When to Stock up on Food Storage Staples - Grocery Sale Cycles

The best way to build a storage of any kind is to buy in bulk when items go on sale.  This is particularly true for everyday groceries, but applies to food storage as well.

On average, grocery stores cycle through items by having a sale on them about every 12 weeks, but there are monthly sales that take place as well.

This post is specifically written for Utah and surrounding areas, as it details fruit production and harvest times, but the overall concept in terms of groceries should remain relatively the same wherever you live.

Click here for the printable version.

January:

Grocery Sales

Diet foods and weight loss products

January is National Oatmeal Month

National Soup Month

National Meat Month

National Egg Month

Super Bowl: chips, candy, snacks, soda, etc.

Clearance on Christmas items, candy, decor, etc.

February:

Grocery Sales

National Hot Breakfast Month (Cereals, syrups, etc.)

National Canned Food Month

Valentines Day

Chocolates and Candy

Meat: steaks, ribs, etc.

March:

Grocery Sales

National Craft Month

National Frozen Food Month: all things frozen

St. Patricks Day: corned beef, seasonal items

Spring Cleaning: household cleaners, etc.

March Madness Food Storage Sales

Thrive Life has their annual sale during this month - offering some of their best prices of the year!

April:

Grocery Sales

Easter candy, decorations, etc.

Ham

Eggs

Easter Baking Items (if not in March): coconut, chocolate, spices, mixes

May: 

National BBQ Month

Grocery Sales

Cinco de Mayo: Mexican food sales

Memorial Day Sales

Grilling meats, hot dogs, steaks, etc.

Paper products: plates, cups, napkins

Condiments: BBQ sauce, ketchup, mustard, relish

Salad dressings and marinades

Pickles

BBQ supplies

Charcoal

June:

Grocery Sales

National Dairy Month: all things dairy

Local Produce / Other

Cherries

July:

Grocery Sales

4th of July Picnic items: hot dogs, baked beans, paper products

National ice cream month

Local Produce / Other

Apricots

Plums

August:

Grocery Sales

School Supplies and Clothes

Local Produce / Other

Peaches

Tomatoes

September:

National Preparedness Month

Case Lot Sales

September is always a big case lot sale month for most large grocery stores: Macey's, Ridley's, Kohlers, Smiths, etc.  I always find that Macey's has the best prices paired with variety.  This month is usually the best to stock up on the following:

Water Containers: 55 gallon barrels, 5 gallon drums, water bottles, etc.

Storage containers: poly buckets, lids and gamma lids

Canned Beans: black, pinto, kidney, refried, great northern, etc.

Canned Soups: cream of _____ soups, tomato, Campbells, etc.

Canned Vegetables: green beans, corn, tomato products, etc.

Canned Fruits: mandarin oranges, pineapple, peaches, pears, etc.

Bulk dry items: dried beans, rice, wheat, oats, sugar, etc.

Baking Staples: salt, oil, spices, etc.

Local Produce / Other

Peaches

Apples

Pears

Plums

Tomatoes

Seedless Grapes

Honey is harvested

Beef - cattle is slaughtered after summer

Specialty Food Storage Sales

Food storage companies take advantage of National Preparedness Month by hosting major sales scattered throughout September.  Most commonly, the best sales are going to take place over Labor Day Weekend.  This is a great time to shop sales for specialty items like freeze dried, dehydrated, prepackaged meals, etc.

October:

Grocery Sales

Candy

National Pork Month

National Seafood Month

Seasonal baking items and supplies: chocolate chips, sugar, nuts, etc. 

Local Produce / Other

Concord Grapes

Potatoes

Onions

Pumpkins

Winter Squash

November:

All things Thanksgiving:

Turkey, ham, pumpkin, pie shells and fillings, stuffing and potato mixes, side dishes (green bean casserole and candied yams), broths, etc.

Baking season is in full swing: look for deals on chocolate chips, nuts, etc.

