Last-Minute Deals Abound For Fourth Of July Groceries
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Hours before the Fourth of July was set to arrive, supermarkets and wholesalers were serving up an assortment of deals.
As CBS 2's Amy Dardashtian reported, you can be the host with the most food without breaking the bank.
While fireworks are fun, Aline Soto said the Fourth is all about the food.
"Burger buns -- we have hot dog buns; Kool-Aid for the children," she said, adding that she will be cooking for about 30 people.
And it is all about the deals. Supermarkets such as Gristedes on the Upper West Side have been catering to last-minute shoppers with decorative cakes, and deep discounts. Wise potato chips were on sale for $2 per bag – a savings of $1; while Vlasic pickles are $3.49, for a savings of $1.30. And no barbecue is complete without large hot dogs – Ball Park franks are now $2 cheaper at $4.99.
Some of the supermarkets feature specialty summertime items such as chicken and beef kabobs, or hamburger patties that are already fashioned and can be thrown right on the grill.
Shoppers can also customize with flag-draped napkins and plates, and give out refreshing Martinelli lemonades – which are four for $5 and come in flavors such as watermelon.
Paula Bradley was buying in bulk at BJ's Wholesale Club.
"Look at our packages of skirt steak -- $6.99 per pound," she said. "You can't beat that price."
Big parties also require lots of wings and extra-large iced tea mix. A picnic pack with two ketchups, relish and mustard is available for $7.99.
But retail food expert Michael Sansolo advises mixing in healthy dishes.
"It's summer -- the fruit is great," he said. "There's berries, there's melons -- make a beautiful fruit salad."
And he advised shopping around.
"You can go to places like Target; Walgreens and CVS even have food now," he said.
At BJ's Soto spent a total of around $300, or $10 per person. She said she was "very, very happy" with the savings.
Gristedes will run its deals for the next two weeks. Experts advise stocking up while deals last – especially on foods that can be frozen for future summer get-togethers.
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