3 easy ways to save at the grocery store (and a bonus reminder)
" Have you seen the price of butter? " Does this phrase sound familiar and has it been heard in your household lately? It's normal: the effects of inflation and supply chain problems have been driving up prices since 2020. And that's especially true for your grocery bill.
In the next few lines, we'll explore three avenues for saving a few dollars on your food purchases.
1- Technological solutions.
We've long gone to the grocery store with a proverbial list written on an old cash register receipt or paper destined for recycling. Why not do it with a mobile app? That's what Too Good To Go and Flashfood, two Canadian solutions that offer savings of 25-60% on products destined for the garbage can in grocery stores or restaurants, suggest. Avoiding food waste, contributing to the circular economy and saving money is a double win!
The Reebee and Flipp applications help you find the best promotion for each item on your list, in all the major banners. Discounts are applied at checkout, thanks to a bar code displayed on your phone. It couldn't be easier!
2- Visit discount banners and buy in bulk
Supermarkets like Freshco in Ontario, or Maxi and Super C in Quebec, offer very competitive prices week after week, thanks to their volume of purchases. Buying in bulk from these banners, depending on current promotions, is therefore a good option for better inventory planning at home.
Snacks, juices, garbage bags and paper towels are all products that benefit from being purchased at a discount and in good quantity. Walmart also offers significant discounts on meat and non-perishables.
You can also take full advantage of the best rotating prices by visiting these banners alternately. So, with a minimum of preparation, there's no need to visit three grocery stores in the same day and spend your precious time lightening your wallet.
3- Cook and avoid ready-to-eat foods
One of the most effective ways to cut your grocery bill is to cook dishes yourself that maximize the use of seasonal or discounted produce. That's how you get the best cost-per-serving ratio. Magazines like Coup de Pouce and Canada Living offer great selections of seasonal recipes at low prices!
And while solutions like Factor, GoodFood and HelloFresh are becoming increasingly popular with Canadians, these options - while tasty and perfectly nutritious - are more expensive and have a bigger environmental footprint than the ready-to-eat choices at your local supermarket. Think again.
A final reminder to avoid overspending at the grocery store: don't go hungry! Hunger is the worst advisor in a place with so much abundance!
Happy shopping!
The comments contained herein are a general discussion of certain issues intended as general information only and should not be relied upon as tax or legal advice. Please obtain independent professional advice, in the context of your particular circumstances. This blog was written, designed and produced by Pierre Dauth, Investment Funds Advisor with Investia Financial Services Inc., and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Investia Financial Services Inc. The information contained in this blog comes from sources we believe reliable, but we cannot guarantee its accuracy or reliability. The opinions expressed are based on an analysis and interpretation dating from the date of publication and are subject to change without notice. Furthermore, they do not constitute an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities. Mutual Funds are offered through Investia Financial Services Inc. Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with mutual fund investments. Please read the prospectus before investing. Mutual funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently, and past performance may not be repeated.