Other Grocery Sales

Butter

Clearance on Halloween candy and decor

Peanut Butter

Local Produce / Other

Turkey

Cranberries

Pumpkins

Winter Squash

Black Friday Sales

Black Friday isn't just for Christmas Shopping.  There are major food storage sales going on from various companies, including Thrive Life, who offers their bi-annual biggest sale of the year during this time.  A great time to stock up on freeze dried / dehydrated / specialty items.  And who says food storage doesn't make a great Christmas gift?

December:

All Things Christmas

Turkey, ham, pumpkin, pie shells and fillings, stuffing and potato mixes, side dishes, broths, butter, etc.

Baking season is in full swing: look for deals on chocolate chips, nuts, etc.

Grocery Sales

Seasonal baking items and supplies

Thanksgiving clearance items

Bulk Items from Costco:
If you are just starting out, or aren't available to stock up on big bulk items during the case lot sales, Costco is a great alternative for several food storage items at great prices all year long:
rice
wheat (sold in buckets)
quick oats (sold in buckets)
dry pinto beans
sugars
quinoa
salt
flour
oil
vinegar
baking soda
baking powder

All of these items can be found in bulk for very good prices.  If you are concerned about extending the shelf life of bagged items, you can store them in buckets, or purchase from other locations.  If long term storage is more your thing, check out the following:
Food Storage - Which Company is Right for You?

Click here for the printable version.

Product Comparisons - What is the Difference?

What is the Difference?

These are questions I get asked frequently.  What is the difference between freeze dried and dehydrated?  What is the difference between instant and regular?  Is the shelf life different?

When there is more than one option for the same food, which do you choose?

Here are answers for some of the most popular questions concerning food storage items:

In all cases where there is a freeze-dried (FD) product versus a dehydrated one, the freeze-dried product will have a higher concentration of nutrients and flavor, as well as a longer shelf life.  You can learn more here.

Fuji Apples (FD) vs. Granny Smith Apples (FD)

These sliced Fuji Apples have their skins left on and are sweet, just like a fresh Fuji apple--they are great for snacking on or adding to your oatmeal, etc. The sliced Granny Smith Apples have already had their skins peeled and are slightly more tart, just like a fresh Granny Smith apple--these are great for baking or snacking!

Neither of these are comparable to dehydrated apples, which double or triple in size when soaked in water.  Freeze dried foods maintain their original size when rehydrated.

Strawberries (FD) vs. Whole Strawberries (FD)  

You may have guessed it, but the main difference between these two is that one is sliced and the others are left whole. The Whole Strawberries have a reputation of being sweeter than the sliced ones.

Onions vs. Onions (FD)

Both of these onions are chopped and ready to go, but the dehydrated onions will plump up when you rehydrate them; however, they have less flavor when compared to the freeze-dried onions. So, if you need an onion with a bit of bulk, go with the dehydrated ones; if you need an onion more for the flavor, go with the freeze-dried ones. Also, because the dehydrated ones plump up, your can of onions will actually "go farther" than the freeze-dried ones because the freeze-dried ones stay their original size.

Red & Green Bell Peppers vs. Green Bell Peppers (FD) vs. Red Bell Peppers (FD)

The Red & Green Bell Peppers are chopped, dehydrated peppers. They will plump up a bit when you cook with them, and can add great flavor and texture to your meals; I like to add them to salsa and soups. The Green Bell Peppers and the Red Bell Peppers are cut into long slices and have great flavor and cook up really well; however, they are sold individually and not combined in a single can like the dehydrated ones are.

Potato Beads vs. Mashed Potatoes

The Potato Beads are powder pearls used for making mashed potatoes and include milk, salt, and oil. These are occassionally available at the LDS Cannery, as well as other food storage companies, but have been replaced by Thrive Life's Mashed Potatoes. The Mashed Potatoes are flakes of Idaho-grown potatoes and that's the only ingredient. They rehydrate faster, easier, and creamier than the Potato Beads.

