Food prices in Canada remain high, and many households face spending hundreds of extra dollars each year. But you’ve got options. There are practical ways to cut costs without sacrificing nutrition or flavour. Here are 12 ways to shop smarter and keep your grocery bill in check.
Before you shop
Make a list. It sounds simple, but it works. A list will ensure you don’t spend too much on impulse purchases and avoid duplicating what’s already in your fridge and pantry.
Try food rescue apps. Apps such as Too Good To Go, Flashfood and Food Hero connect you to surplus food from restaurants, cafés and grocery stores at discounted prices. Rescuing food saves you money and helps reduce waste. Savings can be about 50% on end-of-day restaurant food and soon-to-expire groceries.
Work your points. Sign up for grocery store loyalty programs that offer discounts or cash back on purchases, such as Air Miles, PC Optimum, Scene+ or More Rewards. Download the program app and follow instructions to begin saving.
Scan flyers and use coupons. A sure-fire money saver is to find the best price on products you need by scanning flyers online. Websites where you can do this include save.ca, websaver.ca, canadianfreestuff.com and smartcanucks.ca. If you prefer smartphone apps, try Flipp, Swagbuck, Reebee and Caddle. You can browse weekly digital flyers or coupons, or search for the items you need and see if they are on sale anywhere. Some flyer apps even pair with loyalty cards, so you can add product coupons right into your loyalty app.
Price match. Some stores will match the advertised price at a competing store. Just show the flyer price to staff at customer service and ask if their store will match it.
Bring your own bags. Most stores charge for bags, so bring reusable ones to save money and help the environment.
While you shop
Target real sales, not “specials.” Remember that “special” may just mean a promotion or display of a certain product (like potato chips before Superbowl Sunday). It may look appealing, but check the price before you buy.
Look high and low. Food manufacturers pay listing fees to get their products on grocery store shelves. Most brands want to be placed at eye level to catch your attention. This means you’ll often find lesser-known — and better-priced — brands on higher or lower shelves.
Go generic. Choose generic or “no-name” brands to save. They’re often made by the same food manufacturers that make recognized brands, but sell at a lower price. The calculator in your smartphone can help you compare price per unit on shelf tags (such as $1.98 per 100 grams), so you can make informed choices.
Share and save. Buying in bulk can be cheaper, but if the cost is too high up front, consider shopping with friends or family, so you can buy in bulk and split the cost.
After you shop
Check your receipt. Sometimes you may be charged twice for a product, or a wrong code may be accidentally used. Ask for a refund at customer service if you spot an error.
Store food smartly. Put your groceries away as soon as you get home — and in the right places — to ensure they stay fresh longer and to reduce waste. For example, if you bought chicken thighs but won’t be cooking them until next week, freeze them to preserve freshness. Learn how to get the most out of every dollar you spend and find safe storage tips with our healthy eating on a budget guide.
Managing rising food costs is a challenge, but if you follow these simple steps, you can save money, reduce waste and make healthier choices.
- Browse our heart healthy recipes for economical meal ideas.
