Whether you're looking to revamp your diet with seasonal ingredients or bolster your pantry with nutritious staples, March offers ample opportunities to save money while prioritizing real food over processed alternatives!
Foods To Stock Up on In March
It doesn't matter if you're filling your shopping cart with fresh produce or stocking your pantry with nutrient-rich staples, March offers abundant opportunities to embrace seasonal eating and prioritize health and wellness.
As you navigate March food sales, keep these tips in mind to maximize your savings and enjoyment!
Tips for Maximizing Savings
- Plan Ahead: Create a shopping list based on seasonal sales and meal planning to make the most of your grocery budget.
- Buy in Bulk: Purchase larger quantities of non-perishable items like grains, legumes, and frozen fruits and vegetables to capitalize on bulk discounts.
- Utilize Freezing and Preserving: Extend the shelf life of fresh produce by freezing or canning excess quantities for future use in soups, smoothies, or sauces.
Produce And Other Fresh Foods On Sale In March
As temperatures begin to warm, March brings with it a wide selection of fresh produce, making it an ideal time to embrace seasonal eating and fill your plate with vibrant, nutrient-rich foods.
Keep in mind, that these things aren't always "on-sale", but they will be available at a much lower price than if you purchased them when they weren't in season! Shopping in season automatically gives you a great discount!
For example, a carton of strawberries in the winter would cost $5.00 - that same container in the spring would cost $2.50! Seasonal eating saves money!
Here are some of the best seasonal fruits and vegetables to be on the lookout for during March.
- Leafy Greens - March marks the resurgence of leafy greens like spinach, kale, and Swiss chard. Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, these greens are perfect for salads, smoothies, or sautés. Take advantage of sales to load up on these nutritional powerhouses and incorporate them into your meals for a healthy boost.
- Asparagus - With its delicate flavor and tender texture, asparagus takes center stage in March. Look for deals on bundles of fresh asparagus to enjoy roasted, grilled, or steamed as a side dish or incorporated into pasta, omelets, or salads.
- Artichokes - Known for their unique flavor and meaty texture, artichokes are another springtime favorite. Take advantage of March sales to indulge in this nutritious vegetable, perfect for steaming, roasting, or adding to dips and salads.
- Strawberries - March heralds the arrival of early-season strawberries, bursting with sweetness and vibrant color. Stock up on these antioxidant-rich berries when they're on sale, and enjoy them fresh, blended into smoothies, or atop yogurt and oatmeal.
- Radishes - Crisp and peppery, radishes add a delightful crunch to salads, sandwiches, and snacks. March offers an abundance of fresh radishes at budget-friendly prices, making it the perfect time to incorporate them into your culinary repertoire.
- Carrots: - Versatile and nutritious, carrots are a staple in many households. March brings an abundance of fresh carrots, ideal for snacking, roasting, or adding to soups, stews, and stir-fries. Take advantage of sales to stock up on carrots for canning too!
- Broccoli - With its crisp texture and mild flavor, broccoli is a versatile vegetable that shines in a variety of dishes. Look for discounts on fresh broccoli in March and incorporate it into stir-fries, soups, salads, and grain bowls for added nutrition and flavor.
- Cauliflower - Another member of the cruciferous vegetable family, cauliflower is prized for its versatility and nutritional profile. March brings opportunities to snag deals on fresh cauliflower, perfect for roasting, mashing, or transforming into cauliflower rice or pizza crust.
- Peas - Sweet and tender, peas are a delightful addition to springtime dishes. Whether fresh or frozen, peas offer versatility in salads, pastas, risottos, and side dishes. Keep an eye out for sales on fresh peas or stock up on frozen varieties for convenient use year-round.
Non-Perishable Food Items On Sale In March
In addition to fresh produce, March offers savings on a variety of real food staples, allowing you to build up a food supply without breaking the bank. Here are some essential real food items to consider stocking up on during March sales:
- Whole Grains - March is an excellent time to replenish your supply of whole grains like quinoa, brown rice, oats, and barley. These nutritious staples serve as the foundation for countless meals, from hearty breakfasts to nourishing grain bowls and soups.
- Legumes - Whether dried or canned, legumes such as beans, lentils, and chickpeas are affordable sources of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. Stock up on these versatile ingredients during March sales to create satisfying soups, stews, salads, and plant-based mains.
- Nuts and Seeds - Rich in healthy fats, protein, and micronutrients, nuts and seeds are pantry essentials for snacking, baking, and cooking. Look for deals on almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, flaxseeds, and pumpkin seeds to incorporate into your meals and snacks.
- Herbs and Spices - Elevate the flavor of your meals with an array of herbs and spices. March sales offer opportunities to stock up on dried herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme, as well as spices such as cinnamon, cumin, and paprika. Having herbs on hand if you need to use your emergency food supply will also make that experience much more pleasant!
- Olive Oil - A staple of Mediterranean cuisine, olive oil is prized for its heart-healthy fats and rich flavor. Take advantage of March discounts to invest in high-quality extra virgin olive oil for cooking, salad dressings, and drizzling over roasted vegetables and bread. We use olive oil to make a delightful homemade focaccia bread!
- Canned Tomatoes - Versatile and convenient, canned tomatoes are a pantry essential for creating sauces, soups, stews, and casseroles. Stock up on diced, crushed, or whole canned tomatoes during March sales to have on hand for quick and easy meal preparation.
- Natural Sweeteners - Reduce your reliance on refined sugars by stocking up on natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, and coconut sugar. March sales offer opportunities to purchase these alternatives at discounted prices, allowing you to sweeten your recipes without compromising on flavor or nutrition.
- Nutritional Yeast - A favorite among plant-based eaters, nutritional yeast adds a savory, cheesy flavor to dishes without dairy. Look for deals on nutritional yeast during March sales and incorporate it into sauces, dressings, popcorn, and savory snacks for a boost of flavor and nutrients.
- Nut Butters - Whether you prefer peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter, March sales provide opportunities to save on your favorite nut butters. Stock up on these creamy spreads for a convenient source of protein and healthy fats, perfect for spreading on toast, dipping fruit, or adding to smoothies.
- Dried Fruit - Add natural sweetness and texture to your meals and snacks with dried fruit like raisins, apricots, dates, and cranberries. March offers discounts on dried fruit, making it the perfect time to stock up and incorporate into homemade granola, oatmeal, baked goods, and savory dishes.
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Don't just stop here! Learn even more ways to save money on food and protect your family during hard times with these next posts.
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