Potato Chunks vs. Potato Dices (FD)

The Potato Chunks are dehydrated cubes of potatoes and will plump up when you rehydrate them, though they take about 15-20 minutes of simmering to fully reconstitute. The Potato Dices (FD) are freeze-dried cubes of potatoes that rehydrate in very little time and have more of a fresh-potato flavor than the dehydrated ones. The Potato Chunks and Potato Dices (FD) can be used interchangeably in many recipes and are ultimately the same size, it's mostly a matter of reconstitution time; however, the can ofPotato Chunks will "go farther" because the potatoes are smaller before they plump up, while the Potato Dices (FD) will stay the same size.

Instant White Rice vs. White Rice

The Instant White Rice is already partially prepared and only takes 3-5 mins. to cook at home; however, because they have been partially prepared, there are fewer grains of rice in a can due to their increased size. The White Rice has almost twice as many servings in its can, though it takes about 15 minutes to cook. Personally, I prefer the texture of the non-instant white rice, but instant rice works well for camping.

Hard Red Wheat vs. Hard Winter Wheat

Hard Red Wheat has a higher amount of protein, which yields itself well to rustic, artisan breads with its nutty flavor (though sometimes bitter). Because of its lower, moderate level of protein, Hard Winter Wheat makes softer breads, has a more subtle flavor, and requires less sweeteners in its breads.

Cheese Blend vs. the other FD cheeses

Unlike the other freeze-dried cheeses that are shredded and a single type of cheese in the can, the Cheese Blend is a powder. It is a blend that lends itself well to cheese sauces like you would use in a soup or macaroni.

Instant Milk vs. Powdered Milk

Instant Milk is intended for drinking, though I also use it in stove-top recipes that call for milk. Powdered Milk, on the other hand, is intended for cooking and baking. However, both can be used interchangeably. A #10 can of Instant Milk will make approximately 3.5-5 gallons of milk, depending on how much powder you use. The milks have a 2-year opened shelf life (25 years when unopened), so if you can buy it in the 6-gallon bucket (that will be your best value).

Beans vs. Instant Beans

The non-instant beans are regular dried beans, just packaged for long term storage of 30 years. They need to be prepared as traditional beans are, which takes several hours and a lot of water. The instant beans have a 25-year shelf life and have been par-boiled and dried again before packaging, so they only take 15-20 mins. to cook at home. They appear cracked when you open the can, but once cooked look the same as the non-instant beans. Both cans have pretty much the same number of servings, but the instant beans are about half the weight.

Beef Dices (FD) vs. Roast Beef (FD) 

Both of these meats are cooked and cut. The Beef Dices are about the size of stew meat while the Roast Beef is smaller. They both have salt added to them. These are very versatile and can be used in several recipes, including stroganoff, stew, burritos, fajitas, etc. There is the equivalent of approximately 5 lbs of fresh beef in each can.

Chopped Chicken vs. Seasoned Chicken Slices 

Both of these meats are cooked and cut. Just as the name implies, the Chopped Chicken is chopped, but there are no other ingredients. The Seasoned Chicken Slices have salt added to them and are cut into larger strips. Both of these can be used in a number of recipes, including chicken salad, burritos, fajitas, soups, etc. There is the equivalent of approximately 5 lbs of fresh chicken in each can.

Scrambled Egg Mix vs. Whole Egg Powder  

The Scrambled Egg Mix is still just eggs, but it has a different ratio of egg whites to egg yolks. They make excellent scrambled eggs (and omelets and French toast, etc.), and you can also use them in your baking recipes that call for fresh eggs. They have a longer shelf life (7 years) than the Whole Egg Powder (3 years); however, there are fewer eggs per can because it requires more powder to equal 1 egg than the Whole Egg Powder does. But, the Whole Egg Powder is only intended for baking. The Whole Egg Powder doesn't have an anti-caking agent in them, so your cakes will stay nice and firm.

