10 Ways to Save Big on Groceries & Shop on a Budget
Saving big on groceries starts with smart budgeting. By adopting a few tried-and-true strategies, you can significantly cut down your food expenses. But what are these strategies, and how can you put them into action? We’ve rounded up some of the best tips and tricks to help you save.
Whether you incorporate all of them or just a few, these practical methods can help you save hundreds, if not thousands, on groceries each year.
(If you would like a copy for on the go, click here for our ebook!)
Here's how much you can save:
25% by choosing generic brands over name brands.
You can cut your grocery bill by 25% simply by opting for generic brands instead of name brands. While some generic products may not match the taste of their branded counterparts—like Cheerios, for example—there are ways to work around it. Toddlers, for instance, probably won’t notice the difference. When it comes to pantry staples like sugar, salt, flour, or household essentials like bleach, most people find no noticeable difference in quality—just a lower price. That said, don’t rule out name brands entirely, as they often go on sale. By substituting generic or no-name brands where it makes sense, you can start to see significant savings.
Potential Annual Savings: $880*
23% Follow Your List!
Research from the University of Pennsylvania shows that avoiding impulse purchases can reduce grocery bills by up to 23%. The simplest way to achieve this is by making a grocery list and sticking to it.
Potential Annual Savings: $2,360*
25% Love those Fruit & Veg!
Slash your grocery bill by up to 25% and give your waistline a little love at the same time—just by packing more fruits and veggies into your meals and snacks! Research from the American Dietetic Association shows that everyone in your family can reap the health benefits (hello, weight loss!) while your budget gets a much-needed break. Fresh produce isn’t just good for your body—it’s great for your wallet too!
Potential Annual Savings: $880*
10% Shop at Discount Store
Want to save at least 10% on your grocery bill without breaking a sweat? It’s as simple as shopping at discount grocery stores like the Real Canadian SuperStore or Walmart Supercentre! Our comparison shopping shows that these stores offer lower prices on popular name-brand items compared to their competitors. The math is simple: shop smart, save big.
Potential Annual Savings: $1,000*
32% Shop at Discount Produce Store
Want to save up to 32% on fruits and veggies? Head to a discount produce store or a farmer’s market! While not all farmer’s markets are budget-friendly, some are absolute goldmines for fresh, affordable finds. Premium stores like Safeway may offer top-notch produce (and a matching price tag), but if you’re okay with a few quirky carrots or slightly wonky apples, discount stores can deliver huge savings. Whether you’re after premium, organic, or perfectly imperfect, comparing prices at local produce stores, farmer’s markets, and grocery stores could uncover some delicious deals.
Potential Annual Savings: $620*
Buy Fewer Pre-Packaged Foods
Want to save up to 32% on fruits and veggies? Head to a discount produce store or a farmer’s market! While not all farmer’s markets are budget-friendly, some are absolute goldmines for fresh, affordable finds. Premium stores like Safeway may offer top-notch produce (and a matching price tag), but if you’re okay with a few quirky carrots or slightly wonky apples, discount stores can deliver huge savings. Whether you’re after premium, organic, or perfectly imperfect, comparing prices at local produce stores, farmer’s markets, and grocery stores could uncover some delicious deals.
Potential Annual Savings: $620*
You can save a lot by purchasing LESS food that is pre-packaged!
10% Request Coupons from Manufacturers
Want to save about 10% on your grocery bill with minimal effort? Start emailing the manufacturers of the products you love and ask for coupons! Many companies are happy to send them your way. Some savvy shoppers do this every month or two to stock up on discounts, scoring coupons for nearly everything they buy. A little inbox action can lead to big savings at checkout!
Potential Annual Savings: $1,000*
10% Price Match
Want to save at least 10% on your grocery bill? Try shopping at stores that price match competitor flyers! Just bring the flyers with you and watch the savings roll in. It might not be for everyone, but if you’re looking to cut your grocery costs, this tip can save you big time—think $1,000 a year for a family of four! Walmart grocery stores are a goldmine for price matching, and the Real Canadian SuperStore will do it too (though they don’t exactly shout it from the rooftops). Some other stores might match prices too—just ask the manager and start stacking those savings!
Potential Annual Savings: $1,000*
Stock Up on Sales & Save 10 -20%
Want to save 10%, 20%, or even more on your groceries? The secret is in the sale—stock up on items that are on discount! Focus on non-perishable goods or things you can freeze, like bread and meat. But remember, you’re only saving money if you’re stocking up on things you actually use. Maximize your savings by pairing the sale with a coupon, and if your store has customer appreciation days, that’s like finding a treasure chest!
Get savvy with our grocery shopping savings tips and start stocking up when the deals are hot!
