Fave Five Food Deals - 4/6/11

Austin may be lagging in rainfall, but there's a shower of savings in this week's supermarket circular round-up.

1. Texas Rio Red grapefruit, .25/ea. at Sprouts (through 4/13/11)

2. Minneola tangelos or organic navel oranges, .49/lb. at Sun Harvest (through 4/13/11)

3. Green beans or sweet potatoes, .88/lb. at Sprouts (through 4/13/11)

4. Asparagus, .99/lb. at Sprouts (through 4/13/11)

5. Boneless rib eye steak, $4.99/lb. at Sunflower (through 4/13/11)

Also, if you don't feel like cooking and don't want to eat fast food, Central Market's Dinners for Two are on sale this week for $10.99, a savings of $3 off the regular price. Daily offerings vary, but I can vouch for the puerco guisada meal they're doing on Saturday. The sale price is good through Apr. 12.

Austin supermarket links (directs to weekly ads where available):
El Rancho Supermercado
Fiesta
H-E-B
Natural Grocers
Sunflower Farmers Market
Randall's
Sprouts Farmers Market
Sun Harvest
Wheatsville Food Co-Op
Whole Foods Market

Fave Five Food Deals - 3/25/11

Keep a tight lid on rising food prices with a few hits of Austin's finest supermarket deals.

1. Navel oranges, .49/lb. at Sprouts and Sun Harvest (through 3/30/11)

2. Texas 1015 yellow onions, .69/lb. at Whole Foods (through 3/30/11)

3. Green or red leaf lettuce, .88/lb. at Sun Harvest (through 3/30/11)

4. Boneless skinless chicken breasts, $1/lb. at El Rancho Supermercado (through 3/29/11)

5. Sun Harvest popcorn or kettle corn, .99/ea. at Sun Harvest (through 3/30/11)

Also, in a "spirited" attempt to mimic Trader Joe's Two Buck Chuck, Sprouts is now carrying something called Broke Ass Wines for $5 a bottle. And if your ass is even broker than that, pick up sixer of Sierra Madre beer for just $3.99 at Sprouts this week. That's almost as cheap as Walgreens' Big Flats 1901!

Austin supermarket links (directs to weekly ads where available):
El Rancho Supermercado
Fiesta
H-E-B
Natural Grocers
Sunflower Farmers Market
Randall's
Sprouts Farmers Market
Sun Harvest
Wheatsville Food Co-Op
Whole Foods Market

Fave Five Food Deals - 3/16/11

Welcome to the SXSW edition of Fave Five Food Deals. No badges or RSVPs required.

1. Navel oranges, .49/lb. at Sun Harvest (through 3/23/11)

2. Hill Country Fare split chicken breasts, $1/lb. at H-E-B (through 3/22/11)

3. Organic Braeburn apples, .88/lb. at H-E-B (through 3/22/11)

4. Green seedless grapes, .99/lb. at Sun Harvest (through 3/23/11)

5. White onions, 8 lbs. for $1 at El Rancho Supermercado (through 3/22/11)

Also, if you have to have corned beef and cabbage for St. Patrick's Day, Randall's has corned beef brisket tips on sale for $1.99/lb. and green cabbage on sale for .39/lb. through tomorrow. You will need a Remarkable card to get these prices.

Austin supermarket links (directs to weekly ads where available):
El Rancho Supermercado
Fiesta
H-E-B
Natural Grocers
Sunflower Farmers Market
Randall's
Sprouts Farmers Market
Sun Harvest
Wheatsville Food Co-Op
Whole Foods Market

Fave Five Food Deals - 3/9/11

Before SXSW hits with full force, take advantage of this week's bargain sustenance deals from your friendly local supermarkets.

1. Red potatoes or green cabbage, .49/lb. at Sun Harvest (through 3/17/11)

2. Braeburn apples, .69/lb. at Sun Harvest (through 3/17/11)

3. Asparagus, $1.49/lb. at Sunflower (through 3/17/11)

4. Air chilled whole chicken fryers, $1.99/lb. at Whole Foods (through 3/16/11)

5. Real Ale 6-packs, $6.27 ea. at H-E-B (through 3/16/11)

Austin supermarket links (directs to weekly ads where available):
El Rancho Supermercado
Fiesta
H-E-B
Natural Grocers
Sunflower Farmers Market
Randall's
Sprouts Farmers Market
Sun Harvest
Wheatsville Food Co-Op
Whole Foods Market

Fave Five Food Deals - 3/2/11

After an unscheduled week off, we're declaring Texas independence from high prices with another round of Austin's top supermarket deals.

