Sunday, December 14, 2008

Down to the wire

Calling all price-bookers: I need a quick cost comparison!

Where is the cheapest place to buy Rice Krispies-style cereal? Do you use the generic version for treats?

With thanks,

a mom who's too tired to go to more than 1 store

41 comments:

Sharon said...

I have used the store brand krispy rice for rice krispy treats and also for scotcharoos and nobody has been able to tell the difference.

I don't keep a price book, but I can get the Ralston brand for about $1.50 a box at the commissary.

Lynn said...

I usually buy the Walmart brand krispy rice and it works fine. I don't remember the price though sorry.

Krista said...

Aldi. Their crisp rice cereal isn't so good for eating with milk, but I use it for treats and all that sugar drowns out the non-name-brand-ness of it. I heart Aldi.

Jenni said...

I would say Wal-Mart and I'm sure the generic would be fine. Another option (if you have them) would be Sav-a-Lot.

Anonymous said...

Aldi - $1.69. It's fine for treats - etc.-Melissa

MamaBirdEmma said...

I don't know the cheapest place, but I have used store brand and it tastes the same to me!

Anonymous said...

Fry's (which I think is Kroger's elsewhere) had the generic 14 oz on sale just after Halloween for $.99 each. Since Rice Krispie treats are always on our Christmas to do list, I bought 3 boxes. I had to wait until the Thanksgiving sales to get the marshmallows on sale.

Miss Mary

Dianna said...

I would say get a generic brand you've bought before and liked, one you know doesn't cut corners, like Wal-Mart.

Camille said...

I always use the Wal-Mart brand for my RK treats and can't tell a difference.

Anonymous said...

I second the Ralston brand at the commissary - it actually tastes better than Rice Krispies to me! On a really good day I can get it for 99 cents/box.

Susan in San Antonio

Bobi Jensen said...

Your kids are growing up so much! I have to beg to differ on 3 being easier than the first...2 was easier than one, but oh boy, 3 was an adjustment!!!

The Frugal Countess said...

Publix brand was less than $2 last time I bought it for rice crispy treats.

Alice Gunther said...

[Oops, I believe I submitted an unfinished comment. Here is what I was about to write:]

That photograph is perfect. The expression on your little daughter is just priceless and would make a wonderful Christmas card!

Lillibeth said...

I just have to say that your children are so cute:)

Kendra Fletcher said...

I always use generic/store brand and they are great. Our local store (Northern CA) has all Kelloggs cereal on sale this week and with coupons, I've been getting it for .50/box. A steal!

Mrs. Darling said...

Well personally I think off brands taste off. But I dont have any advice on cheaper places to buy.

Sara said...

Meredith, I just love this picture. Elise is SUCH a darling!

Anonymous said...

I'm with some of your other commenters....Cereal?! Who cares when such darling kids are around ( and yeah, you can tuck that comment away and save it for the next time they do something that makes them seem not so "darling" to you!)
I cannot believe how much Elise looks like you ( at least judging from the photos you've put on your site), and Andrew looks like he is quickly leaving the little boy stage behind and turning into a high-energy, muscle and sinew big boy! They're beautiful, Meredith. Now we need an updated picture of John, because I am sure that he is changing by the week, too!
Blessings-
Susan

Laura said...

Aldi.
Tastes fine in treats.

Anonymous said...

If you have a CUB foods and WINCO foods near you - their huge bag is about 3.24 bucks - Generic of course...

It's kinda awesome, because it works out just great - it's simple and inexpensive - we have our first ICY/SNOWY arctic blast of the season and we are in for at least 2 days - so glad I made it to the store in time this morning and one of the items I picked up on the way to the checkout was a bag of cereal!
Rice Crispy treats are so good homeade --- next to cocoa on days like to day - they are a welcomed treat!

Good luck in your find!
Latrice (WMINW!)

Mary Ann said...

Aldi. Any generic brands I've used worked great for treats.

Kelly said...

I have no idea about the cereal. I just have to say Elise is gorgous!

Anonymous said...

I'm in the minority here, but I don't like generic brands of rice krispies. I don't think they taste like "the real thing". It may just be "all in my head" as my mom would say, but I still will pay for what I think is best.

