The SCI Grocery Year
What goes on sale in November
Often the best baking prices of the year.
If you only stock up once a year, this is usually the month to do it. Butter, flour, sugar and broth tend to hit their best pricing because every chain wants to own your holiday basket.
The turkey is frequently sold at or below cost as a loss leader, which is why the rest of the cart matters more than usual.
It is a genuinely good month. It is also the month where it is easiest to buy far more than you will use.
Worth watching
If you actually use these things, November is a good time to take a look.
Butter
Often among the best pricing of the year, and it freezes for months.
Flour and sugar
Seasonal low at most chains. Store somewhere airtight.
Broth and stock
Loss-leader pricing through much of the month.
Turkey
Frequently below cost. A second one freezes fine.
Canned and jarred staples
Some of the deepest promotions of the year.
Don’t get carried away
Butter freezes beautifully. Twelve bags of flour do not need to become part of your estate. Buy what you will realistically use.
One thing to watch
The best loss leaders usually require a minimum spend or a loyalty card, and sometimes both. Work out the real basket total before you commit to the cart.
November is a good month for produce too
Depending on where you live, these are often abundant and especially good this time of year.
- Cranberries
- Sweet potatoes
- Brussels sprouts
- Pears
- Leeks
- Parsnips
Worth doing this month
Buy the butter you will actually use
Butter freezes well, so a good November price is worth taking. Buy only what you expect to get through within the recommended storage time and what you have freezer space for. Wrap it well, and label it with the date so the oldest gets used first.
Keep your own prices
Seasonal patterns can tell you when to pay attention. But the best price for your family depends on what you buy, where you shop and what things normally cost in your area.
That is why keeping your own prices is so useful.
Start your free price bookBefore December gets here
Take five minutes on one thing
Check the pantry, the freezer or the household supplies for one thing you are running low on. That is it. You do not need to stock a bunker. Just notice what you will actually need next.
Next month is party food, then one of the best clearances of the year starting December 26.
See what is coming in December