

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    Copyright © 2023 Seasonal Cravings

    Stock Photos Provided by Depositphotos