Grocery prices in Canada have been on the rise, and with new tariffs affecting imported goods, your food bill could get even heftier if you’re not careful about what you’re putting in your cart.
It doesn’t necessarily mean you have to sacrifice healthy eating or enjoying your favourite meals, but you’ll need to do a little more planning and adopt some savvy shopping habits to keep your grocery budget in check.
Here are 10 tips to save money on your grocery bill in trickier tariff times.
1. Plan your meals—and make a detailed list
Impulse buys can add up fast, especially with price hikes. Plan your meals for the week before heading to the store and make a detailed shopping list. This helps you buy only what you need, reducing waste and unnecessary spending.
If you’re just starting to seek out Canadian brands specifically and trying to remember which brands are local, it might help to start specifying the Canadian brand name on your shopping list so you start to remember all the ones you like over time.
2. Shop store brands
Store-brand (or no-name) products often offer the same quality as brand-name goods but at a lower price. Compare labels and ingredients—you’ll likely find little difference except for the cost.
3. Shop seasonally and locally
Imported fruits and vegetables are subject to tariffs and transportation costs, making them more expensive. Instead, buy seasonal produce from local farmers’ markets or grocery stores that source from nearby growers. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also support local farmers.
To ensure you’re buying Canadian products, check the label for “Product of Canada” or “Made in Canada”—these indicate that at least 51% of the production cost, including ingredients and labour, comes from within the country. Another good sign is the Canadian Organic logo, which certifies that the product meets national organic standards.
When you’re shopping for meat and dairy, look for Canadian farm logos like Dairy Farmers of Canada’s blue cow symbol. At grocery stores, look for items labelled, “Grown in Canada” in the produce section and seek out locally made goods in specialty aisles. If you’re not sure, ask a store employee or check out the store’s website for more info on their sourcing policies.
4. Take advantage of sales and coupons
Keep an eye on weekly flyers and apps like Flipp to find the best deals. Many grocery stores also have loyalty programs that offer points or discounts on future purchases. Ask your cashier the next time you’re at the checkout!
5. Buy in bulk—when It makes sense
Staples like rice, beans, pasta, and frozen foods often cost less when bought in bulk. Just be mindful of perishable items—only buy what you can use before they go bad to avoid waste. A good rule of thumb is anything you use often and a lot of, is a great item to buy in bulk.
6. Eat less meat
Luckily Canada produces a lot of its own meat but if you’re trying to monitor your grocery bill and keep it as low as possible, meat is a big-ticket item that can be managed by including a better balance of animal protein and plant-based proteins. Plant-based meals like lentil soups, chickpea curries and tofu stir-fries are all excellent options that are healthy and will save you money. If you’re a meat-lover, another tip for stretching your dollar is to buy larger cuts on sale and freezing portions for later.
7. Avoid pre-packaged and pre-cut foods
Pre-chopped fruits and veggies, pre-marinated meats, and individually packaged snacks come with a higher price tag. Instead, buy whole ingredients and prep them yourself if you can spare the extra few minutes. It takes a little extra time but can save a lot of money.
8. Use a cashback or grocery rewards credit card
Not all credit cards offer the same perks at every grocery store, so choosing the right one can maximize your savings. According to Ratehub.ca, here are some of the best credit cards for groceries, organized by store here in Canada:
- Metro: American Express Cobalt, Scotiabank Gold American Express
- Loblaws, Superstore, FreshCo: CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite, Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite
- Costco: CIBC Costco Mastercard
- Walmart: Tangerine Money-Back Card, Walmart Rewards Mastercard
By using the right card for your go-to grocery store, you can earn cashback or rewards on every dollar spent. Just be sure to pay off the balance each month to avoid interest charges that can negate your savings.
9. Minimize food waste
A significant portion of grocery spending goes to waste when food spoils before it’s used. Store food properly, freeze leftovers, and get creative with ingredients that need to be used up. If you tend to over buy, consider making two smaller trips to the grocery store each week instead of one, especially if plans tend to change throughout the week and you find yourself throwing things out.
10. Shop at discount grocery stores
Consider shopping at budget-friendly stores like No Frills, FreshCo and Costco. These stores often have lower prices on staple items and bulk options that can help you stretch your grocery budget further.
Bottom line
Trump’s new tariffs along with inflation and the rising cost of living may make grocery shopping feel more expensive than ever before, but with a few simple adjustments, you can keep your food costs under control. By planning ahead, shopping smart, and reducing waste, you’ll be able to eat well while keeping your food budget in check.
About the Author
Alicia is a journalist and editor in digital and print media specializing in health, nutrition, fitness, and wellness. She was previously the Editorial Director of Clean Eating and Vegetarian Times. Her work has also appeared in Hone Health The Edge, Yoga Journal, Women’s Running, and Oxygen, among others. In addition to being a content creator, she's an ISSA-certified nutritionist, certified personal trainer, and fitness studio owner in Toronto. Alicia loves spreading the word about helpful, science-backed health information, and she can be contacted via her website at aliciamtyler.com.
