Publix: The Yakisoba Conundrum
(That post title sounds like an episode title of The Big Bang Theory, doesn't it?)
I had such an amazing week at Publix last week, getting eight free boxes of fish fillets and saving 86%, so I didn't think this week would be able to live up to that.
In fact, it was much, much worse than I thought!
Several deals I planned at home ended up not working when I got to the store.
Failed Deal #1:
2 Flatout bread, 11.2 oz @ BOGO $3.19
- 2 $0.55/1 Flatout Soft Pretzel Fold-It printable (zip 30003)
= $2.09 for two, or $1.45 each
Problem: The soft pretzel Flatout was not included in the BOGO (it was only 10 oz).
Failed Deal #2:
1 Magnum ice cream bars @ $3.00
- $1.50/1 Magnum Mini Product printable
- $1.25/1 Magnum bars (in-ad coupon)
= 25¢
Problem: The Mini product was not included in the $3.00 sale - it was $5.99. This deal could have worked had I bought two boxes and used the $1.50/2 Magnum Ice Cream Bar Multipack printable coupon as well as a second in-ad coupon - that would make each box $1.00 each, which is still a good deal!
Failed Deal #3:
2 Glad trash bags @ $4.00 = $8.00
- 2 $1/1 Glad Black Trash Bags printable
- 2 $2/1 Glad OdorShield Trash Bags Target printable
= $2.00 for two, or $1.00 each
Problem: My store did not carry Glad OdorShield trash bags.
So that leads me to my Yakisoba conundrum.
I had twelve coupons for 50¢ off Maruchan Yakisoba (a ramen noodle product) from the Smartsource insert from the 5/20 newspapers. With a buy one, get one free sale for 99¢, they would be free! Do I get them or not?
Pro: They're free! And with hurricane season just starting here in South Florida, it's always a good idea to have emergency food on hand.
Con: I'd look like a crazy extreme couponer by buying tons of Yakisoba. In many of episodes of TLC's Extreme Couponing, you see couponers buying case after case of Yakisoba. And even in an emergency, would we really want to eat it?
So I decided...
to get the Yakisoba. I'll keep it where I keep my emergency supplies, not in my pantry. And if we make it through the hurricane season without opening them, I'll donate them to a food pantry.
So here's what I got:
12 Yakisoba @ BOGO 99¢ = $5.94
- 12 $0.50/1 Maruchan Yakisoba Product, exp. 7/31/12 (SS 05/20/12)
= 6¢ overage
2 Toufayan Smart Bagel @ BOGO $1.99
Total out of pocket: $1.93
Total saved compared to Publix full prices: $13.93
I hope you found this post to be helpful! If you'd like to learn more about frugal living, couponing, freebies, and deals, please subscribe to the Frugal Follies newsletter, become a fan on Facebook, or follow on Twitter.
7 comments:
I got the Yakisoba too at my Tom Thumb. I have a friend who needs help. So if I get free food I always give to them. It may not be the most nutritous food, but it is better than going hungry. They make the best of it and add a can of corn or some other veggies to make it a little more heartier.
I think it would be good for an emergency too, just make sure you have a lot of water to be able to make it. You can always use juice from canned corn or any other canned vegetable if you need it.
Yup, I stood and thought the same thing (hurricane season) but still have them BIG CUPS of soup from a while back, and, well, I just hate those soups :) ... I passed although I might go back and get 4 just in case (that blobby thing they keep talking about in the gulf has me thinking).
I have 4 kids out for summer so we will be buying a few of them to have for quick meals.
I had all the same failed deals as you! So frustrating!
Where are you in Florida? and what Publix matchup site do you follow, or do you do your own?
I have to admit, Yakisoba is so bad, for you, but sooo good! LOL I got it! only 2 though....
I hate to break the news but the veggie Yakisoba is delish! I have enjoyed my free noodles very much! :)
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