Saving Money on Food Series: How to Save on Dairy

If you missed last week’s Saving Money on Food Series, check out how to save money on meat. Below are tips on how to save money on dairy products:

1. Watch for Sales
Shop at the store that has the least expensive price on milk and eggs. You’ll see that the savings can really add up over time. To save on running around to different stores, consider going to a store that will price matching those dairy sales. Make sure to also check local convenience and drugstores because milk and eggs can sometimes be lower prices than other stores.

2. Find and Use Coupons
Every so often you’ll find dairy coupons. Watch for Catalina promotions that offer a free gallon of milk with the purchase of cereal or cookies. Look for peelies on sliced and shredded cheeses, as well as on cereal boxes for discounts on milk. If you live in Utah or Idaho, Coupons.com has a $0.25 off any brand cheese and $0.25 off any brand milk coupons that is regularly available to print. If you pair coupons with a sale, you’ll get a great deal on dairy products.

3. Watch for Mark Downs
When dairy products near their expiration date, stores often mark them down 50% or more. Ask your local store when mark-downs occur and plan to shop there around that time. 

4. Use Powdered Milk
Try powdered milk for baking and cooking to help reduce your food bill. It’s also a good idea to have some in your stockpile in case of an emergency.

5. Freeze It
When there is a great sale on milk, butter, cheese, cream cheese, yogurt, or sour cream, then stock up on them and freeze the extra. Before freezing milk, pour a little out of each gallon to leave room for expansion. Consider shredding cheese before freezing it because sometimes the cheese is crumbly after it thaws. Butter, yogurt, and cream cheese can be placed straight into the freezer. 

6. Make Your Own
Try making your own yogurt, butter, cheese, or sour cream if you have the time.

What are other ways you save money on dairy?

Here are more ways to save money on food:
Saving Money on Food Series: How to Save on Meat
Saving Money on Food Series: How to Save on Dairy
Saving Money on Food Series: How to Save on Produce
Saving Money on Food Series: How to Save on Grains