1. Organic Fuji apples, .77/lb. at H-E-B (through 3/8/11)

2. Cantaloupes, .77/ea. at Sun Harvest (through 3/9/11)

3. Strawberries, $1.29/lb. at Sprouts (through 3/9/11)

4. Red, orange or gold bell peppers; Roma tomatoes, .77/lb. at Sprouts (through 3/9/11)

5. Chicken tenders, $1.97/lb. at Sprouts (through 3/9/11)

Austin supermarket links (directs to weekly ads where available):
El Rancho Supermercado
Fiesta
H-E-B
Natural Grocers
Sunflower Farmers Market
Randall's
Sprouts Farmers Market
Sun Harvest
Wheatsville Food Co-Op
Whole Foods Market

Fave Five Food Deals - 2/16/11

As a bulwark against rising food prices, here are five Austin supermarket deals that clock in at a buck or under.

1. Navel oranges, Rio Red grapefruit or mangos, .49/lb. at Sprouts (through 2/23/11)

2. Anjou pears, .77/lb. at H-E-B (through 2/22/11)

3. Organic Braeburn or Fuji apples, .99/lb. at Sprouts (through 2/23/11)

4. Broccoli crowns or cauliflower, .88/lb. at Sun Harvest (through 2/23/11)

5. Split chicken breasts, $1/lb. at H-E-B (through 2/22/11)

H-E-B thinks so highly of its store brand these days that they're willing to give it away. This week, they offer you a free box of H-E-B Frosted Shredded Wheat with the purchase of Kellogg's Frosted Mini-Wheats and/or a free loaf of H-E-B Bake Shop 100% Whole Wheat Bread with the purchase of Nature's Own 100% Whole Wheat Bread.

Fave Five Food Deals - 2/9/11

There's nothing sexier than that special someone who'll whisper the week's hottest weekly supermarket deals in your ear. Here are the sweetest next-to-nothings we could find for Valentine's Day.

1. Boneless ribeye steak, $4.97/lb. or coldwater lobster tails, $4.97/ea. at H-E-B (through 2/15/11)

2. Organic broccoli or cauliflower, .88/lb. at Sunflower (through 2/16/11)

3. Navel oranges or cantaloupes, 3 lbs. for $1 at Sun Harvest (through 2/16/11)

4. Organic Cameo apples (word up!), .88/lb. at Sprouts (through 2/16/11)

5. H-E-B Pure Cane Sugar Soft Drinks, 12-pack, $1.99* (through 2/15/11)

*with in-store coupon

Also at H-E-B this week, buy a 100- to 160-pack of H-E-B Baby diapers and get a free Cosco umbrella stroller with an in-store coupon. I can't vouch for Cosco strollers, but we've had pretty good luck with H-E-B Baby diapers. And they've got Clifford the Big Red Dog on 'em!

Austin supermarket links (directs to weekly ads where available):
El Rancho Supermercado
Fiesta
H-E-B
Natural Grocers
Sunflower Farmers Market
Randall's
Sprouts Farmers Market
Sun Harvest
Wheatsville Food Co-Op
Whole Foods Market

Fave Five Food Deals - 2/2/11

If you can stand the frigid wind chill, there are plenty of pre-Super Bowl deals to be had at Austin supermarkets this week.

1. Chicken sausage (all varieties), $1.99/lb. at Sunflower (through 2/9/11)

2. Haas avocados or beefsteak tomatoes, .49/lb. at Sunflower (through 2/9/11)

3. Rio red grapefruit, .25/ea. at Sprouts (through 2/9/11)

4. Small navel oranges, 10 for $1 at H-E-B (through 2/8/11)

5. Cuties clementine mandarins, 3 lb. bag, $3.99 at Sun Harvest (through 2/9/11)

This Friday at Randall's, get select varieties of Nabisco snack crackers for just 99 cents (limit 2 with Remarkable card). If you like Triscuits, this is an even better deal than Hill Country Fare Woven Wheats (which always taste a little stale compared to the real thing).

Austin supermarket links (directs to weekly ads where available):
El Rancho Supermercado
Fiesta
H-E-B
Natural Grocers
Sunflower Farmers Market
Randall's
Sprouts Farmers Market
Sun Harvest
Wheatsville Food Co-Op
Whole Foods Market

Fave Five Food Deals - 1/26/10

While super-steals are in short supply in this week's round-up of Austin supermarket circulars, you can still keep a little change in your pocket with the following five sale items.

