How to Save Money on Groceries in Canada

Everyone has to eat, but unfortunately grocery shopping also eats up our money. Food is the third most expensive item on most Canadians’ budgets, after shelter and transportation. And with inflation on the rise, you may find your grocery bill is higher than ever.

If you’ve ever wondered how much the average Canadian spends on groceries, it’s estimated that we spend about 26% more On groceries compared to 2019. For a family of four, that’s $1,227 a month! That number can even be higher for those living in larger cities.

Saving money on groceries is crucial to managing family budgets and promoting financial stability. By reducing your grocery bill, your family can allocate more resources to savings, paying off debt, or other essential needs—especially if unexpected expenses or financial challenges arise. If you’re wondering how to save money on groceries in Canada, try these practical tips.

Understanding Grocery Budget

Setting a realistic grocery budget is the first step to saving money effectively. To do this, start by assessing your family’s average monthly food budget. This can be done by reviewing past receipts or bank statements to identify spending patterns.

Once you have a clear picture of your current costs, create a budget that reflects your financial capabilities and nutritional needs. Consider factors like family size, dietary restrictions, and any seasonal variations in food prices, especially in areas where local produce can have a significant impact on costs. A budget planner can help you keep track of everything.

Meal planning plays a crucial role in sticking to your budget and ensuring you get the most out of your shopping. By planning your meals for the week ahead, you can create a precise shopping list that avoids impulse purchases and reduces food waste.

Additionally, take advantage of sales and discounts at local stores or farmers markets to save even more money. Monitoring flyers in stores and using loyalty programs can boost your savings while allowing you to enjoy a varied and nutritious diet.

Smart Grocery Shopping Strategies

Shopping for groceries on a budget doesn’t have to be a chore, and it can save you a lot of money that can be put toward paying off bills or even used to build an emergency fund. Plus, saving money on food doesn’t always mean clipping coupons or reading grocery store flyers (although that can help)—it just means being smart about your grocery shopping. Here are our top grocery shopping tips.

Buying in bulk vs. buying individual items

Buying groceries in bulk is a great way to save money, especially on non-perishable items like cosmetics. It also helps you save money on groceries, but you have to be careful. You don’t want to buy a lot of perishable items and risk them going out of date before you get a chance to use them.

One option is to ask neighbors, friends, and/or family to go to the grocery store or Costco You can buy the items you need in bulk and then split the bill and the savings.

Buy generic products instead of branded products.

Many of us stick to familiar brands, but this can be costly over time. Let’s be honest, generic products don’t taste any different than branded products. Check their labels and you’ll often find that the ingredients are similar, and sometimes even the exact same product just in different packaging.

Benefits of seasonal shopping

Buying seasonal produce can save you a lot of money. Local farmers markets or farm stands often offer fresh, seasonal produce at lower prices than grocery stores. Plus, buying local supports the community and is better for the environment.

Don’t shop when you’re hungry.

It’s a fact.When we’re hungry, we buy more. Researchers have found that this applies to both food and nonfood items. If you go to the dollar store hungry, you’re not only more likely to spend on snacks, but also on other items. Before you fill your cart, fill your belly.

Shopping at discount stores

You may want to go to your favorite supermarket to buy meat and produce, but shopping at a discount store like Dollarama Or you can buy personal care supplies, kitchen tools, canned foods, and more at Dollar Tree, where you can save a lot compared to the cheapest grocery store. You may even find the same brands at lower prices.

Cash payment

It’s easy to buy unnecessary things with credit cards because the only limit we have is our credit limit, which often doesn’t match our actual budget and leads to overspending. Instead, use cash, which makes you more aware of your expenses and monthly budget. This awareness helps you think about whether purchases are necessary or not.

Use coupons and loyalty programs effectively

Clipping coupons and using loyalty programs can reduce your grocery bill. However, it’s important to be strategic about which coupons you use and only buy items that are already on your shopping list. It’s also important to compare prices between different brands or stores to ensure you’re getting the best deal.

Loyalty programs offered by grocery stores can also help you save money through discounts, reward points, and personalized offers. By regularly checking for and taking advantage of new deals, you can see significant savings on your grocery bill.

You can use your smartphone to best manage your coupons and loyalty programs. Most grocery stores have apps that you can download and use to shop and clip coupons.

Use technology to save money

Online shopping platforms have made shopping efficiently easier than ever. Many retailers now allow you to order groceries online, allowing you to spend more time planning meals, comparing prices, and avoiding impulse purchases.

By having a clear view of your shopping list along with the deals available, you can ensure that you stay within your budget. Additionally, shopping online can help reduce the temptation to buy items that are on sale but not necessarily necessary.

Shopping Apps You Can Use

Price comparison apps allow consumers to quickly evaluate the best deals available across different stores. By scanning barcodes or searching for products, these apps highlight where the lowest prices can be found, helping you make informed purchasing decisions without spending extra time traveling from store to store.

Popular apps like: Flip We keep you informed of current sales and compile digital brochures, making it easy for you to plan your shopping trip around the best deals. Payment 51 It encourages users to upload their receipts to earn cashback rewards, making it easier for them to save on products they’ve already purchased.

Coupons have also moved to the digital realm. Many apps provide a straightforward way to access and organize coupons right on your smartphone. Users can browse through available coupons, select the ones that fit their shopping list, and seamlessly submit them at checkout.

Here’s a financial expert’s guide to using discount coupons without wasting money.

Get help with budgeting and debt from Credit Canada

By incorporating these techniques into your shopping habits, you can achieve a more manageable budget and take better control of your finances. Trying new strategies may feel overwhelming at first, but remember that you don’t have to do everything at once.

Start by trying different stores and seeing what works best for you. Remember: personal finance is personal, so what works for your neighbor may not work for you. If you need help, Credit Canada is here to help.