Are Coupons Only for Processed Food?
One of the biggest arguments against using coupons to save money is the claim that companies give coupons only for processed food. These would include things like cookies, candy, chips, sugar-laden drinks, sugar-laden cereals, etc.
Photo Credit: OOingle
This idea that there are coupons only for processed food is a myth. It is possibly just an excuse to not do anything to change one’s spending habits. Though a lot of coupons are for products many consider to be unhealthy, people who turn down couponing for that reason miss out of a ton of savings on the healthy foods they do eat, household items, and personal care products.
Do you use the following?
- Spices and Seasonings
- Frozen Fruits and Vegetables
- Coffee
- Dairy Alternatives (Coconut, Soy, Almond, etc.)
- Cheese
- Sour Cream
- Butter
- Nuts
- Dried Fruits
- Trail Mix
- Eggs
- Fresh Produce*
- Fresh Meat*
- Breakfast Meat
- Cooking Oils
- Storage Bags
- Storage Containers
- Foil Paper & Plastic Wrap
- Household Cleaners
- Dish Soap
- Laundry Detergent
- Air Fresheners
- Deodorant
- Toothpaste
- Mouthwash
- Make-Up
- Facial Cleaners
- Razors
- Shaving Cream and Aftershave
- Over-the-Counter Medicines
- Vitamins
- Paper Towels
- Toilet Paper
- Toothbrushes
*Target will occasionally put out paper coupons for fresh meat and produce, which could be also be used at stores like Publix that accept competitor coupons. They also offer savings via their their Cartwheel app. Apps such as iBotta and Checkout 51 also offer rebate savings on fresh meat, eggs, and produce from time to time.
Do you still believe you can use coupons only for processed food?
I’ve saved money on all of these items (well, except for make-up…) using coupons. An important thing to remember is that the biggest part of saving money on everyday items is buying them on sale and combining them with coupons. Even if coupons are not available for an item you want, the biggest savings will be found when they are on sale.
So, as you can see, skipping out on using coupons because of the supposed belief that they are only available for processed, sugar-laded, unhealthy foods causes you to miss out on a lot of good deals. Instead of worrying that there aren’t enough savings for healthier items, focus on the savings you can find on healthy items, household, and personal care products.
Question: What methods do you use to save on healthier food items?
Photo Credit: OOingle | https://www.flickr.com/photos/cpyles/10866066513/