How to Save on Groceries - 10 Simple Tips (2024)

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Let’s face it, groceries are getting expensive.

But rest assured, we’re here to help!

So far this year, the most significant price increases have been for meat, bakery products and vegetables. Canada’s Food Price Report even predicted that annual food spending would jump by nearly $700 for the average consumer in 2023.

To help alleviate the impacts of rising food prices, we’ve outlined 10 easy ways to save on groceries every time you shop. With a little planning and some help from reebee, grocery shopping can be cost-efficient and stress-free.

Let’s dive in.

1. Browse weekly grocery flyers

Take a look at offers available each week and build your menu based on what’s on sale. You may not be able to buy 100% of your groceries at discounted prices, but you can certainly lower your food spending significantly.

Download reebee for free to preview and browse grocery flyers, search for the lowest prices on specific items, and add your favourite deals to your in-app shopping list.

2. Make a list and stick to it

Speaking of lists, consider your shopping list one of the most important ways to reduce spending and avoid impulse purchases. When grocery shopping with a list, we are more likely to stick to what we need and indulge less in what we want.

Plus, if we make a list, there is less guessing about what we already have and what we need to buy for the week.

3. Do a fridge inventory before you shop

Take a look at what’s needed for your meals in the week ahead. Before you leave the house to shop, do a kitchen inventory. Take a peek in your fridge and pantry and note what you already have.

Also keep in mind that certain items may be expiring sooner than others, and should be used in your cooking before newer, more shelf-stable products.

This is an easy way to save money – no doubling up on items AND you will be preventing food waste.

4. Get creative in the kitchen

Create healthy home-cooked meals. When you buy wholesome ingredients and use recipes to do your own cooking, you’ll be able to create meals that are good for you and your wallet.

Oftentimes, the processed, prepared, quick options are more expensive than putting together meals ourselves (not to mention, less healthy).

5. Use your leftovers

Don’t be afraid of leftovers! There are many benefits to saving leftovers such as having an easy lunch to warm up the next day or turning leftovers into something new for your next meal.

Consider leftovers as ingredients and get creative. For example, roasted vegetables can be turned into a vegetable ratatouille or frittata, leftover rice can be used for breakfast burritos, or leftover protein can be added to a casserole or lasagna. The options are endless!

6. Try plant-based recipes

Not only is eating plant-based meals better for the environment, but it’s also better for you and your bank account.

Meat prices are on the rise. But lucky for us, meatless proteins like beans and lentils can be bought at super low prices and prepared in all kinds of ways.

Oftentimes, canned proteins go on sale! Keep an eye out for these offers in your weekly grocery flyers.

7. Prep your meals ahead of time

Meal planning doesn’t have to be complicated. Make a small list of meals you’d like to have throughout the week that will keep well in your fridge. Take some time to cook these ahead of time so you can simply warm them up and enjoy them during your busy week.

Why meal prep? Thoughtfully prepared homemade meals are often healthier and less expensive than buying quick, ready-to-go or frozen meals at the store.

8. Purchase imperfect produce

Produce doesn’t have to be pretty to be delicious or nutritious.

Don’t be afraid of fruits and vegetables with bumps or bruises. Of course, be sure to stay away from anything that appears to be beyond its prime (ie. check the best before date). But imperfect produce can be a great way to get the fresh produce you love at lower prices.

9. Opt for frozen produce if fresh is beyond your budget

Fresh produce is expected to cost Canadians more this year with crops experiencing impact from climate change as well as supply chain disruptions. Food experts suggest shoppers check the frozen aisle for products like peas, corn, broccoli, carrots.

Frozen vegetables are still rich in nutrients, but can be purchased at lower prices. Another bonus is they last longer.

10. Price match to get the best offer

Price-matching is a practice where a retail location will match a lower advertised product price from a competing store, selling you the same item for a cheaper price. It is an effective way to save both time and money because you get the lower price available without actually visiting an additional store.

Keep in mind, not all stores price-match and those that do will vary in their policies, so be sure to check before you shop. We’ve created a list of Canadian stores that price match here.

This is a practice that can save you lots of money! Many grocery stores will accept proof of the lower price when displayed on reebee.

We hope these 10 simple tips will help you save on groceries. At reebee, we’re here to help you shop smarter every day!

How to Save on Groceries – 10 Simple Tips