Potential Annual Savings: $1,000 – $2,050*
25% Stock Up and Skip a Grocery Run
How about saving almost 25% on your yearly grocery bill? It's simple—stockpile your groceries when they're on sale and then skip a grocery trip once a month! Live off your stockpile for a whole month, and you’ll be amazed at how much you save. If monthly sounds too ambitious, try once every three months—still a big win! Stockpile all kinds of non-perishable foods, and don’t forget to freeze bread and meat when you find them on sale. It’s like having your own grocery store in your kitchen!
Potential Annual Savings: $2,560*
Shop with Cash & Save 12-18%
Want to save 12% to 18% on your shopping trips? Leave the credit cards at home and go old-school with cash! A study by Dunn & Bradstreet found that credit card shoppers spend 12% to 18% more than those who pay with cash. Even McDonald’s noticed that credit card users spend more—$7 on average, compared to $4.50 with cash! When you shop with cash (or debit), you’re limited to what you’ve got, which makes you think twice before splurging. Picture the difference between shopping with $50 in your pocket vs. a $10,000 credit limit!
Try using cash for everything—from clothes to electronics to dining out—and watch those savings add up! If you love collecting points with your credit card, just stick to your list, and you might still end up ahead.
Potential Annual Savings: $1,230 – $1,850*
48% Slim Down Your Grocery Budget
Did you know that the average Canadian household spends about $217 per person on food each month (not counting dining out)? If you’re flying solo or live in certain areas, that number could be even higher. The Credit Counselling Society suggests budgeting $200 to $250 per person for groceries each month—and maybe a bit more if you’re also picking up toilet paper, laundry detergent, and cleaning supplies at the store.
But here’s a fun fact from Lynnette Khalfani-Cox in her book Zero Debt: she thinks a family of four can aim to spend just $125 per week on groceries! That’s $125 per person per month, way below the Canadian average. It’s a big goal, but if you start using the tips we’ve talked about, it’s totally doable.
Potential Annual Savings: $2,560*
Money Saving Strategies Unite!
Ready to slash your grocery bill? Combine as many of these money-saving tricks as possible, and you’ll watch your grocery budget shrink in no time! Start by making a solid grocery list and only buying what’s on it—no impulse buys allowed! Then, head to a produce store where you can load up on fresh fruits and veggies without emptying your wallet. These places are great for eating healthy on a budget, but if you spot a killer sale elsewhere or crave a few premium items, feel free to splurge a little.
Want to keep saving? Do your big shop at a discount grocery store and go wild with generic brands—your taste buds will thank you! For those brand-name faves, ask the manufacturers for coupons and then wait for a sale. When those sweet deals roll in, stock up and use your coupons for extra savings. If you’re shopping at Safeway, try to time it so you hit their customer appreciation day for even more savings. Trust us, stacking sales with coupons can make a big difference!
And don’t forget to shop with cash or your debit card and stick to that list—it’s a foolproof way to avoid overspending. If you’ve got a grocery store nearby that price matches, take full advantage! Wal-Mart’s grocery supercentres in Canada are known for matching competitor ads, and they have those super-low prices you love. If you can shop there, you’ll save time, gas, and probably a ton of money. Plus, this kind of healthy competition may make other stores lower their prices, too—so more Canadians can save big!
Bonus Tips!
Don’t Buy Water
Why lug around cases of bottled water when your tap water might be just as good—if not better? Check with your city or town about the quality of your tap water. Many places offer water that's just as clean (or cleaner!) than bottled brands. Save the hassle, save the money!
Don’t Shop Hungry
Ever noticed how your cart is mysteriously fuller when you shop on an empty stomach? That’s because hunger makes you grab whatever looks good in the moment, rather than sticking to your grocery list and budget. So, snack before you shop and keep your wallet happy!
Try Shopping Alone
If you’ve got little ones, your grocery bill might be growing faster than your cart. Retailers know how to target kids, placing all those snacky temptations at their eye level. Even shopping with your spouse can lead to more impulse buys—so if you can, try flying solo for a more focused and budget-friendly shopping trip!
Salvage Grocery Stores
Some stores specialize in "rescued" goods—products that might have a dented can, a wrong expiration date, or damaged packaging, but are still perfectly safe and tasty. These stores offer deals of up to 50% off or more, so why not rescue some savings while you're at it?
Waste Less Food
Did you know that the average Canadian household wastes up to $1,600 in food every year? That's a lot of wasted cash! If you can cut your food waste by 75%, you could be adding more than $100 a month back into your budget. Plan your meals, use leftovers, and save your money while saving the planet!
Now go ahead and start slashing that grocery bill—your wallet will thank you!
Happy saving!
(If you would like a copy for on the go, click here for our ebook!)