Darling picture of the kids. It just occured to me that I have never seen Andrew or Elise in jeans. Do they wear them? Inquiring minds want to know! lol

Anonymous said...

Target generic "crispy rice" 1.97 a box

elizabeth said...

By now I'm sure you've already got the cereal, but like others I have a comment on the photo! It is so DARLING! I love the flour smudges on their clothes. And I also agree it would make a cute Christmas photo. :)

Amy said...

I think Aldi has it for $1.89 a box now (if that helps). I usually get it from there and always get compliments on my treats :)

The kids are getting so darn big- WOW! Happy holidays!

Anonymous said...

I use store brand also, usually WalMart or Save Alot. They all are so much the same that we can not tell the difference!

Ruth, PA

Mercedes said...

I would use store brand rice crispies with confidence. However, ridiculous as it sounds, my husband won't let me use generic marshmallows. I bought them once and he was most unhappy with the results. lol!

Mercedes said...

PS. Your daughter is absolutely gorgeous! I love all of her girlie dresses. I hope if I ever have a daughter I can find some dresses like that.

Mercedes

Melissa Martin said...

I got some Kellogg's Rice Krispies on sale at Walgreens last week for $1.99 a box plus I had 2 coupons for $1/1. So I spent .99 cents per box.

Your kids look so cute!

Charlotte said...

We buy Generic and for Rice Krispies noone can tell the difference, actually in our house except for the sweetened cereals that I rarely buy anyhow, noone can taste a difference at all.

Meredith said...

I am amazed that someone noticed the kids are never in jeans!

It's true--they rarely are. I don't think Elise even owns a pair right now.

It's hard to find good kids' jeans used, plus Elise is so little that they never stay up on her waist.

For comfy days, I usually put Andrew in jogging pants instead--and on other days thick corduroys with elastic waists. I like them to be comfortable and not have to fool with belts (yet).

Elise wears dresses because that's what we both like. It's also a lot easier to get her dressed without scrambling around for matching top/pants/etc.

Anonymous said...

They are so CUTE! I love Elise's expression. You dress her like Eloise Wilkin illustrations, love it.

Do you have any tips for the folding-in hot marshmallow stage of RK-Treat-making?

deb meyers

Anonymous said...

Ha! I totally hear you about only having energy for one store! I used to run all over creation for bargains when I had one kid. Now with 2 (and you have THREE), we hit one store per trip unless I've had lots of coffee and sleep beforehand. oh yes. I'm trading fewer bargains for more sanity, I tell myself!

The Frugal Shrink said...

Totally off topic, but Elise is sooooo beautiful!!! And Andrew is handsome. :) They are growing up so fast.

Quirky Cottage Owners said...

Once again I'm learning from you.

3 Tbsp. cocoa + 1 Tbsp. shortening

How did you learn these things? This is your mission field -- me.
Rita

Unknown said...

Save-A-Lot was $1.49 for a big box here, last time I checked. However, since you have a Target right down the street, I would pay the extra 50 cents and get their generic, since it is cheap and would save you gas & time.

Happy Holidays!
Hugs!

Anonymous said...

Meredith, I am sure you have decided on the 100+ gifts for your husband's staff, but in case you haven't (or file idea away for next year) check out Melissa Lester's "A Little Loveliness". She made cocoa cones for her son's class. Easy, cheap, fast to make and would be festive favors that look like they could have been purchased an at upscale boutique. The biggest trick would be transporting them in an upright positition!

Meredith said...

Those are cute, aren't they?

I think they might be a little overdone in my area, though, as we've been given several of those in recent years.

Tubo Family said...

Your children are so beautiful and I love how you dress them. If you ever do decide to buy jeans you might want to check out the Just Between Friends sales http://jbfsale.com/?fuseaction=home.subsites. I have been pleasantly surprised that I have been able to find jeans in great shape for about $5 a pair, at least in the sizes up to 7.

Renee said...

Look at how cute your kids are. I always love the outfits!Helping hands during the season is great isn't it? And the children learn so much by helping mommy.

I was wondering if anyone has any great frugal treat ideas for my 6 yr. old daughters school class. There is a kid that has a peanut allergy. I have no idea who to ask then on here. Everyone seems so frugal and crafty. Any help is greatly appreciated!

rbrown7997@yahoo.com
Thanks~ Renee
Mama to four