Don't forget, today is the last day for Thrive Life's March Madness Sale!  Every one of these items listed, (and more) is discounted, up to 50% off!

LDS Counsel on Food Storage - What Prophets Actually Preach

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has been a long time advocate for self reliance.  For years they have counseled members and non-members alike to 'prepare every needful thing'.

I was pushed to write this post after I received a phone call from a woman who found my ad listed on ksl.  One of the most commonly asked questions I get is "Where do I start?"  My response is always the same: "What are your goals?"  The answer to this is different for everyone, but in a largely populated LDS community, most often they respond with something like "our religious leaders have counseled us to have food storage."  

This counsel to store food dates all the way back to Brigham Young, 2nd president of the church, when he told the saints:

"The time will come that gold will hold no comparison in value to a bushel of wheat."

President Brigham Young, Discourses of Brigham Young, p.298

"...save the wheat until we have one, two, five, or seven years provisions on hand, until there is enough of the staff of life saved by the people to bread themselves and those who will come here seeking for safety."

Discourses of Brigham Young, pp.291-293 

But somewhere down the road, I have found that a lot of people don't really know or understand what this counsel actually is.  Specifically.  And so, from the mouths of prophetic leaders of the Latter-day Saints, this post will hopefully help to cover just that.

Basic Food Storage Plans for 1 Month, 3 Months, and 1 Year

Any food storage plan can be altered or adjusted based on individual tastes and preferences, but I've found that the majority of people just don't know where to get started.

I've compiled a few options for food storage beginners to give them an idea of what a 1 month, 3 month and 1 year basic plan really consists of.

I've also included the current price for these plans (thanks to the wonderful Black Friday Sale), just to give you an idea of how attainable these options really are.

My point: Food storage doesn't have to be expensive - especially when you stick to the Basic 6.

4 Essential Recipes for the Food Storage Beginner: BREAD

One of the hardest things for people getting started with food storage is knowing how to use it.  I believe strongly in storing what you eat, and eating what you store.  For people who don't cook, this can be overwhelming.

Today I am sharing 4 of my basic, (and favorite) bread recipes for the food storage beginner.  Each of these are tried and true, and I use them time and time again.

If you are new to food storage, or you have it and just don't know what to make with it, these simple bread recipes are the perfect starting point for you.  There is definitely something here for everyone.

4 Essential Bread Recipes for the Food Storage Beginner:

All About FoodStorage.com

The next food storage company review:

FoodStorage.com is a fairly new company on the market today (launched in 2013), but have been quickly making a name for themselves.  As the official owners of Nutristore, they have a "nutrition-focused, budget-conscious and shelf-stable food storage choice for your family."

WHAT DO THEY OFFER?
They offer a variety of freeze dried and dehydrated fruits, vegetables and meats, as well as dairy products, eggs, legumes, grains, and ready to eat meal options.

Why I Became a Thrive Life Consultant

I remember when food storage wasn't popular.  Things were cheaper back then.  Much cheaper.  But as the years go on its almost become a fad.  The Walking Dead certainly pushed it higher up on the popularity chain.  And along with all of the preppers and crop failures and droughts and cattle problems, food prices have started to go through the roof.
I recently posted about why I have food storage.  For me, it's personal.  More so, food storage isn't just pounds of "stuff" stored in the basement.  It is literally a life style.  It's an everyday grocery store in my house, and I use EVERYTHING in my grocery store.
But I'm cheap.  Like, really cheap.  So, how does someone like me get good food storage at the cheapest price?  Like everything else, you put forth a little effort, and be smart about it.

I buy my food storage from lots of places.  But this post is going to be specifically about Thrive Life, and how to get the best deal.  And because I've been an individual consultant for them for the past 4 years, I know exactly how to do it.

First, let me start by stating that I signed up to be a consultant with them for 2 reasons:
1) my research proved that Thrive Life had the biggest selection of food with the highest quality and longest shelf life.
2) it was the cheapest way to get my own food storage.

