What to Buy in July
Let’s look at what to buy in July with the seasonal grocery deals, produce to stock up on and smart summer sales to save you money!
Are you wondering what’s on sale in July and how to get the best grocery deals this month? This post is for you! July is packed with summer sales, seasonal produce, and even some back-to-school specials you won’t want to miss.
Let’s dive into the best things to buy in July!
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. You can read more in my disclosure policy.
1. Celebrate the 4th of July with Classic Picnic & BBQ Sales
Independence Day means big promotions on grilling and picnic favorites. Whether you’re hosting a cookout or not, this is the time to stock up for the whole summer.
Watch for sales on:
- Hot dogs & bratwursts
- Ground beef & hamburger patties
- Barbecue sauce, ketchup, mustard & pickles
- Potato chips
- Soda or pop
- Watermelon
- Popsicles & frozen treats
- Red, white & blue themed snacks
Pro Tip: Don’t just shop for the 4th. Think ahead! Freeze meat, condiments, and chips to use throughout the summer (or even for school lunches in the fall).
2. Enjoy Deals During National Ice Cream Month
July is National Ice Cream Month! That means ice cream and frozen treats will be on sale all month long.
Stock up on:
- Ice cream
- Ice cream sandwiches
- Ice cream bars
- Popsicles
- Ice cream cones
Savings Tip: Compare name brand vs store brand. You might find even better value in generic versions!
3. Take Advantage of Other National Food Celebrations
July overlaps with several other fun food-related months. These national designations often align with big in-store promotions:
- National Baked Bean Month – Stock up for BBQs and beyond.
- National Hot Dog Month – Sam’s Club and grocery stores often have great prices.
- National Pickle Month – Watch for jarred pickles and relish sales.
- National Grilling Month – Remember that meat freezes great too!
- National Blueberry Month – Yay for the freshest berries at their lowest prices!
4. Shop the Best In-Season Summer Produce
Fruits and vegetables are at their peak in July—so take advantage of the freshest options and lowest prices.
In-Season Fruits to Buy in July:
- Apricots
- Blackberries
- Blueberries
- Cantaloupe
- Cherries (sweet & sour)
- Grapes
- Kiwi
- Lemons & limes
- Mangoes
- Papaya
- Peaches
- Pineapple
- Plums
- Raspberries
- Strawberries
- Watermelon
Frugal Tip: Buy fruit on sale each week and freeze extra! I freeze blueberries by washing, drying, flash freezing, and storing in 2-cup portions for smoothies, muffins, or jam.
In-Season Vegetables in July:
- Avocados
- Bell peppers & hot peppers
- Cherry tomatoes
- Sweet corn
- Cucumbers
- Lettuce
- Green beans
- Onions
- Peas
- Summer squash
- Tomatoes
- Zucchini
Preserve It: Dice peppers and onions to freeze. Make homemade salsa or can summer produce with guides like The Ball Canning Book. Or just enjoy it all fresh while it lasts!
5. Start Watching for Back-to-School Sales
It might still feel like summer, but July marks the beginning of school supply sales.
Stock up early on:
- Crayons, markers & pencils
- Glue & glue sticks
- Highlighters & colored pencils
- Notebooks, folders & binders
- Backpacks & lunchboxes
Smart Mom Tip: As a former teacher and mom, I always buy extra glue sticks, crayons, and supplies now when they’re cheap. You’ll thank yourself in November when you don’t have to pay full price!
Even if you don’t have young kids, these items make great Operation Christmas Child gifts or donations to classrooms.
6. Look for College Dorm & Tech Sales
Back-to-college prep is in full swing by mid-July. Stores like Walmart, Target, and Amazon run sales on:
- Bedding & towels
- Storage bins & organizers
- Mini appliances
- Laptops & electronics
Bonus Tip: Even if you’re not sending a child to college, it’s a great time to grab a new laptop or household essentials at steep discounts.
7. Watch for Amazon Prime Day + Competitor Sales
Amazon Prime Day usually happens in the second half of July and features incredible savings—sometimes better than Black Friday!
In recent years, stores like Walmart, Target and Best Buy have also jumped in with their own deals.
Expect markdowns on:
- Electronics
- Kitchen & home goods
- Household staples
- Pantry items
- Gift-worthy products
You can also view the list of all the Prime Day deals right now! I keep this list updated as Prime Day rolls around – in July, and November, and yes, the Spring too!
8. Score Swimwear & Summer Clearance Deals
Retailers begin marking down swimwear, summer clothes, and outdoor toys in mid to late July. It’s the perfect time to buy ahead.
Frugal Mom Hack: I buy next year’s swimsuits for my kids in a size up. You’ll save 50–70% and be ready when next summer hits!
Final Thoughts
July is a powerhouse month for grocery savings. From grilling favorites and ice cream to fresh produce and back-to-school deals, there are so many ways to stretch your grocery budget right now.
Let me know in the comments—what do YOU like to buy in July? Did I miss any deals? I’d love to hear what you’re stocking up on so we can all save together!
