1. Make a grocery list and bring it with you. This grocery list can be developed based on your weekly meal plan or on the frequently purchased items in your kitchen.
2. Don’t shop on an empty stomach! People tend to be more tempted to buy more items and food of lesser nutritional value when they shop hungry.
3. Become familiar with your grocery store. Know your go-to isles and where you can find the main ingredients you always need. Skip out on “getting lost” in the candy or chip isle when you know exactly where to find the items on your list.
4. Buy in season. Produce is much cheaper when in season so purchase large amounts and freeze them to have later in the year.
5. Buy frozen or canned. When the fresh foods are out of season and more expensive, the canned or frozen options are a close second when it comes to price. Thankfully, they are just as nutritious as the fresh versions!
6. Look high and low. Typically, the most expensive items are placed at eye-level on the shelves so look above and below this to hopefully find more affordable options.
7. Check the expiry date. Make sure you have enough time from the day you buy it to consume all of that particular food before it goes to waste.
8. Bulk up on the staples. Items such as rice, pasta, canned fish, and dried legumes (beans, lentils, peas) all have a long shelf life. If you have the space to store extras, be sure to stock up when they are on sale.
9. Grow your own garden. If possible, start growing your favourite herbs, vegetables or fruit. You’ll be able to save money, watch your accomplishment flourish and have the freshest produce possible.