1. Asparagus, $1.49/lb. at Sun Harvest (through 2/2/11)

2. Organic Braeburn apples, .88/lb. at H-E-B (through 2/1/11)

3. Boneless pork loin roast, $1.97/lb. at Sprouts (through 2/2/11)

4. Wild caught mahi mahi, $2.97/lb. at Sunflower (through 2/2/11)

5. Sun Harvest veggie chips, 2 for $3 at Sun Harvest (through 2/2/11)

From Jan. 28 through 31, there are also some sweet deals to be had at Sun Harvest's 72-hour sale, including 6 oz. of blueberries for .97, Dirty Chips potato chips for .99 and half gallons of Blue Bell ice cream for $3.99.

Austin supermarket links (directs to weekly ads where available):
El Rancho Supermercado
Fiesta
H-E-B
Natural Grocers
Sunflower Farmers Market
Randall's
Sprouts Farmers Market
Sun Harvest
Wheatsville Food Co-Op
Whole Foods Market

Fave Five Food Deals - 1/19/11

Citrus takes center stage in this week's compendium of Austin's best supermarket deals.

1. Texas Rio Red grapefruit, .25/ea. or navel oranges, .25/lb. at Sun Harvest (through 1/26/11)

2. Strawberries, $1.88/lb. at H-E-B (through 1/25/11)

3. Boneless skinless chicken breasts, $1.77/lb. at Sun Harvest (through 1/26/11)

4. Natural Angus boneless beef shoulder roast, $2.98/lb. at H-E-B (through 1/25/11)

5. Alaskan haddock, $3.99/lb. at Sunflower (through 1/26/11)

Austin supermarket links (directs to weekly ads where available):
El Rancho Supermercado
Fiesta
H-E-B
Natural Grocers
Sunflower Farmers Market
Randall's
Sprouts Farmers Market
Sun Harvest
Wheatsville Food Co-Op
Whole Foods Market

Fave Five Food Deals - 1/12/11

The air is bone-chilling today, but we've got a swell set of Austin supermarket bargains to warm you right up.

1. Boneless beef top sirloin steaks, $1.97/lb. at H-E-B (through 1/18/11)

2. Red or green bell peppers, .49/ea. at Sprouts (through 1/19/11)

3. Asparagus, $1.77/lb. at Sunflower (through 1/19/11)

4. Gala apples, .67/lb. at H-E-B (through 1/18/11)

5. Organic Granny Smith or Fuji apples, .88/lb. at Sun Harvest (through 1/19/11)

Austin supermarket links (directs to weekly ads where available):
El Rancho Supermercado
Fiesta
H-E-B
Natural Grocers
Sunflower Farmers Market
Randall's
Sprouts Farmers Market
Sun Harvest
Wheatsville Food Co-Op
Whole Foods Market

Fave Five Food Deals - 1/5/11

Welcome to 2011, where the Austin supermarket bargain bounty continues unabated.

1. Green and red leaf lettuce, .49/ea. at Sun Harvest (through 1/12/11)

2. Rio Star Texas grapefruit, .19/ea. at Sprouts (through 1/12/11)

3. Large seedless navel oranges, .37/lb. at H-E-B (through 1/11/11)

4. Blackberries, 5.6 oz., .77/ea. at H-E-B (through 1/11/11)

5. Crios Malbec 2009, 750 mL, $9.99/ea. at Central Market (through 1/11/11)

Also, effective Jan. 5, Newflower Farmers Markets in Texas will be known as Sunflower Farmers Markets just like all the others. The Colorado-based chain previously had to use the Newflower moniker because a competing supermarket chain held the rights to the Sunflower name in Texas.

Austin supermarket links (directs to weekly ads where available):
El Rancho Supermercado
Fiesta
H-E-B
Natural Grocers
Sunflower Farmers Market
Randall's
Sprouts Farmers Market
Sun Harvest
Wheatsville Food Co-Op
Whole Foods Market

Fave Five Food Deals - 12/15/10

This is the last edition of Fave Five Food Deals for 2010. Our staff has worked tirelessly all year to bring you the week’s best Austin grocery deals, so in the spirit of the season, we’re giving everyone a two-week furlough. We’ll see you back on the clock in 2011 – enjoy!

