Posted on Wednesday March 29, 2023

How to keep your grocery bill in check these days

It’s no secret that staying on budget in the supermarket aisle requires more skill and mental gymnastics than ever before. The culprit? Inflation. 

The pandemic hasn’t just changed our lifestyles and the way we work, it has also snarled supply chains. Throw in a labour shortage and global warming and you’ve got yourself a domino effect. Getting products into the hands of consumers is more expensive, which makes it more difficult to meet demand.

How do they measure inflation?

How is inflation calculated? A comparative measurement of the cost of common goods and services, such as energy, food and interest rates, is usually taken over a specific period of time to determine the overall increase in prices. Statistics Canada reported last October that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) increase was nearing 3.1%.

No wonder everyone’s tightening their belts! But that’s not always enough to balance your budget. It's a tough situation, especially for people on low incomes. Big problems need smart solutions, so here are some tips for stretching your dollar at the supermarket.

Choose carefully

You can make yummy meals without going broke. Experts suggest eating more plant protein and choosing local, seasonal products. Canada’s Food Guide agrees. Legumes, especially dried ones, are a very cost-effective and nutritious option.

Meal planning: The key to eating well on a budget

Meal planning is the best way to stick to your grocery budget. Look through your fridge and cupboards first and find recipes to minimize waste. Pick recipes with the same ingredients so you’ll have fewer products to buy and avoid wasting food.

Keep an eye out for sales

Spend less by planning your meals for the week based on what’s on sale. The best deals are often found on the first two pages of the flyer. Many grocery stores even have a area for products approaching their expiration date. Buying marked down items can save you big money.

Buy only what you need

The best way to avoid impulse buys and limit unnecessary spending is to have a detailed shopping list. It’ll help you breeze on past that tempting cake. And never go shopping on an empty stomach! It’s no myth. The hungrier you are, the more you’re likely to spend.

Consider weight and size

When comparing prices, make sure to factor in package weight. Instead of just looking at the product price, calculate the cost per 100 g or 100 ml. Larger sizes are usually cheaper per serving. If you have too much, freeze it and use for another recipe later on!

Buying in bulk is a good idea. As this Noovo article says, it can save you a lot of money and reduce food waste too.

Beware of processed foods

It’s no secret that processed foods always cost more. Instead of buying precut fruit and vegetables, set aside time to do it yourself and make it a family activity! If you’re making pizza, go for the block of mozzarella instead of buying grated cheese.

Eat seasonal

Fresh, seasonal food is a real treat for both your taste buds and your pocketbook. Check out the Local food availability guide for New Brunswick to find out when different fruits and vegetables are in season. Some seasons are better for eating local than others. Keep in mind that seasonal products are more budget-friendly than off-season ones.

You’ll get better quality for less if you buy tomatoes in August instead of late November. Go with root vegetables in the winter. There’s no shortage of mouthwatering recipes using New Brunswick potatoes, parsnips and rutabagas.

Other things to consider

Did you know that products on the top and bottom shelves are usually less pricy than those at eye level? Look high and low!

Take advantage of good deals to stock up on non-perishable and frozen goods.

Choose store brand products over name brands. You can save a lot by using them in your grandmother’s spaghetti sauce!

Eating high-quality food for less is no easy task, so give these tricks a try for some extra breathing room. You might even be able to treat yourself!