I got a chance to go shopping at Sam’s Club this week so that I could try out some of the tasty recipes from the Lunchtime for About $1 idea booklet from Kraft and Sam’s Club.
It’s been about 5 years since I’ve set foot in a Sam’s Club (I live about 2 hours away), so it was fun getting reacquainted.
I found some great bargains on all kinds of goodies, including all of the Kraft products I used to make the very yummy Turkey Sandwich Combo (pictured above without the lemonade, which I forgot to put in the picture. Also missing is the second cookie I ate!).
It was a cinch to put together this frugal lunch using the suggestions in the Lunchtime for About $1 booklet. I opted to add a little Weber Grill Creations N’Orleans Cajun Seasoning to the mayo and it really jazzed it up.
During my Sam’s Club trip, I was reminded how comically large all of the product packages were at wholesale clubs. The good thing about buying in bulk is that there is less packaging overall (and no awful plastic bags as Sam’s Club!). Plus when you buy in bulk, there is savings to be found. The secret is to know the unit prices on the things you buy so that you can tell if you’re getting a good deal.
Of course, you may not need 4 boxes of Ritz Crackers at once or a giant jar of Kraft Mayo. Or you may worry that you won’t be able to use it all up before it expires.
Well, I’ve got a few suggestions for how to make the most of your bulk purchases at Sam’s Club:
Buy only the things you use regularly in bulk. If you’re trying a product for the very first time, I wouldn’t recommend buying the 40-count package until you’re sure you’ll like it. Stick to stocking up on your household staples.
Plan your menus around what you have. If you have a giant jar of Kraft Mayo, then make sure to use it in pasta salad and potato salad recipes. Crunch up those excess Ritz crackers to use as breading for fish or chicken.
Learn to preserve. Many foods can be frozen either as-is, or as a make-ahead meal. Use zip-top freezer bags, vacuum package it, or store it in an air-tight reusable container. If storage is at a premium, consider the space under your bed or beneath a stairway for non-perishable goods.
Split it with a friend. If you won’t eat four boxes of Chips Ahoy! cookies before they expire (I don’t know why you wouldn’t!) , then split the package and the savings with a friend or family member.
Donate the excess. If you’ve got leftover food you won’t use, donate unopened packages to your local food shelf, church, or day care.
Create your own single-serve packs. Many foods at whole sale clubs (like nuts or raisins) come in giant bags. Create your own snack packs by putting the food in zip-top bags or reusable containers.
I’m a cheapskate, but one of my greatest temptations is eating out. I love the recipes in Lunchtime for About $1 because it makes it easy to create a fast, tasty meal, without blowing my budget or diet.
Stop by Sam’s Club today (6/26) or tomorrow (6/27) to sample some of the great foods from Kraft as part of the Lunchtime for About $1 promotion. If you’re not a member, you can download a free one-day pass (a 10 percent service fee applies, but the savings are worth it!) Just click here to find the Sam’s Club nearest you.
You can download the Lunchtime for About $1 idea booklet, with 8 recipes for free.
And stay tuned… an exciting giveaway is coming up in just a couple of days. You won’t want to miss it!
Disclosure: I am working with Kraft Foods and Sam’s Club and using the new Kraft Foods and Sam’s Club Lunchtime for about $1 program. While I have been compensated for my time and grocery costs, my opinions are my own and I have not been paid to post positive comments.
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{ 1 comment }
Love your review!
Melissa
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