Can you feed a family for almost a week on just $20? One TikTok user thinks so and took to the platform to break down her grocery haul from Joe V’s, a store owned by H-E-B.
In a video that’s garnered over 38,300 views, content creator Ivy Rodriguez (@itsivyrodriguez) walks viewers through her $20 five-night bundle box of groceries, asking if the deal is a steal or not.
“This is a store called Joe V’s. It’s owned by H-E-B. I’m gonna show you everything that comes in this huge box, and I want you guys to tell me if this is a steal or if it’s not worth it,” Rodriguez begins.
She starts by showing a 3.52-pound pack of seasoned chicken leg quarters. “These are already seasoned, so you just throw them on the grill. … They’re already seasoned for you, and they’re delicious,” she explains.
Next up, Rodriguez reveals a 1.78-pound pack of seasoned pork chops, ready to hit the grill. She also shows off 4.2 pounds of seasoned chicken drumsticks. Rounding out the box is a 2.53-pound pack of fajita chicken, perfect for tacos, and a one-pound pack of ground beef.
“To me, this is a huge steal. This is dinner for the whole five days, and I’m super excited about it, but let me know what you guys think,” Rodriguez says as she wraps up the video.
Less Than $10 for a Full Meal? The Longhorn Kids’ Menu Hack Everyone’s Talking About!
Viewers Weigh In on the Deal!
In the comments section, viewers shared their thoughts on Rodriguez’s grocery haul.
“Omg I need to find this store. Been meal prepping and groceries are expensive af,” one user commented.
“All that for $20, girl you practically robbed them for that deal,” another viewer reacted.
“That’s a great deal!! I need to go there more often,” said a third commenter.
However, not everyone was sold on the idea. “I have an issue with preseasoned meat,” one viewer wrote, expressing concern. “It’s all meat literally about to go bad, so they season it to cover the smell and the look.”
TikTok Reacts: How Much Would You Pay for a KFC Family Meal?
Is Pre-Seasoned Meat Safe?
Some commenters voiced concerns that pre-seasoned meats might be a way for stores to mask the signs of aging or rotting meat. While this is a common concern, it’s not likely to be true.
According to butcher James Peisker, “Nobody’s going to sell you rotten meat knowingly. It’s bad for business and it’s not going to work out very well in the long run.”
He explained to Mashed that what is often being hidden is “oxidization” or slight “discoloration.” This is common in meat but doesn’t mean it’s unsafe to eat.
Oxidation can cause discoloration that might turn customers off, which is why some stores opt to marinate or season the meat.
Is the McDonald’s App Actually Costing You More? This TikToker Thinks So!
While opinions on pre-seasoned meats vary, Ivy Rodriguez’s $20 haul from Joe V’s certainly sparked a conversation. Whether you’re all about budget shopping or wary of pre-seasoned options, it’s hard to deny that deals like this are making people rethink their grocery game.