Late August Deals on Chicken, Ribs, and Fall's First Pumpkin Spice

It's late August, which means the stores are making a quiet shift toward fall, and if you look closely at the flyers this week, you can see it. Pumpkin spice products are already showing up at Giant, apple cider donuts are on the shelves at both Giant and Lidl, and the peaches and nectarines that have been so good all summer are still priced well at Meijer, Publix, and Piggly Wiggly. Grab those stone fruits while you still can.

This Week's Best Deals

Chicken at Meijer and Kroger. Meijer has Fresh from Meijer Family Pack Chicken Thighs at $1.49/lb and Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs at $1.99/lb. Kroger is running Heritage Farm Boneless Chicken Breasts or Wings at $1.99/lb. If you have freezer space, this is a good week to stock up. Thighs especially are hard to beat at that price for grilling, braising, or just throwing in a sheet pan with whatever vegetables you have around.

Pork Ribs at Kroger and Piggly Wiggly. Kroger has St. Louis Style Pork Ribs at $2.99/lb, and Piggly Wiggly is selling Baby Back Pork Ribs at $3.59/lb. Either one makes for a fine weekend cook. St. Louis style ribs take a little longer but are very forgiving if you keep the heat low.

Avocados at ALDI. At $0.59 each, these are genuinely cheap. Buy several. They hold well on the counter for a few days and you can refrigerate them once they ripen to slow things down.

Pasta and sauce at Publix. Barilla Pasta is BOGO, and so is Bertolli Sauce. That is the whole dinner right there, and at BOGO prices you are really only paying for one of each. Pick up a few jars and a few boxes and put them in the pantry for a night when you do not feel like thinking too hard.

Grapes at ALDI. California Red Grapes are $1.29/lb this week, which is a solid price for late summer fruit. Good for snacking, good for a fruit plate, and easy to rinse and put in a bowl on the counter where the grandkids will actually find them.

Quick Breakfast and Lunch Ideas

Eggs and toast. Food City has That's Smart! Large Eggs for $1.69 a dozen with card, and Lidl has plain NY bagels for $0.79 each. That is a very inexpensive breakfast if you are near either of those stores.

Deli sandwich. Giant has Boar's Head Ovengold Turkey Breast at $4.49 and Oscar Mayer Deli Fresh Lunchmeat at $2.23. Pair either one with Artesano Bread at $2 and you have lunches covered for several days without much fuss.

Yogurt and fruit. Giant has several single-serve yogurts at $1 each this week, including Noosa, Dannon Light + Fit Greek, Too Good & Co., and Oikos Triple Zero. Add some of those $1.29/lb red grapes from ALDI and that is a quick, decent breakfast for not much money.

The full meal plans for this week are up on MyMenuPlans.com, built around these same sales and organized so you are not wandering the store without a list. If something caught your eye here, there is likely a full plan behind it. Come take a look and see what fits your week.