Saving money
5 mins
How to Save Money on Groceries in Canada With These 6 Hacks
Author
Krista Fabbro
Published
Jan 9, 2025
Newsflash. Groceries are expensive now. And it’s putting pressure on families all over the country.
In fact, as of February 2023, grocery prices rose to more than double the inflation rate in Canada.
A lot of folks struggle to keep food costs down at home at the best of times. Today, we’re giving you six money-saving hacks that you can use on your next trip to the supermarket.
Hack #1: Compare Prices by Unit
Price tags usually list a unit price, which is worth paying attention to.
Instead of only looking at the total price, check out the price per unit (like per 100 grams or per litre). This will help you compare different brands and sizes fairly. A big jar of peanut butter might cost more upfront, but if its price per 100 grams is lower than a smaller jar, you're getting more bang for your buck.
Take this scenario:
Brand A peanut butter: 500g jar for $5.99 (price per 100g = $1.20)
Brand B peanut butter: 1kg jar for $10.99 (price per 100g = $1.10)
Buying the larger jar saves you 10 cents per 100 grams. So even though Brand B costs more upfront, it's actually cheaper per 100 grams.
Want to see this hack in action? Click here to watch it in the wild.
Hack #2: Buy in Bulk
Done right, buying in bulk can save you some serious cash.
When bulk buying, you want to get things that last, like rice, pasta, canned goods, toilet paper, and laundry detergent.
If you’re thinking about buying fresh produce in bulk, ask yourself:
Can you eat it before it goes bad?
Do you have space in your fridge?
Are you able to freeze produce?
You can also team up with a friend or family member to split bulk purchases. That way, you both save, and you don't end up with a lifetime supply of ketchup or Q-tips.
Hack #3: Use Loyalty Programs
You know when the cashier asks, "Do you have a points card?" Say yes! These programs can lead to free groceries or discounts down the road.
Better yet, most supermarket loyalty programs cost absolutely nothing to join.
Each time you use your points card, you might only save a few bucks or collect a handful of points. But those savings add up and over a year, your total potential savings could be in the hundreds. That's nothing to sneeze at! And Canadians agree. A recent study showed that 57% of Canadians used two to four loyalty programs.
Hack #4: Shop Seasonally & Locally
If you want to save on fresh food, timing and location are important. When produce is abundant, prices tend to drop, so buying produce that’s in season is best for your budget. Plus, in-season food typically tastes better and is more nutritious.
Some tips for shopping seasonally:
Look online to see what's at its peak each month in your area.
“Local” doesn’t always mean “expensive”. So shop at farmers' markets! They often have great deals on local, seasonal produce.
Look for "flash sales" or coupons at grocery stores for in-season items at low prices.
Hack #5: Make a List
Simple? Yes. Powerful? Also yes.
Making (and following) a list works because:
You only buy what you need
You're less likely to make impulse purchases
You can plan around sales and what's already in your pantry
First, check your kitchen to see what you already have. Next, look at store flyers to see what’s on sale. Then just write down everything you need based on what you're out of and what's on sale.
Without a list, it's easy to get distracted by tempting displays or deals you don't really need. Those impulse buys quickly add up and can blow your budget before you know it.
Hack #6: Embrace Generic Brands
Store brands are often 20-30% cheaper than name brands and in many cases, the quality is just as good. Some generic brands are even made by the same manufacturers as name brands!
Food-wise, there’s a chance that a generic brand will have a different flavour, so do a taste test at home and try the store brand alongside your usual brand. If it’s similar or better, scrap the brand loyalty in the name of savings.
Hack Your Way to Supermarket Savings
There you have it! Six practical hacks showing you how to save money on groceries in Canada. Start out by trying one or two of these hacks on your next shopping trip. As you get comfortable, incorporate more.
Saving on groceries doesn't mean compromising on quality. It's just about shopping smarter. Every dollar you save at the supermarket is a dollar you can use for other important things in your life.
Relax knowing you always have enough in the checkout line with MoneyUp Smart. Reach out to our team any time if you have questions.
