13 Ways To Save Money on Groceries in Canada
Food is getting more expensive in Canada. Many people are looking for ways to spend less money at the grocery store. Here are 13 easy ways to save money when you buy food in Canada.
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Use Apps to Compare Prices
There are apps that can help you find the best prices. Flipp and Reebee are two popular apps in Canada. These apps show you all the sales at different stores. You can compare prices and find the best deals.
Here’s how to use these apps:
- Download the app on your phone
- Look up the items you want to buy
- See which store has the lowest price
- Visit the stores to get items at those prices.
Using these apps can help you save money without going to many different stores.
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Buy Fruits and Vegetables in Season
Fruits and vegetables that are in season cost less. They also taste better! Here are some examples:
- Spring: Asparagus, rhubarb, strawberries
- Summer: Berries, peaches, tomatoes
- Fall: Apples, pears, pumpkins
- Winter: Carrots, potatoes, turnips
Buying what’s in season will save you money and give you yummy, fresh food.
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Shop at Cheaper Stores
Some stores sell food for less money. In Canada, stores like No Frills, Food Basics, and FreshCo often have lower prices. These stores might not look as nice as other stores. But the food is still good, and you can save a lot of money.
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Join Store Reward Programs
Many stores have programs that give you points when you shop. PC Optimum is a big one in Canada. You can use these points to get free groceries later.
To save the most money:
- Sign up for the program
- Look for special offers to earn more points
- Use your points when you have enough for a big discount
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Buy Big Amounts of Some Things
Buying a lot of something at once can save you money. This works well for things that last a long time, like:
- Rice
- Pasta
- Canned food
- Toilet paper
But be careful! Only buy a lot if you’ll use it all. And make sure you have space to keep it at home.
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Plan Your Meals and Make a List
Planning what you’ll eat helps you buy only what you need. Follow these steps:
- Decide what meals you’ll make this week
- Check what food you already have at home
- Make a list of what you need to buy
- Stick to your list when you’re at the store
This way, you won’t buy extra things you don’t need.
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Use Coupons
Coupons give you discounts on food. You can find coupons:
- In newspapers
- On store websites
- In the mail
- On products in the store
Use coupons for things you already buy. Don’t buy something just because you have a coupon for it.
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Try Store Brands
Most stores have their own brands of food. These usually cost less than famous brands. Often, they taste just as good! Try store brands for things like:
- Cereal
- Canned vegetables
- Milk
- Bread
You might find new favorites that save you money.
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Shop During Sales
Stores have sales at certain times. If you learn when these sales happen, you can save money. For example:
- Many stores have sales at the start of the month
- Holiday weekends often have good deals
- Some items go on sale at the same time each year
When there’s a good sale, buy extra of things you use a lot. But remember to check the expiry dates!
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Grow Your Own Food
Growing some of your own food can save you money. It’s also fun! Here are some easy things to grow:
- Herbs like basil and mint
- Tomatoes
- Lettuce
- Green onions
You don’t need a big yard. Many plants can grow in pots on a balcony or near a window.
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Learn About Price Stickers
Many stores put colored stickers on food that will go bad soon. These stickers mean the food is cheaper. Look for:
- Yellow stickers on meat
- Orange stickers on bread
- Red stickers on dairy products
If you plan to eat the food soon, these can be great deals!
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Check the Price Per Unit
Look at the small tag on the shelf that shows the price. It often tells you how much the food costs per 100 grams or per liter. This helps you compare different sizes to see which one is really the best deal.
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Buy Frozen Fruits and Veggies
Frozen fruits and vegetables can be cheaper than fresh ones. They last longer too! They’re picked and frozen when they’re ripe, so they’re still good for you.
Saving money on groceries takes a little work, but it’s worth it. To recap, try these tips:
- Check phone apps for good prices
- Pick fruits and veggies that grow now
- Go to budget-friendly stores
- Sign up for store points cards
- Get bigger packs of things you use a lot
- Think about your meals and write down what you need
- Look for money-off papers
- Pick foods with the store’s name on them
- Buy things when they’re cheaper than normal
- Plant some food at home
You don’t have to do all of these at once. Start with one or two ideas. As you get used to them, try more. Soon, you’ll see your grocery bills get smaller!
Do you have other ways to save money on food? Share your ideas with friends and family. Together, we can all learn to shop smarter and save more!