Eating with the seasons isn’t just good for flavor and nutrition—it’s great for your wallet, too. Produce that’s in season is often more abundant, fresher, and significantly cheaper than out-of-season alternatives. By learning when fruits and vegetables hit their peak, you can plan meals that align with the natural supply chain and enjoy better prices at the grocery store or farmers market.

This seasonal produce guide breaks down what to buy—and when—so you can take advantage of the best deals all year long.

Why seasonal produce saves money

When fruits and vegetables are in season, they’re harvested in large quantities and travel shorter distances. That means lower production and transportation costs, which translates into cheaper prices for shoppers. According to Seasonal Food Guide, buying in-season can also reduce your carbon footprint and boost flavor since the produce is picked at peak ripeness.

Spring (March–May)

• Strawberries
  
• Asparagus
  
• Peas
  
• Radishes
  
• Lettuce
  
• Artichokes
  

Spring is a great time to shop at local farmers markets as seasonal greens and herbs come into full swing.

Summer (June–August)

• Tomatoes
  
• Zucchini
  
• Corn
  
• Cucumbers
  
• Blueberries
  
• Melons
  
• Bell peppers
  
• Eggplant
  

This is peak season for colorful, water-rich produce. Look for deals at stores like Whole Foods Market or through farm box programs such as Misfits Market.

Fall (September–November)

• Apples
  
• Squash (butternut, acorn, spaghetti)
  
• Sweet potatoes
  
• Brussels sprouts
  
• Cranberries
  
• Pears
  
• Carrots
  

Fall is ideal for stocking up on hearty vegetables that store well and work in soups, roasts, and casseroles. Try shopping at bulk retailers like BJ’s Wholesale Club for large bags of root vegetables.

Winter (December–February)

• Oranges and citrus
  
• Kale
  
• Cabbage
  
• Leeks
  
• Turnips
  
• Beets
  
• Grapefruit
  

Citrus fruits are at their best in winter and often on sale. Root vegetables and leafy greens are also widely available and priced competitively during this season.

Tips to maximize savings with seasonal produce

• Use a printable produce calendar: Resources like Snap-Ed’s Seasonal Produce Guide help you stay ahead of what’s in season
  
• Meal plan based on peak produce: Base your weekly meals around what’s cheap and fresh instead of building your list first
  
• Buy extra and freeze: When your favorite produce is in season, stock up and freeze portions for future use (great for berries, corn, and spinach)
  

Bonus tip: Stack seasonal sales with digital cashback tools

While this post focuses on produce, you can maximize grocery savings by combining seasonal shopping with reward platforms. Apps like Ibotta, Rakuten, and Fluz offer ways to earn money back on other grocery categories. For example, if you’re shopping at Whole Foods, you can get rewards with a Whole Foods Market gift card and pair it with store promotions for a double win.

Eat fresh, save more

Seasonal shopping isn’t just about eating better—it’s a year-round strategy for smarter spending. By aligning your grocery list with what’s in peak harvest, you’ll enjoy better prices, fresher flavors, and less waste.