Groceries are a big part of any household budget, and with food prices going up, it’s important to know how to stretch your dollars. The good news is there are many ways to save money on groceries without compromising on the quality or quantity of what you eat. It just takes a bit of planning and smart shopping habits.
This guide will walk you through ten practical and easy tips to help you save money on groceries in Canada. By making small changes to how you shop, you can keep your grocery bills down and still enjoy healthy, tasty meals.
1. Create and Stick to a Meal Plan
One of the best ways to save money is by planning your meals for the week. Meal planning helps you avoid impulse buying and wasting food. When you know exactly what you need, you can buy just the right amount of ingredients.
Here’s how to create a simple meal plan:
- Check your pantry and fridge:
Look at what you already have so you can plan meals around those items. This reduces waste and ensures you’re using what you’ve already paid for.
- Plan around sales:
Review flyers or grocery store apps to see what’s on sale, and plan meals that include those items.
- Choose versatile ingredients:
Pick foods that can be used in multiple meals. For example, chicken can be used in a stir-fry, a salad, and tacos.
Once you’ve planned your meals, make a detailed shopping list. Stick to the list when you shop, so you don’t end up buying unnecessary items.
Also see our post Are You Spending Way Too Much Money on Groceries?
2. Shop with a Grocery List
Going to the store without a list is a recipe for overspending. A well-thought-out grocery list helps you focus on what you really need. It also stops you from grabbing items on impulse, which often leads to higher grocery bills.
To make the most of your list:
- Group items by section:
Write your list based on how the store is organized. This way, you avoid zigzagging through the aisles and grabbing unnecessary products.
- Use a digital list:
Grocery store apps like Flipp or Reebee can help you compare prices and create lists. You can also use the notes app on your phone, so you don’t forget your list at home.
By sticking to your list, you stay on track and can focus on getting the best deals for the items you truly need.
3. Shop Sales and Use Coupons
Taking advantage of sales is one of the easiest ways to save money on groceries. In Canada, most grocery stores offer weekly flyers with deals on everything from fresh produce to household items. You can find these flyers online, in-store, or through apps.
Here are some ways to shop smarter with sales and coupons:
- Match your list to the sales:
Before heading to the store, check which items on your list are on sale. You may even be able to stock up on non-perishable items when they’re heavily discounted.
- Use coupon apps:
Download apps like Checkout 51 or Save.ca to access digital coupons that can be used at most Canadian grocery stores. Many apps also allow you to upload receipts and get cashback for certain products.
- Price match:
Some stores like Walmart or No Frills allow you to price match. Bring a copy of the flyer from another store, and they will match the lower price at checkout.
By combining sales and coupons, you can maximize your savings.
4. Buy in Bulk (But Only When It Makes Sense)
Buying in bulk can save you money—especially for items you use often, like rice, pasta, or canned goods. Bulk buying usually means a lower cost per unit, but you have to be careful not to overdo it.
Here’s how to make bulk buying work for you:
- Know what you can use:
Only buy large quantities of items you know you’ll use before they expire. It’s not a deal if the food goes to waste.
- Check the unit price:
Many stores post a “per unit” price on the shelf. Compare this to smaller packages to ensure you’re really getting a better deal by buying more.
- Buy staples:
Non-perishable items like flour, sugar, and dried beans are good to buy in bulk because they last a long time and can be used in many recipes.
Buying in bulk can cut your costs if you do it smartly, but don’t let bulk purchases lead to waste or unnecessary spending.
5. Shop Seasonally and Locally
Fresh produce can be one of the more expensive categories in your grocery cart, but choosing seasonal and local fruits and vegetables can help you save money.
Here’s why seasonal and local is better for your wallet:
- Seasonal produce is cheaper:
Fruits and vegetables that are in season are usually less expensive because they are abundant and don’t require as much storage or transport.
- Local products save on transport costs:
Food that doesn’t need to be shipped from far away is often more affordable and fresher.
- Shop at farmers’ markets:
While some farmers’ markets can be pricey, many offer fresh, local produce at competitive prices. Go toward the end of the market day for possible deals, as some vendors are eager to sell off what’s left.
Understanding what’s in season helps you make smart choices and saves money while enjoying the freshest produce.
6. Try Generic or Store Brands
Many people overlook store-brand products, assuming they’re lower quality than name brands. In reality, generic products often come from the same manufacturers as the branded items and are just as good.
