7 Grocery Items I Always Buy In November

As a mom gearing up for the bustling holiday season, I’ve learned an important November lesson the hard way: stock up early or risk the holiday scramble. Every year, it seems like I’m sprinting through grocery store aisles last-minute because I forgot to grab the essentials before they flew off the shelves.

From snagging the right baking supplies to making sure we’ve got plenty of healthy snacks and sides, getting these items into your cart in November not only preps you for feast-filled family gatherings but also keeps the day-to-day meals covered.

Here are the top 7 grocery items that I make sure to stock up on, so I can spend more time enjoying the holidays with my family and less time dodging shopping carts in crowded stores -and maybe even save a little money, too!

Seasonal Produce

Heading into November might make you think you’re stuck with canned goods until spring, but that’s far from the truth. This month actually offers some of the freshest, most flavorful produce, perfect for those hearty meals you’ll be cooking up as the weather cools.

Think vibrant beets, crunchy broccoli, and Brussels sprouts that roast up like a dream. Cauliflower, mushrooms, and leeks are perfect for creamy soups that warm you from the inside out. And let’s not forget about the staples like sweet potatoes and winter squash that practically scream Thanksgiving.

And it’s not just about the veggies—fruit is also a big deal in November. Fresh cranberries are begging to be turned into sauce for your turkey. Oranges and tangerines are ideal for morning juices or a fresh snack. Pears can top salads or be baked into a luscious dessert.

And don’t forget those unique finds like persimmons and pomegranates. They can dress up any dish and make it look as festive as it tastes.

Canned Vegetables

Canned vegetables are perfect for those days when the schedule is packed and you still want to get a nutritious dinner on the table without fuss. Since these veggies are canned right after harvest, they’re brimming with nutrients—sometimes even more than the ones that have spent days in transit to your grocery store.

I like to keep a variety on hand for quick fixes. You can toss green beans into a stir-fry or jazz them up with a sprinkle of Parmesan for an easy side. Corn can be the star in a creamy, cheesy chowder, and peas are perfect for bulking up a tuna noodle casserole or adding a homey touch to pot pies.

Baking Items

As someone who bakes her way through the holiday season—and really, any season—it’s important to take advantage of November’s sales to stock up on baking essentials.

Butter, for instance, can be bought for a steal this time of year. I grab a few extra pounds, stash them in the freezer, and I’m set for all my baking needs through the festive period and beyond.

Chocolate chips? They last for ages in a cool, dry place, and when you can snag them at almost half off, why not?

Canned milks like evaporated and sweetened condensed are another must-have, especially with the discounts you can find now.

And nuts, though pricey, can be kept in the freezer and used long past their sell-by dates—perfect for those impromptu baking sessions when you want to whip up something special without a last-minute store run.

Canned Pumpkin

If you’re anything like me, running out of canned pumpkin when it’s time to bake is a no-no. This ingredient is a must-have as we head into the holiday season. It’s perfect for whipping up quick pumpkin bread—great for eating now, freezing for later, or handing out as gifts when friends and family stop by.

And if you’re looking to spruce up the breakfast routine, pumpkin pancakes are a hit with the kids, packing both flavor and nutrients. You can add it to your Kodiak pancakes if you’re like me and need to make sure you’re getting plenty of protein!

For those chilly afternoons, nothing beats curling up with a warm bowl of homemade pumpkin soup. And here’s a little baking hack: you can make super moist chocolate cupcakes with just a cake mix and canned pumpkin. Even the pups can enjoy a treat if you whip up some pumpkin-based dog snacks.

Just a heads up, canned pumpkin is usually only harvested once a year—so when it’s gone, it’s really gone. Make sure to grab the 100% pumpkin puree, not the pie mix, to keep your pantry properly stocked.

Turkey

Did you know that November is the best time to buy turkey? Prices are the lowest and, honestly, who can resist those “spend so much and get a free turkey” deals at the grocery store?

If you’ve got the freezer space, snag an extra turkey. You can roast it, carve it up, and freeze it in portions. I like to keep some sliced for sandwiches—total lunchtime hero stuff.

And down the line, when you’re wondering what to make for dinner, imagine pulling out that turkey and throwing together a turkey pot pie. Or how about a turkey, avocado, and cream cheese sandwich -literally my favorite sandwich ever?

Cranberries and Sauce

Let me tell you, stocking up on cranberries and sauce before November is a game-changer, especially if you love adding a little zing to your dishes. Fresh cranberries freeze exceptionally well, which is perfect for whipping up cranberry nut bread or simple cranberry bars throughout the holiday season. Don’t miss out on grabbing extra bags when they’re on sale.

Canned cranberry sauce is another must-have. It’s incredibly versatile! Transform it into a cranberry barbecue sauce that’s phenomenal on leftover turkey sandwiches, pulled pork, or grilled chicken. You can even mix cranberry sauce with mayo for a deliciously tangy sandwich spread.

Stuffing

Now, onto stuffing, and no, it’s not just for Thanksgiving turkey! Dry stuffing mix or cubes can be a real lifesaver in the kitchen. Crush them up and use them as a substitute for breadcrumbs in recipes like meatloaf or as a crunchy coating for chicken or pork cutlets. The versatility doesn’t stop there.

Ever tried using stuffing in a Salisbury steak recipe? It’s a neat trick. The mix adds a rich, savory flavor to the patties, which also freeze beautifully. If you’re cooking for a smaller crowd, just make a full batch, wrap, and freeze the extras. This way, you’ve got a quick and delicious dinner ready to go for those nights when time just isn’t on your side.