Acorn, butternut, spaghetti and kabocha squash, .27/lb. at Newflower (through 12/22/10)

Navel oranges, .69/lb. at Sprouts (through 12/22/10)

Organic Fuji apples, .79/lb at Sprouts (through 12/22/10

Masa Brosa masa mix, 4.4 lbs., .99 at Fiesta (through 12/24/10)

Wild mahi mahi filets, $2.97/lb. at Newflower (through 12/22/10)

Also, pick up half gallons of Blue Bell ice cream for $3.99 each and 12-packs of Shiner for $9.99 each during Sun Harvest's 72-hour sale on Dec. 17, 19 and 19.

Austin supermarket links (directs to weekly ads where available):
El Rancho Supermercado
Fiesta
H-E-B
Natural Grocers
Newflower Farmers Market
Randall's
Sprouts Farmers Market
Sun Harvest
Wheatsville Food Co-Op
Whole Foods Market

Fave Five Food Deals - 12/8/10

This week's top Austin grocery deals might make you want to pay homage to B-52's vocalist Fred Schneider by screaming, "Let me kiss your PINEAPPLES!"

1. Pineapples, .99/ea. at Newflower (through 12/15/10)

2. Boston butt pork roast, .99/lb. at H-E-B (through 12/14/10)

3. Small Texas red grapefruit, 5 for $1 at H-E-B (through 12/14/10)

4. Romaine, red leaf and green leaf lettuce, .77/ea. at Sun Harvest (through 12/15/10)

5. H-E-B pure cane sugar soft drinks, 12 pack, $1.50 at H-E-B (through 12/14/10)*

*With in-store coupon

Also, pick up a 5 lb. box of Cutie clementine tangerines for just $3.97 at Sun Harvest on Thursday, Dec. 9 and Friday, Dec. 10 only.

Austin supermarket links (directs to weekly ads where available):
El Rancho Supermercado
Fiesta
H-E-B
Natural Grocers
Newflower Farmers Market
Randall's
Sprouts Farmers Market
Sun Harvest
Wheatsville Food Co-Op
Whole Foods Market

Fave Five Food Deals - 12/1/10

Sorry for the post-holiday delay in posting this week's best Austin grocery deals. A 9-month-old who's waking up every couple of hours all through the night will do that to a blog.

1. H-E-B seasoned boneless skinless chicken thighs for fajitas, 5 lbs. for $5 at H-E-B (through 12/7/10)

2. Russet potatoes, 5 lb. bag, .47 at Newflower (through 12/8/10)

3. Avocados, .49/ea. at Sprouts and Sun Harvest (through 12/8/10)

4. Oranges, 15 for $1 at El Rancho Supermercado (through 12/7/10)

5. Organic arugula, .99/ea. at Newflower (through 12/8/10)

Austin supermarket links (directs to weekly ads where available):
El Rancho Supermercado
Fiesta
H-E-B
Natural Grocers
Newflower Farmers Market
Randall's
Sprouts Farmers Market
Sun Harvest
Wheatsville Food Co-Op
Whole Foods Market

Fave Five Food Deals - 11/24/10

We weren't planning to do a FFFD entry this week because most of the supermarkets in town don't send out a sales circular during Thanksgiving week. Despite this paucity, we've ferreted out a few deals you should know about in case your drunken uncle horks all the leftover turkey.

1. Boneless skinless chicken breasts, $1.19/lb. at El Rancho Supermercado (through 11/30/10)

2. Jewel and Garnet yams, .48/lb at Newflower (through 12/1/10)

3. Green or red cabbage and premium Russet potatoes, .50/lb. at Newflower (through 12/1/10)

4. Green beans, .88/lb at Newflower (through 12/1/10)

5. Pork stew meat, .99/lb. at El Rancho Supermercado (through 11/30/10)

Austin supermarket links (directs to weekly ads where available):
El Rancho Supermercado
Fiesta
H-E-B
Natural Grocers
Newflower Farmers Market
Randall's
Sprouts Farmers Market
Sun Harvest
Wheatsville Food Co-Op
Whole Foods Market

Fave Five Food Deals - 11/17/10

Be extra thankful for the extra money you'll save by taking advantage of this week's Austin supermarket deals.

1. Boneless skinless chicken breasts, $1.67/lb. at Sprouts (through 11/25/10)

2. Organic Romaine lettuce, .88/ea. at Sun Harvest (through 11/25/10)

3. Organic celery, .88/ea. at Sprouts (through 11/25/10)

4. 10 lb. bag of Russet potatoes, $1.47/ea. at Sun Harvest (through 11/25/10)

5. Granny Smith or Rome apples, .50/lb. at Sun Harvest (through 11/25/10)

If you do a fair amount of shopping at Sun Harvest, be sure to pick up this week's circular at the store. There you'll find a coupon for $5 off a purchase of $50 or more this week.

