With inflation rates climbing, many Canadians are looking for ways to cut costs and save money on their grocery bills.
Fortunately, there are several strategies you can use to save money on grocery shopping in Canada without sacrificing your standard of living.
This article discusses how you can save money on groceries in Canada using 12 proven strategies.
Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
1. Make a Grocery List
Before going to the grocery store, make a list of the items you need.
By creating a list of the items you need before heading to the store, you can avoid impulse purchases and stick to your budget.
To create a grocery list, start by planning out your meals for the week and making a note of the ingredients you’ll need.
Check your pantry and fridge to see what you already have on hand, so you don’t buy duplicates.
2. Use a Grocery App
Using a grocery app is a great way to save money on groceries in Canada.
With these apps, you can easily compare prices of different grocery items and find deals and discounts that can save you costs.
You can also use grocery apps to create a shopping list and get reminders of when items are on sale.
Some popular grocery apps in Canada include:
Learn more about the best grocery coupon apps in Canada.
3. Shop With a Cashback Card
One way to save money on groceries in Canada is to shop with a cashback card.
Many credit cards offer cashback rewards for grocery purchases, which can add up to significant savings over time.
Examples of credit cards that offer cash back on purchases include:
- Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card
- Neo Financial Mastercard
- Rogers World Elite Mastercard
- BMO Cashback Mastercard
Learn more about the best cashback credit cards in Canada.
The following prepaid cards offer cashback on purchases:
- KOHO Prepaid Card
- EQ Card Prepaid Card
- Stack Mastercard
When choosing a cashback card, consider the cashback rate, annual fees and interest rates.
4. Shop Online
Many grocery stores offer access to online ordering and free delivery, which can save you time and money.
When you shop online, you can easily compare prices and find the best deals on the products you need.
You can also take advantage of online coupons and promotions, which are often exclusive to online shoppers.
Many online grocery stores provide detailed receipts and order histories, which can help you keep track of your spending and identify areas where you can cut back.
5. Price Match
One effective way to save money on groceries in Canada is through price matching.
Some Canadian grocery stores – such as Home Depot, ReStore and SuperStore – offer price match guarantees.
This means they will match the lower advertised price of a product from a competitor.
By taking advantage of this, you can ensure that you are getting the best price on your groceries without having to visit multiple stores.
One tip for price matching is to plan your grocery shopping around promotions. By purchasing items when they are on promotion, you can save even more money on your groceries.
6. Buy in Bulk
Buying in bulk is another great way to save money on groceries in Canada.
When you purchase items in larger quantities, you often get a lower price per unit or pound, which can add up to significant savings.
Many grocery stores offer bulk bins for items like rice, pasta, nuts, and dried fruits, which can be a great option for stocking up on staples.
Another way to buy in bulk is to shop at warehouse stores like Costco or Sam’s Club, which specialize in selling items in large quantities.
It’s important to be mindful when buying in bulk as you don’t want to end up with more than you can use before it spoils.
Make sure to store items properly and consider sharing with friends or family if you can’t use everything yourself.
7. Buy Generic or Store-Brand Products
Generic or store-brand products are often cheaper than their name-brand counterparts.
In fact, many store-brand products are actually made by the same manufacturers that produce the name-brand versions.
Another related strategy is to look for generic versions of basic pantry staples like flour, sugar, and canned goods.
These items are often the same quality as name-brand products but can be significantly cheaper.
When shopping for groceries, take time to compare the prices of different brands and opt for the generic or store-brand version if it is significantly cheaper.
8. Shop Seasonally
Consider buying fruits and vegetables that are in season and readily available, as they are typically less expensive than items that are out of season or imported.
For example, in the summer months, berries and peaches are abundant and affordable, while in the winter months, citrus fruits are often cheaper.
Shopping seasonally can also provide the opportunity to try new recipes and experiment with different ingredients.
Similarly, buying local produce can save money as it reduces transportation costs.
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9. Cook From Scratch
Cooking from scratch is another effective way to save money on groceries in Canada.
When you cook from scratch, you buy raw ingredients and prepare them at home instead of buying pre-packaged or pre-cooked meals.
This can save you a lot of money in the long run because you’re not paying for the convenience of pre-made food.
By cooking from scratch, you can also control the quality and quantity of the food you eat, which can improve your health and well-being.
You can experiment with different recipes, use up leftover ingredients, and reduce food waste.
Overall, cooking from scratch is a smart and cost-effective way to save money on groceries in Canada.
10. Avoid Food Waste
Food waste not only wastes your money but also contributes to environmental problems.
To avoid food waste, start by planning your meals and shopping accordingly.
Make a list of the items you need before heading to the store and stick to it. Avoid buying in bulk if you don’t need that much, as it can lead to spoilage.
Another way to avoid food waste is to store your food properly. Keep perishable items like meat, fruits, and vegetables in the fridge and consume them before they spoil.
You can also freeze some items for later use. Don’t forget to check expiration dates when you buy items and rotate your stock, using the older items first.
Lastly, consider repurposing your leftovers or excess food. For example, you can use leftover vegetables to make soup or stock or turn stale bread into breadcrumbs.
11. Avoid Impulse Purchases
Avoiding impulse purchases is one of the most effective ways to save money on groceries in Canada.
Impulse purchases are items that you buy on a whim without thinking through whether you actually need them or not.
These purchases can add up quickly and cause you to overspend on your grocery budget.
To avoid impulse purchases, it’s important to have a plan before you go grocery shopping.
Create a shopping list of the items you need and stick to it!
Avoid wandering through the aisles and picking up items that catch your eye. If you see something you want, ask yourself if you really need it and if it fits within your budget.
Moreso, avoid shopping when you’re hungry. Hunger can lead to impulse purchases and cause you to buy more food than you need.
In addition, be mindful of sales and deals. Don’t buy something just because it’s a good deal if it will go to waste or expire before you can use it.
12. Grow a Garden
Growing a garden is the last but not least way of saving money on groceries in this compilation.
With a small plot of land or even a few pots on a balcony, you can grow fresh produce that can be used in meals throughout the year.
When planning your garden, consider the types of fruits and vegetables that are most expensive to buy at the grocery store. These might include items like:
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Berries.
- Vegetables
By growing these items yourself, you can save money and enjoy the taste of fresh, homegrown produce.
In addition to saving money, gardening can also be a fun and rewarding hobby. It allows you to connect with nature and learn new skills like composting and soil management.
Finally, growing your own food can be a sustainable way to reduce your carbon footprint and support local agriculture.
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Conclusion
Saving money on groceries is not only good for your wallet but also helps you to make more informed and healthier food choices.
By implementing the above strategies consistently, you can reduce your grocery bill and save money over time.
That brings us to the end of this article. If you have any questions or need more clarifications, let me know in the comment section belowBefore you leave, check out these 7 ways to save money from leaking your wallet.
