The cost of food in Canada – and all over, really – is higher than it’s been in a long time. Families are struggling to afford even the basic necessities (hello, butter) and are often sweating at the checkout as the total gets bigger and bigger. We’re no different. But, as a family, we’ve adjusted our spending. Here are a few ways to save a little money on your groceries.

Set a Budget

Over spending in general these days isn’t that hard to do. But doing so may have some serious repercussions – like dipping into your savings or over-extending your credit. On average, groceries can cost anywhere from $200 to $500 a month – per person. But there are so many different variables to consider as well: like the number of family members and their ages, individual dietary requirements, even where you live can make a difference.

With the food inflation rate in Canada at its fastest (and highest) increase in decades – and expected to rise even more – it’s a challenge to keep our grocery bills in check. So, how do I set a grocery budget? Basically, make sure your non-negotiables are covered every month. This includes your mortgage or rent, utilities, and car and loan payments. Groceries fall into your every day variable spending. The same goes for gas, dining out, and extracurricular activities.

Try starting a budget by looking back at your recent spending over the past month or so. What you bought? How often you shopped? Use this calculated amount as a beginning budget and adjust your grocery allowance accordingly later on.

Meal Plan

Making a weekly meal plan – at least a few planned suppers during the week – may help to reduce food waste, save a little money, and avoid the dreaded “what’s for dinner tonight?” conversation.

• Discuss, as a family, what you all would like for dinner this week. Keep in mind what’s happening throughout the week – hockey practice, shift work, homework – and plan accordingly.
• Designate one or two days to eating up or repurposing leftovers in order to ward off throwing good food in the trash.
• Take inventory of what you already have on hand. Check the fridge, freezer, and pantry for whatever ingredients you may need this week. No sense in buying something you don’t really need.
• Jot down a list of what you need to buy for this week’s menu.

Remember to keep a few items on hand for easy suppers for those instances when you maybe haven’t planned dinner in advance. Pre-made frozen lasagne or fish and chips are an easy meal to throw in the oven on those nights where you just really don’t want to cook.

Make a List

So, you’ve made a plan and created a shopping list for what you need for the week. Great work! Now the key here is to avoid impulse purchases. While you were searching the pantry to make sure you had pasta for speghetti night, you can make note of some other staple items you may be running low on or are out of completely. Jot all these items down, so you know what you need to buy – and what you don’t.

Shop the Sales

Before you go shopping – do your homework. You have your meal plan and your shopping list all ready to go. But where are you going to shop? Take a few minutes to browse the weekly flyers for your local area. Or just look on Flipp, a one-stop forum for finding deals from retailers near you.

Don’t be afraid to go to more than one store (if you are able to) to find the best deal. Shopping at No Frills may cost you a little less than buying the same items at Sobeys. Compare prices and retailers in order to stay within your budget. Consider buying generic instead of the more expensive brand name as well. This may save you a little dough.

Leave it on the Shelf

If when you are shopping you can’t find what you need or if it’s outrageously priced – just don’t buy it. If you had your heart set on a shrimp stir fry and it’s too expensive, opt for a cheaper alternative, like chicken or salmon (or whatever’s on sale) instead.

The same goes for stocking up on staple ingredients and stuff for the kiddo’s lunches – if you can’t find it at a good price than don’t buy it right now. We’ve all seen the viral TikTok videos about the moms who spent $13 on a fu*king watermelon! Why?! Change the menu and buy a bag of apples or raspberries because they’re on sale this week. Buy the watermelon next week when it’s a more affordable price!

How do you save a little money on your groceries?

In conclusion, shopping a little more consciously and making a point of planning ahead may help you save a little money on your groceries in the coming months. It’s not a perfect system and it’s not something that has to be adhered to religiously – but it is doable. Give it a try on your next trip to the grocery store.

Reference Source Credit: MoneySense Article