Skip to main content

By the Penny: Black Beans ($.30 per Can)

 Black Beans ($.30 per Can)

Beans are so cheap to purchase by the can that people don’t think about how much they would save if they do a little bit of work and cook dried beans.  Let’s look at how difficult it is to do, what time is involved, and how much you could save.  


Here are the basic steps: 


Crockpot: 


Step 1- Pick through and rinse the beans.  This will remove any dirt left on them and you can get rid of the broken or damaged beans. 

Step 2- Place beans in the crockpot and cover with water.  The water should be about 3-4 inches above the beans.  

Step 3-  Cook beans on low for 16 hours.  I usually cook beans overnight.  

Stove Top 


Step 1- Pick through and rinse the beans.  This will remove any dirt left on them and you can get rid of the broken or damaged beans. 


Step 2- Soak for 4-6 hours or overnight.  


Step 3- Place in pot and cover with about 3-4 inches of water above the beans.  Bring to a rolling boil and boil for 45 minutes to an hour.  Check frequently to make sure that there is always water in the pot.  Add more if necessary. 



After cooking the beans, I package them in 1-cup packages and place them in the freezer until I need them.  This is the amount of beans you get from 1 can of beans.  


~ Savings ~


Cost Breakdown:


Strategic Shopping

1lb Bag of Black Beans= $1.49

Water= FREE

Total Recipe Cost= $1.39

Cost per 2 Cup Serving (5 portions)=  $0.30


Regular Shopping 

1lb Bag of Black Beans = $1.99

Water= FREE

Total Recipe Cost= $1.99

Cost per 2 Cup Serving (5 portions)= $0.40



The Contender: 


Bush's Black Beans (15 oz can)= $1.59

Generic Black Beans (15 oz can) = $0.79


Savings:

Strategic Shopping= 75%= 81%

Regular Shopping= 49%-62%


"Over a Year" Scenario:


Strategic Shopping 

1 Can of Black Beans per week = 52 X .30= $15.60

Use equivalent Bush's Beans (15 oz)= $1.59 x 52=$82.68

Use equivalent Generic Beans (15 oz)= $.79  x 52=$41.80


*Money Saved = $25.48-$67.00


Regular Shopping 

1 Can of Black Beans per week= 52 X .40= $20.80

Use equivalent Bush's Beans (15 oz)= $1.59 x 52=$82.68

Use equivalent Generic Beans (15 oz)= $.79  x 52=$41.80


*Money Saved = $21.00- $61.88
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

2025 Updated Breakfast Under $1.00

On the USDA Website, their thrifty grocery budgets range from  $25.70 to $72.80 per week ($3.67 - $10.40 per day) per person.   The two factors that determine the amount allocated are age and sex.  With such a small amount of money allocated daily for food and my attempt to eat healthily, I need to plan each week carefully.     With the Bird Flu hitting America hard recently, the egg is no longer a humble star but is turning into a luxury.     A dozen eggs cost $5.49 or $0.46 each.  At this price, I am looking at other options for breakfast.   Breakfast is a great place to add value to your meal planning.    It can be the cheapest or most expensive meal.  The choice is up to you.    NOTE: Prices are for the Northeast area for March 1,  2025 Let’s look at breakfasts that come in at or under $1.00.     Beagle and Cream Cheese ($0.69 per serving) Kroger Prices Bagels (6ct)- $2...
Post a Comment
Read more

Meal Planning: #287

  Menu Plan #287 NOTE-  1- Click on the picture and get a link to a post sharing the recipe.  2- Although all prices were correct at the time of the blog postings, the current cost of preparation of these dishes may be higher due to inflation and location.      August  USDA Low Food Plan According to this plan, our family would have a budget of $185.60 per week.  We elevate our dining experiences by including fresh fruits, vegetables, and higher-quality meats.  Since we have health concerns and are active individuals, we limit our processed food choices.          Here is what we did this week to make our week easier:   Breakfast Options:  Yogurt Muffins Egg Sandwiches Lunch Options: Grilled Chicken  Salads Chicken Salad Monday Hamburgers Roasted Potatoes Corn  Tuesday Street Tacos Salad Wednesday Enchilada Salad Chips w/ Salsa Thursday Leftovers Friday Chicken Parmesan Pasta Sal...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Frugal Five: #88

  The Frugal Five: #88 With inflation on the rise and salaries not increasing, our ability to make ends meet keeps going down.    Therefore, we must be more careful with our money.   The Frugal Five is a series where we celebrate the daily or weekly activities that help us live a frugal life.     This week I am exploring how to keep costs down during busy weeks.    Keeping dinner on the table instead of eating out is one of my strategies to get the job done.    Here are some of my tips and trips.    1- Free-Bee Pick Up  Over the last month, we have been blessed with several Free-Bees.  First, a friend gave us a dozen eggs from his chickens.  In addition, we picked up several photos with discount codes from Walgreens and CVS.   Next, we used our local grocery store coupons for several free food items such as seltzer water, ice cream, etc.   Then, we picked up toothpaste and eyeliners from ...
Post a Comment
Read more