Tips for Saving Money on Groceries

Updated:  March 2, 2022

For most Canadian families, groceries are the second-highest monthly expense outside of their housing cost, so it’s important to get the most bang for your buck. Here are a few tips and suggestions that may help you reduce your grocery expenses.

Budget – Make sure you stick to a budget; otherwise, the cost can quickly spiral out of control, especially in these times of increased food prices. You should also allow some extra room in your budget for holidays and other special occasions.

Plan Meals – Meal plans help eliminate food waste but be sure to shake it up once in a while, otherwise everyone will grow tired of the same meals. Most of us have busy lives, so sometimes it’s easier to make several meals at once and freeze them. When preparing meals, make a little extra and freeze it for later. There are lots of great websites with healthy, simple-to-prepare meals.

Make a List – Before you head out to the grocery store, take an inventory to see what you need based on your meal plan. A list will help you avoid unnecessary or impulse purchases. You should keep your grocery list on the fridge and add items as needed.

Cook from Scratch – Try to avoid pre-packaged meals as they are more expensive; they are typically high in sodium, sugar and other additives.

Leftovers – Find creative ways to make meals out of leftovers or take them to work or school the next day versus buying your lunch.

Review Flyers – Check your local flyers to see what’s on sale. You may want to adjust your meal plan if there is a great deal on certain products, such as meat or poultry. If you find a bargain, you should purchase it in bulk and freeze for use later.

Coupons – Cut out newspaper coupons or go online to check for a grocery store or manufacturer coupons. Many grocery stores also offer free reward programs that can qualify you for additional discounts or cash that can be applied to your grocery bill.

Kids – Experts often recommend leaving the kids at home, but that’s not always an option. If you take along the kids, it’s best to involve them in the process. Make a game out of it by letting the kids manage the checklist or help you search for bargains.

Bulk – Buy meats and poultry in bulk and freeze to reduce the cost per unit. Be careful to date freezer goods; that way, you can use them up before they go bad. A general rule is nine months for poultry, 6-12 months for beef, 4-6 months for pork and 1-2 months for leftovers.

Expiry Dates – Watch out for expiry dates, especially if you don’t plan on using the product right away. Sometimes you have to dig a little to find the later expiry dates.

Marked Down Items – Most grocery stores will mark down items such as day-old bread and lunch meats near their expiration date.

Fruits & Vegetables – Plan your meals around fruits and veggies that are in season. It would be best if you bought what you need weekly to avoid throwing items out.

Reward Points – Take advantage of credit cards and other reward points for discounts or gift cards on groceries.

If you are struggling with the cost of groceries and everyday expenses, this is one of the warning signs of financial difficulties.

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