Why?  Because as a consultant, I make commission on my own personal purchases.
For example, let's say I were to buy a can of whole powdered eggs for $22.09.  Well, there are 18 dozen eggs in each can, so I just bought them for $1.23 per dozen.  That's pretty good these days.
BUT, as a consultant, they pay you 10-32% commission on sales, plus 10% in free product, and credit for half off product.
So, worst case scenario, I just earned $2.21 in commission, PLUS $2.21 in free product, PLUS benefits to get things for half off.  So realistically, NOT INCLUDING my half off stuff, I just paid $0.98 per dozen.  Thats better than grocery store prices these days.
Simple enough, right?

The key is to buy things that are on sale, making them the same price as the grocery store.  Monthly sales make this easy to do.  All the while earning free and half off products, which allow you to purchase the more expensive items at a much more reasonable (free) price (or half off).

What's more, is you can easily share these sales with your friends/family/coworkers/neighbors if you want to (or not).  And each time you do, your commission and free products go up.

There are 2 requirements to becoming a consultant for Thrive Life:
1: purchase a starter kit (food storage)
2: enroll in the monthly Q program (buy food storage)
(The Q is just like Netflix; you fill it with items you wish to purchase, and it ships them to you each month for the budget amount of your choosing.  All consultants need to have a Q of $50 to earn commission).
You earn commission on anything you buy or sell outside of your monthly Q.

So basically, if your monthly budget is under $50, becoming a consultant isn't necessarily worth it.
However, if your budget is $50 or more, or you are serious about building your supply, it most definitely is.

If this sounds like something you are interested in, signing up is really easy.  And you can do it all from the comfort of your computer.  Here's how:
1) pick a starter kit
2) Get Started Here 
3) Log in or create an account
4) Follow the remaining steps.  You'll need the some information from me:
Name: Michelle Denna
Consultant ID# 7158
Email: myfamilyprepared@gmail.com
3) get started on the Q

And remember, if this is something you decide to do, you'll also have plenty of help along the way!  Thrive Life is great at providing training tools and incentives.  In addition to that, you have me.

For those who aren't too keen on the idea of consulting, or just aren't ready for that kind of commitment, that's okay!  Because there is still a way that you can save!  You may not be interested in earning commission, but as a consultant, I can still offer you free and half off product for all of your purchases!  All this requires is you letting me know that you are interested so I can set things up on my end.  No gimmicks, just an email.  Send one to myfamilyprepared@gmail.com with the subject: Free Thrive Life Products, and I'll set it up so that every time you buy online or sign up for the Q, you'll earn free and half off product for all of your purchases.  (And as a side note, your email will never be sold or used for any other purpose).

And for those who just want to keep things on the down low, or think you'd like to try some products without getting all "personal", there's always the option to purchase online or sign up for the Q without any other commitments.

Wherever you stand, I hope this answered some questions.  If you have more, feel free to comment below or send an email.  And if there is someone you think might be interested, share the love and forward this post!

Thanks for reading!

All About Eden Valley Farms

One of the biggest problems I face with individual customers is their desire for long term pre-packaged meals.  Long term storage for meals are difficult; putting individual ingredients together with others that have varying shelf lives create problems.  Adding things like eggs or hydrogenated oils significantly decreases the options for long term storability, but these items are found in almost any meal like this.  Personally, I like to steer clear of them when it comes to my own long term food storage needs.  I like them for camping, 72 hour kits, and the convenience of having something to just add water to, but overall, they are not my primary source.

 Eden Valley Farms is a local food storage company that specializes in long term pre-packaged meals.    As I mentioned above, I am always very skeptical of these types of food.  I went and spoke to the owner, Brandon Scott, to get a better understand of what made his company different and how he was able to achieve his "25 year shelf life" rating.  This is my experience.

