The cost of everything is increasing, and many of us are figuring out how to save pennies where we can. One area many are struggling with these days is groceries. In Canada (and I am sure everywhere else), consumers have been experiencing the most significant cost hike in groceries since September of 1981.*

What does this mean for so many of us?

For too many families and individuals, it means going without, but I want to help make it mean that we are changing our shopping patterns to be able to get more of what we want and need.

Many of us in 2020 had to re-organize and re-assess how we fed ourselves. With many cities and countries going into lockdowns and many of us being sent home from the office to work, we lost many of our regular dining out or pick-up food options, meaning we had to start cooking all our meals and snacks throughout the day.

As we adjusted to the new state of things, many went back into the office, and dining options opened up again came to another shift. And now we are here, with increasingly hefty grocery bills. So, again we need to adjust and figure out how to make it work for ourselves and our families.

To help you maximize your dollar without diving into extreme bargain shopping or couponing (that just isn't my area of expertise), here are some tips to help you stay within your grocery budget without cutting out too many of our favourite things.

Let’s save some money

Buying in bulk

This option isn't just reserved for those with loads of storage space because buying in bulk doesn't need to mean purchasing warehouse quantities. Sometimes buying in bulk just means purchasing your dried goods (beans, pasta, baking goods, herbs, spices, nuts, seeds, etc.) from bulk stores.

Here in Ontario, we have Bulk Barn, but many groceries stores also have a bulk section where you can buy as little or as much as you need. It helps you cut down on waste by reducing overbuying a product you might use only once.

Who even cares about the brand name

Listen, these companies did it to themselves. They increased their prices, making it harder for many to afford. You owe no brand any loyalty. Purchase a similar product that is more affordable or, better yet, on sale!

If you are from Canada, you know the good old yellow label of No Name. Many of their products contain the EXACT same ingredients for a discounted price, and they taste just as great. You don't need to get the discount brand, but distancing yourself from brand loyalty will help you navigate the sales section of your weekly grocery fliers to find the best deals.

know what you can freeze

Many foods can be purchased in larger quantities when on sale and frozen for later. We are often afraid to freeze something because it might not thaw out the same, and although this is true for some things, more foods can be frozen than most think. To get you started, here is a quick list:

Cooked pasta.
Cooked rice.
Nuts and seeds - this should be stored in the freezer to keep them from going rancid.
Flour - this actually goes bad at room temp over time!
Butter.
Grated cheese.
Bananas, peeled.
Bread, in slices, as loaves or breadcrumbs.

Learn to cook with dried beans and grains

Listen, I get it; canned beans are a MASSIVE time-saver, but if you want to extend your dollar, buying dried is the way to go. Forgo the precooked microwave rice and the canned beans and get the dried stuff. It is literally a fraction of the cost of the hydrated variations, and as a bonus, it takes up less room in your cupboard!

If you have a slow-cooker, pressure cooker or rice cooker rehydrating and cooking dried beans and grains becomes a breeze, and once you get the hang of it, it doesn't feel like that much additional effort.

PLAN, PLAN, PLAN

I understand that planning is tedious, but sometimes that is what we need to do to reduce waste and stay within budget. Planning also encourages us to take stock of what we have at home and what we will realistically eat through the week, and it may even turn your eye to check out some fliers for deals.

Points Programs/ Loyalty Cards

This strategy is often overlooked. Many grocery stores and newer banks such as KOHO provide their customers with the possibility of collecting points, cashback or getting other rewards, like deals specific to members. Collecting points and using banking cards that give a cashback option can offset the overall cost of groceries in the long term.

I hope these tips help you save a little next grocery shop.

*https://www.thestar.com/business/2022/05/18/lettuce-oranges-butter-and-beef-the-cost-of-grocery-staples-has-surged-again-and-theres-no-end-in-sight.html#:~:text=YOU%20MIGHT%20BE%20INTERESTED%20IN...&text=Overall%2C%20grocery%20prices%20have%20gone,largest%20increase%20since%20September%201981.

Increasing food costs & Staying on budget