Smart shopping habits can cut costs and increase the nutritional value of meals served. Spending wisely in the dairy aisle means buying the most calcium for your dollar.
According to MyPyramid and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, individuals age 9 and up need 3 servings of dairy daily. Each serving provides about 300 mg of calcium.
Download the Milk, Cheese and Yogurt publication in English or Spanish for more information on spending smart in the dairy aisle.
Check your $-saving skills...
Q - Spending the time to shred your own cheese is always cheaper than buying pre-shredded cheese. True or False?
A - False...pre-shredded may be cheaper. Take a calculator to the store and compare unit prices.
Spend smart strategies for MILK
Compare unit prices. Larger containers tend to be the best buy
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One gallon @ $3.39 |
= 16 cups |
= 21¢ per cup |
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One half-gallon @ $2.39 |
= 8 cups |
= 30¢ per cup |
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One quart @ $1.79 |
= 4 cups |
= 45¢ per cup |
Protect your investment. Milk generally holds its quality for 1 week after opening IF it is kept refrigerated at 40°F or lower and the container is closed. (Check refrigerator temperature.) Store milk in main compartment; it is colder than door shelves. Also, check carton dates before purchasing; and, don’t leave containers out during meals.
Switch to skim. A family of four who changes from whole milk to non-fat milk could save $8 to $11 per week and also shave off 5,040 calories and 518 grams of fat. If your family doesn’t like skim, try mixing it with the milk you now buy and gradually increase the proportion.
Spend smart strategies for CHEESE
Compare unit prices and be flexible. Because cheese is packaged in many sizes and forms, it is especially useful to base buying decisions on the unit price (in this case: the price per ounce). Divide the package cost by the number of ounces in the package to find the best buy.
Stock up on sale-priced items. Check the use-by date and consider your refrigerator or freezer capacity. Cheese can be frozen if you don’t mind its tendency to become crumbly.
Adjust recipes. Try using only half as much, or sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of a salad or casserole instead of using it as a main ingredient.
Spend smart strategies for YOGURT
Check the cost of convenience. If you like the convenience of single-size cartons, watch for sales. Otherwise, larger cartons are generally cheaper when you compare the price per ounce.
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| 32-ounce store brand non fat @ $1.66 = $.05 per ounce |
6-ounce store brand flavored non fat @ $.60 = $.10 per ounce |
Package of eight 2.25-ounce name brand portalbe yogurt treats (18 ounces) @ $2.95 = $.16 per ounce |
Add your own fruit. Fruit-flavored varieties may cost more and include jam-like fruit that adds extra sugar. Also, the sweetened fruit replaces some of the yogurt in the carton so you get less of the calcium-rich yogurt. Try buying plain or vanilla yogurt and adding your own fruit.
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