By Ylice Golden|Published on 8/6/2025

When to Save on Groceries: A Smart Shopper’s Guide by Season

Whether you’re stretching every dollar or dining like a billionaire, there’s one universal truth in the Roaring Fork Valley and beyond: everyone loves a good deal – especially when it comes to fresh, flavorful food. Knowing when to buy groceries seasonally not only helps your wallet but also means tastier meals with peak-freshness ingredients. Here’s a guide to help you shop smarter all year long: A month-by-month guide to help you save on fruits, vegetables, meats, seafood, dairy, frozen items, and pantry staples.

– Fresh Fruits & Vegetables

Month Fruits Vegetables

January: Oranges, grapefruits, apples, cabbage, kale, carrots, onions, potatoes. February: Lemons, limes, oranges, broccoli, cauliflower, spinach. March: Pineapples, early strawberries, asparagus, radishes, greens April: Kiwis, strawberries, lettuce, mushrooms, peas, artichokes. May: Berries, cherries, corn, green beans, cucumbers. June: Peaches, nectarines, melons, zucchini, tomatoes, bell peppers. July: Watermelon, blueberries, cherries, corn, squash, cucumbers. August: Apples (early), cantaloupe, grapes, tomatoes, peppers, green beans. September: Apples, pears, grapes, broccoli, cauliflower, pumpkin. October: Cranberries, apples, pomegranates, squash, carrots, sweet potatoes. November: Oranges, pears, apples, turnips, brussel sprouts, potatoes. December: Bananas, oranges, tangerines, leeks, winter squash, root vegetables.

– Canned & Frozen Goods

CategoryBest MonthsWhyCanned vegetablesNov, JanHoliday & pantry stock salesCanned fruitsJun- AugHarvest & canning seasonFrozen vegetablesMar, OctInventory rotationFrozen fruitsMay- JunAfter spring harvestsFrozen mealsJan, SepPost-holiday & back-to-school

– Dairy Products

Item Best Months

Why Milk May, June Peak production Cheese. Nov, Dec, Apr Holiday baking & sandwiches. Butter Nov, Dec, Apr Holiday demand – freeze for later. Eggs Mar, Apr. Easter season sales. Yogurt Jul, Aug. Summer promotionsCream/CreamersNov, DecHoliday cooking

– Meat, Poultry & Seafood

Item Best Months

Why Beef May, Sep Grilling season sales Pork Jan, Oct Fall/winter stock and slaughter Chicken. Mar, Oct Inventory rotation & fall dealsTurkey. Nov Thanksgiving markdowns Ham. Dec, Apr. Christmas and Easter sales Seafood (general) Feb – Apr Lent season Shrimp. May – Jul Summer seafood specials Salmon (frozen) Jun – Aug Wild Alaskan season Canned tunaMar, Sep School lunch pantry sales

– Dry Goods & Pantry Staples

Item Best Months

Why Flour, sugar, baking mixes Nov, Dec, Apr. Holiday & Easter baking. Pasta, rice Aug, Sep, Jan Back-to-school & pantry reset. Cereal Jul, Aug, Sep School breakfast sales. Oatmeal Jan, Feb New Year’s health goals. Beans (dried/canned) Jan, Mar Healthy eating & Lent Coffee & tea. Nov, Jan Holiday gift and clearance deals. Peanut butter Aug, Sep Back-to-school promotions. Cooking oil Nov, Dec Baking season Spices & extracts. Nov, Dec Holiday cooking

– Summary Tips

• Plan around holidays: Major sales before Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, Memorial Day, and July 4th.
• Buy seasonal produce: It’s cheaper and fresher.
• Freeze when you can: Stock up on meats, butter, and fruit during sales.
• Post-holiday pantry deals: Canned goods and baking items often go on sale after big events.

Best Times to Buy Popular Grocery Items

From fruits and vegetables to seafood and dry goods, certain grocery items hit their lowest prices at predictable times throughout the year. Here’s a seasonal breakdown of the best times to stock up:

• Fresh Fruit: Buy in summer for berries, fall for apples and pears, and winter for citrus.
• Frozen Fruit & Veggies: Shop late summer and fall when stores stockpile the harvest.
• Canned Goods: Watch for deep discounts during fall and winter holidays.
• Vegetables: Root vegetables are cheapest in fall/winter corn, peppers, and greens peak in summer.
• Meat: Look for beef and grilling meats on sale near Memorial Day, Father’s Day, and July 4.
• Poultry: Turkey deals peak in November whole chicken is cheapest in January – March.
• Seafood: Shrimp, lobster, and shellfish often drop in price around Valentine’s Day and New Year’s.
• Dairy: Butter and eggs dip in price before major holidays cheese often goes on sale for back-to-school.
• Dry Goods: Pasta, rice, cereal, and baking goods are best around holidays and back-to-school season.

Month-by-Month Grocery Savings Calendar

For those who love to plan ahead, here’s a handy monthly guide to grocery deals by category – produce, meats, seafood, dairy, frozen, and dry goods. Use this to build your shopping list or meal prep strategy any time of year.

January

• Produce: Citrus, kale, leeks, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower
• Meat/Seafood: Whole chickens, pork
• Dairy: Eggs
• Dry Goods: Oatmeal, granola, canned soups
• Frozen: Frozen fruit and vegetables

February

• Produce: Cabbage, carrots, potatoes, turnips
• Meat/Seafood: Shrimp, lobster
• Dairy: Cream cheese, chocolate items
• Dry Goods: Baking goods, canned beans

March

• Produce: Artichokes, asparagus, avocado, spinach, mangoes
• Meat/Seafood: Corned beef, ham
• Dairy: Butter, cream cheese
• Dry Goods: Rice, canned tuna, pasta

April

• Produce: Pineapple, rhubarb, lettuce, mushrooms
• Meat/Seafood: Lamb, ham
• Dairy: Yogurt, cream cheese
• Dry Goods: Baking mixes, canned fruit

May

• Produce: Berries, cherries, radishes, cucumbers
• Meat/Seafood: Hot dogs, sausages, ground beef
• Dairy: Ice cream, cheese
• Dry Goods: BBQ sauces, marinades

June

• Produce: Peaches, nectarines, watermelon, corn
• Meat/Seafood: Chicken, ribs, burgers
• Dairy: Shredded cheese, dips
• Dry Goods: Condiments, baked beans

July

• Produce: Tomatoes, blueberries, melons, peaches
• Meat/Seafood: Steak, burgers, hot dogs
• Dairy: Ice cream, butter
• Dry Goods: Picnic items, paper goods

August

• Produce: Tomatoes, corn, peppers, grapes
• Meat/Seafood: Frozen seafood, lunch meats
• Dairy: Cheese sticks, yogurt
• Dry Goods: Granola bars, peanut butter, pasta

September

• Produce: Apples, pears, squash, carrots
• Meat/Seafood: Chicken, pork chops
• Dairy: Milk, block cheese
• Dry Goods: Canned soup, flour, sugar

October

• Produce: Apples, pumpkins, cranberries, broccoli
• Meat/Seafood: Roasts, turkey
• Dairy: Cream, cheese
• Dry Goods: Halloween candy, canned pumpkin

November

• Produce: Cranberries, potatoes, onions, celery
• Meat/Seafood: Turkey, ham
• Dairy: Butter, milk, eggs
• Dry Goods: Stuffing, gravy, baking supplies

December

• Produce: Oranges, pomegranates, sweet potatoes
• Meat/Seafood: Prime rib, shellfish
• Dairy: Specialty cheeses, eggnog
• Dry Goods: Chocolate, holiday baking goods