What to Buy in February
If you’re looking to stretch your grocery budget, one of the best ways to save money is to shop based on what’s on sale each month. February is a goldmine for stock-up prices, and I’m so excited to share everything that’s on sale this month!
I’m a bit of a grocery geek and love helping you save money on groceries with practical tips that actually work. Let’s talk about what to buy in February to save the most money!
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Canned Food Month
February is National Canned Food Month, and that means some of the best prices all year on:
- Canned vegetables
- Canned fruits (like peaches and pears)
- Canned soups (including cream soups)
- Canned meats (tuna, chicken, and more)
- Pie fillings
Canned goods are shelf-stable and often have a 2-3 year shelf life. So when you see a good sale this month, stock up beyond just what you need now!
National Hot Breakfast Month
February is also National Hot Breakfast Month, and it brings amazing deals on cozy breakfast foods like:
- Oatmeal, cream of wheat, and grits
- Frozen waffles and pancakes
- Syrup
- Frozen breakfast sandwiches
- Bacon and sausage
- Hash browns and frozen potatoes
- Biscuits and cinnamon rolls
These items freeze beautifully, making it a great time to buy extra for future breakfasts or even breakfast-for-dinner nights!
National Snack Food Month
Thanks to the Super Bowl, February is also National Snack Food Month, and you’ll find sales on:
- Potato chips and tortilla chips
- Dips (like Rotel and Velveeta for homemade queso)
- Crackers
- Lunchbox snacks
Whether you’re packing school lunches or just need some easy afternoon snacks, it’s a great time to refill your snack drawer.
National Cheddar Day – Cheese Sales Galore
Mark your calendar for February 13, aka National Cheddar Day, but watch for cheese deals all month long. You’ll often find markdowns on:
- Cheese blocks
- Shredded cheese
- Sliced cheese
- String cheese
Freezing tip: Cheese freezes great, but shred or slice it first. A block of cheese will crumble when thawed, but still tastes great—especially for baking!
Valentine’s Day Clearance
Don’t forget to check for markdowns on February 15 and beyond. Some of the best deals include:
- Valentine’s chocolate (perfect for Easter baskets!)
- Heart-themed sprinkles and baking supplies
- Valentine muffin liners and treat bags
- Red and pink baking mixes
I always shop after the holiday to grab goodies for later—sometimes even for birthdays or other themed celebrations!
Chinese New Year
With Chinese New Year falling in February, you can find great prices on:
- Egg rolls and dumplings
- Frozen stir-fry blends
- Rice and noodles
- Soy sauce and other pantry staples
Whether you’re cooking up an Asian-inspired dinner or just stocking your pantry, these are great items to look for this month.
February Produce – What’s In Season?
While we can get just about any produce year-round, you’ll save money by buying what’s in season. Here’s what to look for in February:
Vegetables:
- Asparagus
- Avocados
- Beets
- Brussels sprouts
- Cabbage
- Carrots
- Celery
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Leeks
- Onions
- Potatoes (including sweet and russet)
- Turnips and winter squash
Fruits:
- Apples
- Bananas
- Grapefruit
- Kiwis
- Lemons and limes
- Oranges
- Pears
- Pomegranates
If your favorite fruit (like grapes!) isn’t on sale, this is a great time to buy canned fruit as a budget-friendly alternative.
Big-Ticket Deals – President’s Day Sales
February isn’t just about groceries. President’s Day sales make it a smart time to buy:
- Mattresses
- Furniture
- Washers, dryers, stoves, and refrigerators
- Chest freezers (a frugal must-have!)
- Towels and bedding
- Humidifiers
- Electronics, especially TVs, laptops, and smartphones
Manufacturers often discount last year’s models in February, so if you’re not picky about brand-new releases, this can be the perfect time to buy.
Final Thoughts
There are so many ways to save money in February—more than most people realize! Whether you’re stocking up on canned foods, breakfast meats, snacks for the Super Bowl, or watching for big clearance events, this is a great month to plan ahead and save.
I’d love to hear from you: What great deals have you seen in February? Is there anything you always stock up on this time of year?
