1. Do Some Legwork
Plan out a week’s worth of meals in advance. This will take the guesswork out of meal time and ensure you only buy the ingredients you need. Be sure to check what foods you need to use up in your fridge and cupboards. It’s a great way to get the kids involved too!
2. Keep Impulse Buying in Check
Always go to the grocery store with a shopping list. You’re less likely to impulse buy when armed with a list. Eat before you head to the store. You’re much less likely to over-shop and make impulse purchases when your stomach isn’t growling.
3. Check for Sales
Dedicate five to 10 minutes flipping through grocery store flyers. Only buy items that you really need. It’s amazing how much the savings can add up! You can even buy things like butter and freeze it. Stock up on non-perishables like cereal, whole wheat pasta, pasta sauce, canned beans and canned fish when they are on sale. You can also buy bread on sale and freeze up to one month.
4. Shop the Periphery
Concentrate your shopping in the periphery of the grocery store – this is where you’ll find all the healthy essentials like meat, fresh produce, dairy and bread. The more superfluous products are found in the centre aisles.
5. Buy Value-cuts of Meat
Slow-cooking and marinating are great ways to tenderize value-cuts of meat and produce flavourful, nutritious dishes. Try it with value priced cuts of Canadian beef such as Blade Simmering Steak or Sirloin Tip Marinating Steak. Don’t know what do with value-cuts? Visit Beef101.
6. Buy Fruits and Veggies that are in Season
Seasonal produce is not only more flavourful but it’s also less expensive. Look for Canadian-grown cabbage, carrots and asparagus in the spring or year-round favourites such as mushrooms, peppers and hot house cucumbers.
7. Buy in Bulk
Many dry goods like oats, nuts, pasta, dried fruit, spices, flour, sugar and cereals are less expensive when bought in bulk. Buying Club Pack meats like ground beef and salmon provide great value and ensure you always have a supply of high quality protein. You can also freeze individual servings in re-sealable freezer bags. Take advantage of Club Packs of ground beef when you make Big Batch Ground Beef.
8. Search High and Low
The least expensive products are often located at the top and at the bottom of the shelves, whereas the most expensive products are placed at eye level.
9. Check your Bill
It’s a good idea to watch each item as it’s scanned through to ensure you’re charged the correct price.
10. Store your Groceries Properly to Avoid Waste
Store meats, fish and dairy products at the back of your fridge where it’s coldest, wrap foods well and keep your fridge at 4°Celsius or colder to reduce spoilage. Keep meats on the bottom shelf so they don’t drip on other foods. Store eggs in their original carton in the body of the fridge (not on the door). Throwing out food is like throwing away money.