If you’re feeling like your grocery bills are higher than last year, it’s not just you! Food prices are expected to increase by 5-7 per cent in 2023. That means a family of four will now spend around $16,288.41 per year on groceries — that’s a $1,065 increase.
So how can you cut down some of these costs without returning to the days of eating noodles for breakfast, lunch and dinner? We break down 10 ways to save a few bucks here and there as you walk down the very expensive grocery aisles.
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Grocery apps
There are tons of apps that solely exist to help you save money at the grocery store. They can offer discounts and points thanks to their partnerships with the stores. These apps are a great way to get exclusive deals.
Buy frozen fruits and vegetables
Turns out that frozen fruits and vegetables have more nutrients than fresh ones because they’re frozen at peak ripeness! So you can save money by buying frozen fruits and veggies, which are usually cheaper than fresh ones, while still getting your daily vitamin fix. Plus, you’re avoiding food waste since it takes a much longer time for frozen fruits and vegetables to go bad.
Sign up for your grocery store reward card
Your favourite grocery store chain probably has a loyalty program. If you haven’t signed up, you need to. The points add up quickly and can sometimes pay for an entire grocery trip! These apps also offer exclusive savings and rewards for your store and are often personalized for the items you buy on a regular basis.
Buy non-perishable items in bulk or wholesale
You can’t buy everything in bulk, but non-perishable items, like toilet paper or pasta (which has really increased in price!), can save you lots in the long-term. Another way to get bulk prices without having to buy bulk is by purchasing or sharing a wholesale store membership at somewhere like Costco.
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Compare store prices
Most grocery stores advertise their specials in flyers and online. You can check out a few of the stores near you to see which ones have the best deal. It’s a bit time consuming, but definitely worth the savings!
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Plan your meals
Going to the grocery store without a list is the equivalent of going there hungry: you’ll probably end up buying more than you need. As much as it’s annoying to sit around on Sunday planning out your meals for the week, it’s a sure-fire way to save you money. If you have a list of everything you’ll need to eat for the whole week, you’ll save on impulse food purchases or buying last-minute items at overpriced corner stores.
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Clip coupons
You can flip through the newspaper or your mailbox for coupons, but coupons have entered the 21st century! You can put away your scissors because there are lots of coupon apps that make it easy to take advantage of store specials and allow you to “clip coupons” on your phone or desktop.
Freeze your meat
If meat is on sale, buy a bunch of it! You can freeze the meat and keep it for four to six months. That way, you can reduce your future grocery bills. Plus, you’ll be more inclined to stay in for dinner if you have a freezer full of meat!
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Take advantage of the Grocery Rebate
If you have a household income below $38,000 (or an individual income of $32,000), you’re eligible for a one-time grocery rebate from the Government of Canada. If you filed your 2021 taxes, the government will automatically deposit this rebate into your bank account on July 5, so you don’t have to apply. Though there is criticism of the grocery rebate, you can receive between $233.50 and $467 rebate.
Buy off-brand food
Off-brand foods often cost 10% to 20% less than a brand name. Some people think it’s because brand name food tastes better or is higher quality, but the off-brand and brand name food are often produced in the same plant! They’re simply marketed differently. So next time you’re at the grocery store, try the off-brand version and see if you notice a taste difference.
Read more: How I Cooked for My Family of 4 for a Week on Less Than $100