What to Buy in September
The seasonal sales of September can help you save a lot of money if you stock up with what’s on sale. Here’s the best deals of September.
Ready to learn about all the best sales in September? Let’s talk about what you should be watching for this month to help stretch your budget and stock your pantry smartly.
You see, I am a frugal grocery shopper always looking to save our family money. We keep our grocery budget to $525 a month, and one of the ways I make that work is by shopping the sales—especially seasonal ones. I pay attention to what’s on sale each month so I can plan ahead and stock up. That’s exactly what we’re doing today—walking through everything that tends to go on sale in September so you can shop smart too.
So let’s talk about September sales, shall we?
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Lunchbox Staples on Sale
By September, school is back in full swing across the country, so you’ll see plenty of sales on lunch-friendly items—whether you pack lunches or just like having these on hand at home. Watch for sales on:
- Peanut butter
- Jelly or jam
- Lunch meat
- Applesauce cups
- Granola bars
- Crackers
- Chips
- Juice boxes
These are all great to stock up on while they’re priced low, especially if you want to build a small pantry stockpile.
Hot Beverage Sales
As the weather cools, we’ll start seeing sales on hot drinks—especially toward the end of the month. If you enjoy warm beverages, this is a good time to look for deals on:
- Hot chocolate
- Apple cider
- Coffee
- K-Cups
If your family drinks any of these regularly, try to grab some before colder weather drives prices up.
National Better Breakfast Month
September is also National Better Breakfast Month, and you’ll likely see sales on items that support hearty breakfasts like:
- Instant oatmeal
- Breakfast cereal
- Frozen pancakes and waffles
- Syrup
- Carnation Instant Breakfast
- Bacon and sausage
- Eggs (if we’re lucky)
Breakfast-for-dinner is always a frugal and filling option, and September’s a great time to stock up on these staples.
National Chicken Month
That’s right—September is also National Chicken Month! Look for sales on:
- Whole chickens
- Chicken breasts
- Thighs
- Drumsticks
- Processed chicken like tenders or nuggets
If chicken is a go-to protein for your family, make some room in your freezer and watch your weekly ads closely.
National Potato Month
It’s also National Potato Month! This means you can expect good sales on all things potato—both fresh and frozen. If you buy fresh potatoes, remember to store them in a dark, cool place (not in plastic) so they last for months. Great deals on potatoes are worth grabbing because they’re so versatile and long-lasting.
National Rice Month
Rice is another pantry staple that will likely go on sale this month. White rice stores longer than brown rice, but both are worth grabbing if you use them in your meals. Shelf-stable items like rice are always a smart investment when they go on sale.
Personal Hygiene Sales
September is also a great time to stock up on personal hygiene products. These don’t expire and you use them regularly—so why not grab them while they’re on sale? Watch for:
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Bar soap and hand soap
- Toothpaste and toothbrushes
- Feminine products
- Deodorant
I love finding toiletries on sale – this month and any month!
What Fruits Are in Season in September
Fall produce starts to overlap a bit with summer this month, so it’s a great time to enjoy a variety of fruit. Look for good prices on:
- Apples
- Blackberries
- Cantaloupe
- Cranberries
- Grapes
- Kiwi
- Lemons
- Mangoes
- Nectarines
- Peaches
- Pears
- Plums
- Pomegranates
Stock up, enjoy fresh, or freeze for later to stretch the value even further.
September Vegetables on Sale
Here’s a list of the vegetables you’ll find on sale this month:
- Artichokes
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cucumbers
- Eggplant
- Green beans
- Mushrooms
- Onions
- Peppers
- Pumpkins
- Spinach
- Sweet potatoes
- Tomatoes
- Summer squash
- Winter squash
This is one of those rare months when you’ll still see zucchini but also start to see acorn, butternut, and other winter squashes.
Non-Food Sales and Clearance Deals
As September rolls around, you’ll also want to keep an eye on clearance sales. Here are some of the best non-food deals to look for:
- Camping gear – tents, sleeping bags, and other summer camping items
- School supplies – especially at Walmart, Target, and your local grocery store
- Planners – often clearanced when school starts
- Canning supplies – jars, lids, and mixes start getting marked down
- Clearance summer clothes – especially for kids: shorts, sandals, water shoes
If you can, buy a size up and stash summer clothes for next year. Operation Christmas Child shoppers, this is also a great time to grab school supplies for your boxes.
September has a lot of overlapping themes—back to school, prepping for colder weather, and the tail end of summer clearance. If you missed anything I should add to this list, feel free to let me know in the comments.
