Stretch Your Grocery Budget
Does it feel like grocery prices go up every time you blink? You’re not alone! But don’t worry—I’ve got some tried-and-true tricks to help you keep your grocery bill in check without skimping on delicious meals. Whether you're shopping for a full house or just yourself, these small changes can lead to BIG savings. Check out these Canadian resources and local tips to stretch your food budget!
1. Shop Smarter with Discount & Surplus Food Apps
OddBunchCanada: If you haven’t tried this yet, I highly recommend it! OddBunch sells perfectly good (but maybe slightly "imperfect") produce at a discounted rate. You get a box of fresh fruits and veggies for way less than grocery store prices (I purchase the medium-sized box for $32 per week—and help reduce food waste at the same time. Win-win!
Flash Food (PC): Available at No Frills and Real Canadian Superstore, this app lets you buy discounted items nearing their sell-by dates—often at up to 50% off. I’ve found some amazing deals here!
Too Good To Go: If you love scoring a surprise deal, this app is for you! It connects you with restaurants, bakeries, and grocery stores that sell surplus food at a discount. It’s a great way to grab fresh meals or baked goods for way less.
2. Follow @livingonaloonie on Instagram
If you love a good deal (who doesn’t?!), @livingonaloonie is an account you NEED to follow. She’s constantly sharing weekly flyer matchups, promo codes, and coupon tips that help you save big. Thanks to her, I recently stacked some codes and saved 70% on a shopping trip—seriously, she’s a lifesaver!
3. Earn Money Back with Cashback & Coupon Apps
Checkout 51 & Eclipsa: These apps literally pay you for buying groceries. Just snap a pic of your receipt and get cashback on select items—easy money!
Caddle: Another great Canadian cashback app where you can earn money on grocery purchases AND even for completing short surveys.
Flipp: This app compiles weekly flyers so you can price match like a pro. No more flipping through paper ads—just pull up Flipp and save.
4. Shop Local & Buy Smart
Farmer’s Markets & CSA Boxes: Want fresher, cheaper produce while supporting local farmers? Check out your nearest farmer’s market or sign up for a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) box. You’ll get fresh, seasonal produce at a better price—and it tastes way better than store-bought!
Bulk Barn: Buy only what you need, skip the packaging, and take advantage of their discount days.
Discount Grocery Stores: No Frills, Food Basics, and Giant Tiger are goldmines for budget-friendly grocery shopping.
5. Meal Plan & Reduce Waste
Plan your meals around what’s on sale and what you already have at home. Less waste = more money saved!
Batch cooking is your best friend—cook once, eat multiple times, and stretch those ingredients.
Store food properly to make it last longer (hello, freezer meals!).
Grocery shopping on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing quality or taste. With a little planning and these money-saving tricks, you can eat well while keeping more money in your pocket. Got a favourite grocery hack? Share it in the comments—I’d love to hear it!