Welcome to Soda Wars Episode XXXIII.
Soda Wars: Revenge of the Thirst is a weekly blog presented by the Peanut Butter List. Every Wednesday we illustrate which store has the best prices on your favorite brands of soda. We price compare Pepsi, Coke and 7up in the 2 liter, 12 pack and 20/24 packs at ALL Colorado King Soopers, Safeway and Albertsons locations. With this blog you'll 'know before you go' who has the best deal on your favorite brands of soda each week before you head off to the stores.
Good afternoon everyone, I hope you're doing well on this August 17th. For some of us, this marks the week our kids go back to school after a long summer of 'un'learning everything they learned just last year. For others, the kids have been back in school for a week or so by now and are just getting back into the grind of homework and after school activities.
For us, we are in the first group. The kids start school tomorrow, Thursday, and our youngest of 3 kids ventures into the first grade. I know this has nothing to do with grocery or soda prices but, I bring this up because I'm curious as to why they picked Thursday to ring in the new school year. It really makes no sense to me. The kids go back to school for 2 days, then off for 2 days, and then they start a normal week on Monday. Why not just start the school year on a Monday? I find it just a bit strange, it's kind of like going to work just before your supposed to get off. Maybe it's just me and maybe it's just our District, either way starting school on Thursday is near lunacy in my book.
Such as life, continuing on...
I think the grocery stores are counting on it being very hot this month to sell soda. This is just a horrible week to purchase soft drinks. Don't get me wrong, there are a few deals here and there, but overall the cost of your beverages this week will run up the grocery bill fast. This is especially true if you're a Coke drinker, but in their defense, they did say they were going to raise prices. If the other companies don't follow suit they might be priced out of a few fans in the long run.
Let me show you what I'm talking about...
12pack Winner: 7up at Albertsons (4/$11 wyb4)
7up dropped $1.25 off their price at Albertsons to take the win this week at $2.75 per 12pack when you buy 4. Pretty good deal for 7up fans.
For Coke drinkers, look to pay $3.67 as the lowest price this week on a 12pack but be sure to buy 3, otherwise you'll be paying $4.33 per 12pack. You save $2.00 when you buy 3.
Pepsi fans can grab their favorites for $3.00 at Safeway with a buy 2 get 2 deal for the week. If you prefer bottles over cans, this price also includes the 6pack 24oz varieties as well. Had you stocked up last week you could have saved yourself .25¢ per 12pack buying at Albertsons 4/$11.00 deal.
For me personally, I'm waiting just a bit longer until we are getting holiday soda sales for Labor Day. Then I'm going to buy a crap ton of my favorite drinks and store them in the garage. $2.75 is a good price, but I prefer to make my purchases when it hits nearer $2.50 each.
For 20 & 24 packs...
20pack Winner: Pepsi at Albertsons ($4.99 wyb3)
Pepsi wins this week with offering a savings when you buy 3 20packs bringing the price down to $4.99 each. This is also a mix and match event and includes the Frappuccino 4pk and the Lipton 1/2 liter 12packs. The deal itself is not too bad and buying the 3 20packs is equal to buying 12 packs at $2.99 each.
Again, best thing to do at this point, is wait until the holidays gets a little closer, then fill the garage.
2 liters pricing...
2 liter Winner: 7up at Albertsons ($1.00)
2 liters are a funny item to me. I have seen person after person walk up to the 2 liter shelf, notice the price ($1.50) and say, "that's way too much!" Then they go to the checkout and buy a 20oz for $1.59. So instead of paying $1.50 for 67.6oz, they pay $1.59 for a 20oz.
If you want a cold drink on the spot, buy a 2 liter for a buck, then head over to the deli and ask for a cup of ice. They will usually oblige and now you have much more to drink for far less money. This is a great idea if you are with a friend and can split the 2 liter between you. If you're traveling alone that day, you can still grab two cups and see if you can make a friend on the way out.
Hypothetically, let's say you run into a mean deli person who offers you no free cup. I can personally say that if you have your own container and fill it with ice and/or water, even the meanest of deli people are not going to say anything to you.
Unless you're buying a 7up brand 2 liter from Albertsons this week, stay away from this package as they are all priced well over $1.00.
If you absolutely must buy a 2 liter of Pepsi or Coke because you have some Mentos on hand, head over to Safeway and snag the high price of $1.29 each when you buy 4 or more.
Enjoy the weekend and be ready for all of the new school years drama... See you here next Wednesday with the new ads, and with any luck, better prices.
See you in 7.
