20 tips to avoid high grocery bills

In 2021, the average annual cost of groceries will increase by $695 according to Canada’s Food Price Report. Will your budget be able to absorb this spike? Here are a few tips to help you cope.




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Plan your meals

After checking what you’ve got on hand in the fridge and in the cupboards, plan out your meals for the week, then draw up a list of items you need. Stick to it when you’re grocery shopping and you’re good to go.




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Check flyers

Often, you’ll find the best deals on the first and last page of the flyer. The items in between are usually regularly priced. Good to know!

It’s also handy to note that sales come back around every three or four weeks, so when products you buy frequently (butter, cheese, chicken, etc.) go on sale, stock up and freeze what you don’t need right away.




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Use coupons

Coupons can make a big difference in your weekly grocery bill, as long as you use them for things you actually need. Customer loyalty programs can help you save money but they record a lot of personal information in return, so it’s up to you to decide if it’s worth it.




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Shop when you’re full

There’s nothing worse than grocery shopping on an empty stomach. Everything looks more delicious and you’re way more likely to buy junk food and snacks you don’t really need.




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Compare prices

At the supermarket, compare different sizes and brands. Private labels are often less expensive, and large formats can equal large savings, if it’s not more than you’ll use. Otherwise, the savings end up in the garbage.

Blueberries on sale at two for $5? Unless otherwise indicated, you’ll get the same price if you only buy one. In this case, the price for one pint of blueberries would be $2.50.




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Consider frozen fruits and vegetables

Since it’s generally picked when perfectly ripe, frozen produce maintains its freshness. It’s frozen shortly after harvesting and has no added salt, preservatives, or additives. In the winter, frozen fruits and veggies can be a better choice than fresh, which often travel long distances and are picked before they’re ripe.




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Shop at fruit stands and farmers’ markets

Fruits and vegetables from markets are often less expensive than at the grocery store. Try visiting farmers’ markets at the end of the day when merchants are getting rid of their unsold stock.




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Cook at home

Try cooking meals yourself instead of buying ready-made dishes. Haven’t got time to cook every day? Cook in large batches and freeze what you don’t need immediately. You’ll save money and eat better, since you’ll be the one controlling the salt, sugar, and fat. Plus, you can save your leftovers for lunch the next day instead of throwing them in the trash.




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Avoid restaurants and convenience stores

Bring your lunch to work instead of going out for lunch. You’ll save big time. A meal at a restaurant will set you back at least $15, while a lunch you make at home can cost as little as $4. You should also avoid buying food from convenience stores unless it’s really necessary. It’s almost always more expensive than what you would find in a grocery store.




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Say no to individual servings

Grated cheese, sliced fruit, cubed beef—individual servings, either ready to use or pre-packaged, are more costly than bulk. Plus, all that extra packaging is bad for the environment.




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Beware of marketing

Giant carts, products placed at the end of the aisles, candy at the check-out… It’s all a strategy to get us to buy more. Don’t give in to these marketing tricks!




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Choose generic brands or buy in bulk

Generic brands are more economical and just as nutritional as brand-name products. Give them a shot!

Buying from bulk stores is also a great way to save money. Not only are you not paying for the packaging, but you’re also getting the exact quantity you need!




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Buy family-size meat

Meat in family-size packages is often less expensive, so it can be worthwhile to buy a large amount and freeze part of it. Live alone? You can always repack it in individual servings before freezing.




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Buy fruits and vegetables in season

In-season fruits and veggies are often less expensive than other produce, and they allow you to support local producers. If you’ve got a freezer, don’t be afraid to use it. For example, in the fall you can stock up on tomatoes, bell peppers, leeks, and so on, without breaking the bank.




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Swap meat for legumes or tofu

Meat, poultry, and fish are expensive. Try replacing animal protein with vegetable proteins such as lentils or tofu. These foods cost less and they’re healthy for you and the planet.




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Join a collective kitchen

Members of collective kitchens choose recipes, make grocery lists, and go shopping together. Then they prepare the meals they’ve chosen and share them. This activity can help you try a variety of meals at a low cost while helping each other out.




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Leave the kids at home

“Mommy, please?” Grocery shopping with the kids can be a real chore. The sugary cereals, cookies, and other junk foods are right at their eye level, and—big surprise—are also the most expensive. Since it can be hard to say no, sometimes it’s better to leave the kids at home.




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Check the quantity

Products of varying sizes are available on grocery store shelves. Sometimes even though two products might seem identical, it’s not always the case. Check the cost per 100 grams listed at the bottom of the label to find out for sure.




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Buy ugly fruits and vegetables

Rejected by the agro-food industry, imperfect fruits and veggies are still just as nutritious and tasty as their perfect-looking counterparts and can be had for as little as half price sometimes. Use them in a purée, soup, or fruit salad.




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Know your rights

Is the product that was supposed to be on sale out of stock? You can ask for a deferred rebate coupon, which lets you get the same product at the sale price at a later date. Under consumer protection acts, a business that advertises a product on sale is required to have a sufficient quantity on hand to meet demand. Stores can avoid this obligation only when the ad notes that a “limited quantity” is available, along with the exact amount.

Last but not least, always make sure to check your receipt, as pricing errors can happen. Sometimes, cash registers scan the regular price of an item instead of the sale price. In this case, most businesses that opt out of the individual labelling rule must compensate you immediately.




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