Here’s why switching to store brands can save you money:
- Cheaper but similar:
Store brands are usually 20-30% cheaper than their name-brand counterparts, but the ingredients and quality are often identical.
- Try a few items first:
If you’re unsure about store brands, try buying just a few items to see if you like them. Start with basics like pasta, canned goods, or cleaning products.
- Read labels:
Compare the ingredients list between name-brand and store-brand items. You’ll often find they’re nearly identical.
Switching to generic brands for some of your groceries can cut down your spending without sacrificing quality.
7. Reduce Food Waste
One of the biggest ways to save money is by making sure you eat what you buy. Wasting food means wasting money, so it’s important to find ways to reduce food waste.
Here’s how you can cut down on waste:
- Proper storage:
Learn how to store fruits, vegetables, and leftovers correctly to make them last longer. For example, storing onions and potatoes in a cool, dark place helps them last for weeks.
- Use leftovers creatively:
Instead of throwing out extra food, turn it into new meals. Leftover vegetables can go into a soup, or roast chicken can become a sandwich filling.
- Freeze it:
If you bought too much of something or cooked more than you can eat, freeze the extras. This works well for bread, meat, and even some fruits.
Reducing food waste not only saves you money but also helps the environment.
8. Shop with a Full Stomach
It might sound simple, but shopping while hungry can lead to unnecessary purchases. When you’re hungry, everything looks delicious, and you’re more likely to throw items into your cart that you don’t need.
Here’s why shopping on a full stomach works:
- Less temptation:
When you’re not hungry, you’re less likely to be tempted by snacks or impulse buys.
- Better decision-making:
A clear mind helps you stick to your grocery list and buy only what you planned.
Eating a snack or meal before you head to the store can prevent costly impulse purchases.
9. Use Loyalty Programs and Cashback Apps
Many grocery stores in Canada offer loyalty programs that reward you for shopping with them regularly. Signing up for these programs is free and can lead to significant savings over time.
Here’s how to get the most from loyalty programs:
- PC Optimum:
One of the most popular loyalty programs in Canada is PC Optimum, offered by stores like Loblaws, Shoppers Drug Mart, and No Frills. With this program, you earn points on every purchase, and those points can be redeemed for future groceries or other items.
- Air Miles:
Some grocery stores, like Sobeys or Metro, participate in the Air Miles program, allowing you to earn miles that can be redeemed for discounts on flights or even groceries.
- Cashback apps:
Apps like Checkout 51 and Rakuten offer cashback on grocery purchases. All you have to do is upload a picture of your receipt to get money back.
Loyalty programs and cashback apps are an easy way to save money on groceries without changing your shopping habits.
10. Avoid Convenience Foods and Pre-Packaged Items
Pre-cut fruits, washed salad mixes, and individually wrapped snacks are convenient but come at a higher price. These items can cost significantly more than buying the ingredients and preparing them yourself.
Here’s why avoiding convenience foods can save you money:
- You pay for packaging and preparation:
Convenience items are more expensive because you’re paying for someone else to cut, wash, or prepare the food.
- Make it yourself:
Instead of buying pre-cut vegetables or pre-packaged snacks, take a little extra time to prepare them at home. For example, buying a whole head of lettuce is often half the price of a bag of washed and chopped lettuce.
Spending a few extra minutes prepping your food can save you a lot of money over time.
Conclusion: Small Changes, Big Savings
Saving money on groceries in Canada doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming. By making small changes to how you shop, plan, and store food, you can reduce your grocery bills without sacrificing the quality of your meals.
Whether it’s meal planning, shopping sales, or using loyalty programs, every step helps you save a little bit more. Start with one or two of these tips, and gradually build them into your routine. Before long, you’ll notice a big difference in your grocery budget!
With a bit of effort, you can spend less, waste less, and still enjoy delicious, healthy food for you and your family.
Disclaimer for ManageYourMoney.ca
The information provided on ManageYourMoney.ca is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be taken as financial advice. The opinions shared are those of the authors and are meant to encourage sensible financial habits and decision-making. We recommend that you do your own research or consult a certified financial advisor before making any financial or investment decisions. All investments come with risks, and there is no guarantee of success. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Always consider your personal financial situation and risk tolerance before pursuing any investment opportunities.
As always, I am not a qualified financial advisor. I just relate financial management to my own experience which may not resemble yours at all. Advice is frequently worth exactly what you paid for it. Most of mine came from expensive experiences.
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