Austin supermarket links (directs to weekly ads where available):
El Rancho Supermercado
Fiesta
H-E-B
Natural Grocers
Newflower Farmers Market
Randall's
Sprouts Farmers Market
Sun Harvest
Wheatsville Food Co-Op
Whole Foods Market

Behind the Lines at Walmart

I recently decided to make a reconnaissance visit to the newly opened Northcross Walmart Supercenter that engendered so much controversy when it first squeaked through the city approval process just ahead of the big box ordinance three years ago.

I had no intention of actually purchasing anything there. I avoid shopping at Walmart whenever possible because whatever cost savings the average American consumer might realize there goes toward undermining the living standards of the average American worker. Their new Butthole Surfers-inspired logo does nothing to change that.

That said, a quick perusal of the grocery side of the store revealed a few standout deals. Bananas were .36/lb., a full eight cents lower than H-E-B's regular price. Walmart's in-house imitation of Triscuits sold for $1.32, compared to H-E-B Hill Country Fare Woven Wheats at $1.67.

I think you could save money by shopping at Walmart over H-E-B if you spent the majority of your grocery dollar on packaged food. However, one thing that struck me about the Northcross Supercenter is how relatively little floor space is dedicated to fresh foods and how few of Walmart's prices on meat and produce best those of H-E-B. And why not? A key component of Sam Walton's retailing genius was in making sure goods make it to stores just in time for customers to buy them. It's harder to do that with fresh foods.

The rest of the store was just about what you'd expect at a standard Walmart with a few subtle differences. There is more natural light coming in through the roof, which improves energy efficiency while cutting down on the depressing florescent glow. Also, the bicycle racks are shaped like bicycles, which I guess is Walmart's attempt at whimsy. Overall, it's less ugly than the traditional blue/gray box, but it's still a box.

Time will tell how much the Northcross Walmart will (or won't) alter the characteristics of its immediate surroundings. I haven't noticed much difference in traffic during my morning and afternoon weekday commutes on Burnet yet. The holiday season should provide a more meaningful snapshot of how the store will impact area traffic patterns.

Fave Five Food Deals - 11/10/10

Hold onto your pocketbooks, Austin. It's time for your weekly dose of supermarket deals.

1. Haas avocados, 3 for $1 at Newflower (through 11/17/10)

2. Asparagus, $1.47/lb. at Sprouts (through 11/17/10)

3. Hill Country Fare split chicken breasts, $1/lb. at H-E-B (through 11/16/10)

4. Fuji apples, .50/lb. at Sun Harvest (through 11/17/10)

5. Brown Cow yogurt, 6 oz. cups, .59/ea. at Sun Harvest (through 11/17/10)

Austin supermarket links (directs to weekly ads where available):
El Rancho Supermercado
Fiesta
H-E-B
Natural Grocers
Newflower Farmers Market
Randall's
Sprouts Farmers Market
Sun Harvest
Wheatsville Food Co-Op
Whole Foods Market

Fave Five Food Deals - 11/3/10

Crazy cheap heads of lettuce lead the way in this week's list of Austin's best supermarket deals.

1. Romaine lettuce, 2 for $1 at Sun Harvest (through 11/10/10)

2. Organic Jonagold, Braeburn or Gala apples, .99/lb at Sprouts* (through 11/10/10)

3. Buttermilk sourdough bread, $1.99 at Central Market (through 11/9/10)

4. Boneless skinless chicken breasts, $1.49/lb. at Fiesta** (through 11/9/10)

5. Top sirloin steak, $2.99/lb. at Sprouts (through 11/10/10)

*Organic Jonagold and Braeburn apples are also on sale for .99/lb. at Newflower
**Sold in family pack, limit 2 with $10 additional purchase

If you shop at H-E-B, be sure to glance at your checkout coupons. In the past two weeks, we've gotten one for a free pound of red or white seedless grapes and another for $3 off a purchase of $30 or more. That right there is free money, hoss.

Austin supermarket links (directs to weekly ads where available):
El Rancho Supermercado
Fiesta
H-E-B
Natural Grocers
Newflower Farmers Market
Randall's
Sprouts Farmers Market
Sun Harvest
Wheatsville Food Co-Op
Whole Foods Market