All About Bountiful Baskets

Bountiful Baskets is a local food co-op; a group of people who work together for mutual benefit.  From their website: This is a grassroots, all volunteer, no contracts, no catch co-operative.  Since there are no employees at Bountiful Baskets, we as a group pay rock bottom prices on your food. 

How Does it Work?
As a group, we (you) purchase items at deep discounts.  Items are then distributed evenly among participants.  It's the same idea as what the grocery store does - only you take the grocery store out of the equation.  Food is purchased directly from bulk suppliers and shipped to a designated location where you and everyone else comes to pick it all up.
Basically, you contribute (order) what they call a basket.  This basket is comprised of 50% fruits, and 50% vegetables.  You pick a location nearest you, and show up at the designated time and place.  You'll walk in to something like this:

Dozens of baskets filled with produce.  You'll stand in line, show the person in charge your order confirmation, and will be issued a basket.  You'll then empty out all of the contents and take it home in a container that you brought.

All About Alpine Food Storage

If you are just joining us, be sure to check out the previous posts in this food storage review series:

Which Food Storage Company is Right for You?

All about Thrive Life

All about Zaycon Fresh

All about Home Storage Centers (LDS Cannery)
(And be sure to check out the group food storage deal we have going on right now)

The company I will be reviewing today is Alpine Food Storage

Alpine Food Storage is a small, family owned company tucked back in the beautiful Highland, Utah.  They operate out of a store attached to their house, and their employees consist of all of their children (seriously).  More neighborly than business, they offer everything from wheat, to Redmond salt and clay, to raw honey and freeze dried foods.

All About Home Storage Centers (LDS Cannery)

Next on the list in the "which food storage company is right for you" series are Home Storage Centers.

**If you've missed the two previous companies, you can follow the links to read more about Thrive Life and Zaycon Fresh.

Home Storage Centers

Often referred to as LDS Canneries, these centers are locations used to sell, package and distribute food storage.  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints built these centers to help members and others build a basic supply of longer term home storage needs.

Photo courtesy of provident living.lds.org

All About Zaycon Fresh

If you've missed our first two posts about food storage companies, you can read more about them here:

Which Food Storage Company is Right for You?

All About Thrive Life

The next food storage company I want to tell you about is Zaycon Fresh.  Your one stop shop for fresh meats sold at bulk prices, Zaycon Fresh is making its way across the nation, offering great prices for quality product.

WHAT DO THEY OFFER?

Only the best quality chicken, pork, beef, fish, turkey, and some occasional grilling accessories.  Each product is offered at different times throughout the year, so depending on when you check the site, more may be available at a later date than what you are seeing at the moment.

Click here for a list of products available.

All About Thrive Life

Last week I posted about how to determine Which Food Storage Company is Right for You.

Today and over the next several weeks I will be reviewing various food storage and emergency preparedness companies, and giving you the insider information you need to make the best decision possible.

Today I will be writing about

Thrive Life is a local Utah company based out of American Fork.  Within the past few years they have completely revamped their marketing strategy, company name (formerly Shelf Reliance), and logo.  They started about 10 years ago by selling custom food storage shelving units, and have gradually shifted their focus primarily to their private food line,

Which Food Storage Company is Right for You?

When first starting out on your path to preparedness, it is easy to get bombarded and overwhelmed with the amount of companies and all that they offer.  Each one claims they have the best, know the most, and cost the least.  With so many food storage companies available, how can you be sure you pick the best one for you?

Before you do anything, make a plan

The 'BASIC 6' Food Storage Groups, and How Much You Should Have

If you are thinking about starting your food storage, or you just want to revamp and fill in the gaps, there is a priority for what comes first.

Generally speaking, there is a "basic 6" when it comes to food storage.  These include:

Grains
Milk
Legumes
Sugars
Cooking Essentials
Fats and oils

Why?  Because these 6 things provide basic survival nutritional value.  If you had to live on these 6 things and nothing else, you could.

Coincidentally, they are also some of the cheapest to come by, so it's a great place to start.