We are trying to shift into more organic, or more importantly at least hormone-free, vegetarian-fed meat, chicken, etc. So I am starting my price book from scratch in these areas, and I have trouble knowing what is a good price and where the best place to find good prices is.

For example, Whole Foods has their ground chuck on sale for $2.99/lb. Is this a good price, do you think? Have you seen better? (If so, where?) They have whole chickens for $1.99/lb--that seems pretty high, but maybe it is a good price. What do you think?

Thanks for any feedback from your own experience!

Not sure if you shop in more than one store, but if you do, check a few products each time you are there and make note of them. Also, if you can get weekly circulars or look online -Whole Foods lists a few things, but some stores have all their circular items listed. I really only shop at one grocery store. But check the other circulars occasionally I will visit another store, but not very often. My regular store has a fairly good organic selection and there prices are slightly less than whole foods. Not as much selection, but good enough for us. I like simplicity and this helps me achieve it without breaking the bank.

I can't comment just yet but that is a really good idea!

I shop at 3-4 stores. But 3 on a weekly basis.

Henrys Marketplace
Ralphs
Albertsons
occasionally Vons

When I was doing my price comparisons I took my price list to each store and wrote down what I bought and the price. Then as I went to each store I looked at the prices for the same things at each store and wrote them down.

It's been about 3 months since then and now I pretty much have everything in my head as far as what's a good price for things.

Each week, I do compare the sale ads. First I go through each add and write down what I
"want" to buy from each store. Then I go back through the list and find the same items that are listed under each store and find the lowest price and cross out the item from the other two store lists. Many times stores will have the same items on sale for different prices.

I know now without really looking at Ralphs or Henry's Marketplace will have the best prices for organic produce. Albertson's has the best prices for Pampers. Vons has the best prices for organic baby food. Henry's has the best prices for antibiotic and hormone free meat, poultry, cheese and yogurt. Albertson's or Ralphs has the best price for organic milk and rice milk.

If you are lucky enough to live close to farms that raise chickens, beef, and fruits and veggies you probably can get a better deal on veggie raised products. Living in San Diego, that option is not available to us unless I want to drive 2 hours north.

Sandra