Saving money on groceries is a great way to reduce your monthly expenses and keep your budget under control. By following some simple tips and tricks, you can significantly reduce your grocery bills without sacrificing the quality of the food you buy. In this blog post, we will explore various ways to save money on groceries each month, along with suggestions for grocery shopping apps available in Canada.

10 Simple Tips for Saving Money on Groceries Each Month

I know I know, I know. Shit’s expensive lately. I have sticker shock each time I go in the store and prices rise more and more each day. I sometimes find name-brand groceries for less than the store brands. Honestly, my mind is blown. These tips are helping.

Plan Your Meals Ahead of Time

One of the easiest ways to save money on groceries is by planning your meals ahead of time. This will allow you to buy only the items you need, preventing you from overspending on unnecessary items. You can plan your meals for the week or the month, depending on your preferences. Consider including a variety of meals to prevent boredom, and try to use up any leftovers to minimize waste.

Make a Grocery List

Making a grocery list is another simple yet effective way to save money on groceries. When you have a list, you are less likely to buy items on a whim, which can add up quickly. Be sure to check your pantry and fridge before making your list to avoid buying duplicates of items you already have. You can also use your list to compare prices between stores and look for sales or discounts.

Shop on a Budget

Shopping on a budget can be challenging, but it’s essential if you want to save money on groceries. Set a weekly or monthly grocery budget and stick to it. Look for affordable options like bulk items or store-brand products. Avoid buying processed or pre-packaged foods, as they tend to be more expensive. Consider buying in-season fruits and vegetables, as they are often cheaper and fresher than out-of-season options.

Use Coupons and Discounts

Coupons and discounts are excellent ways to save money on groceries. Look for coupons in your local newspaper or online, and take advantage of loyalty programs or rewards cards. Many stores also offer discounts on specific days of the week, so be sure to check your local flyers for details. Some grocery apps also offer digital coupons or rebates, which you can use to save even more money.

Shop in Bulk

Shopping in bulk is a great way to save money on groceries over time. Consider buying non-perishable items like rice, pasta, and canned goods in bulk. You can also buy fresh produce in bulk when it’s in season and freeze it for later use. Just be sure to use proper storage techniques to prevent spoilage.

Cook at Home

Eating out can be expensive, so consider cooking at home instead. Not only is it cheaper, but it’s also healthier and allows you to control the ingredients you use. Try to make your own sauces, dressings, and marinades instead of buying pre-made options. You can also batch-cook meals and freeze them for later use, which will save you time and money in the long run.

Shop Around

Don’t be afraid to shop around and compare prices between different stores. Some stores may have better deals on certain items than others, so it’s worth checking out multiple options. You can also consider shopping at discount or bulk stores, which often have lower prices than traditional grocery stores.

Avoid Impulse Buys

Impulse buys can quickly add up and throw off your budget. Try to stick to your grocery list and avoid buying items on a whim. If you see something you want, take a moment to think about whether or not you really need it. You can also consider waiting a day or two before making a purchase to give yourself time to think it over.

Use Grocery Shopping Apps

Grocery shopping apps can be a great way to save money on groceries. Here are some apps that are available in Canada:

1. Flipp – Flipp is a popular app that allows you to browse weekly flyers and coupons from your favourite stores. You can also create a shopping list, which the app will automatically match with available deals and discounts.
2. Checkout 51 – Checkout 51 is a cashback app that allows you to earn rewards by purchasing specific products. Once you reach a certain threshold, you can redeem your rewards for cash.
3. Save.ca – Save.ca is another app that offers digital coupons and discounts. You can browse through different categories and add items to your shopping list, which the app will automatically match with available coupons.
4. Reebee – Reebee is a flyer app that allows you to browse weekly flyers from your favourite stores. You can also create a shopping list and receive notifications when items on your list go on sale.
5. Flashfood – Flashfood is an app that allows you to purchase surplus food from grocery stores at a discounted price. You can browse available deals and pick up your items at the store.

Use a Loyalty Program

Many grocery stores have loyalty programs that offer discounts and rewards for frequent shoppers. Sign up for these programs and take advantage of the discounts and promotions they offer. You can often earn points or cashback for your purchases, which can be used to save money on future shopping trips. Plus, some loyalty programs also offer exclusive discounts on certain products, so be sure to check the program’s website or app before you shop.

Using grocery shopping apps like these can help you save money on groceries each month by taking advantage of deals and discounts.

Saving money on groceries each month is possible with a little bit of planning and effort. By following these tips and tricks, you can make the most of your grocery budget and stretch your dollars further. Remember to plan your meals, make a grocery list, shop on a budget, use coupons and discounts, shop in bulk, cook at home, avoid impulse buys, shop around, use grocery shopping apps, and take advantage of loyalty programs. By incorporating these strategies into your grocery shopping routine, you can save money without sacrificing the quality or variety of the food you buy. So go ahead and try out these tips on your next grocery shopping trip and see the savings add up!

Check out these other posts in our Helping Canadians series

Free Bikes for Low-Income Canadian Children – My First Bicycle Foundation
How to Apply for the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program in Ontario
How to Reduce Electricity Bills for Lower-Income Households in Ontario
10 Simple Tips for Saving Money on Groceries Each Month: A Guide
How the Free Enbridge Gas Home Winterproofing Program Can Save Your Wallet
Youth Sports Funding for Low-Income Canadian Families

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Aneta Alaei

Aneta is a Toronto-based mom of four that loves a good meal, great company, and learning something new. In her free time, you can find her trying to keep yet another plant alive.

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