With food prices on the rise, there has never been a better time to learn new ways to save money on your grocery bill. Check out these five tips to help you get the most bang for your buck on your next trip to the grocery store.

#1 – Plan Your Meals

• Create a weekly menu. By planning your meals for the week, it allows you to cook meals around what is on sale, decrease the number of trips you make to the grocery store and help you enjoy more meals at home.
• Check your fridge and pantry when planning meals. This will allow you to use items you have on hand and not accidently purchase something you already have.

#2 – Shop the Sales

• Check out local grocery store flyers when planning your meals (like Reebee or Flipp). By planning meals around what is on sale, it will help you maximize your grocery budget and get the best deals.
• Check the price matching policy at your local grocery store. If they allow it, bring along weekly flyers from other stores to save even more on the items you are purchasing.
• Stock up on non-perishable items when they are on sale rather than paying full price.

#3 – Make a List

How many times have you gone to the grocery store and ended up coming home with things you didn’t originally go there for Having a list of what you need before helps ensure you only buy what you need, and extra items don’t sneak into your grocery cart.

#4 – Avoid Convenience Foods

While convenience food such as pre-cut fruit, frozen dinners and pre-made salads can save you time, they are often a lot more expensive. Instead, try some of the following:

• Buy fruit or vegetables whole and chop them yourself at home. Prep them at the beginning of the week and store them in a sealed container so they are ready to use when you need them.
• Join a cooking class at your local community center or even virtually to learn how to make simple meals from scratch.
• Have a make-your-own salad night with your family or friends. Chop a variety of toppings and allow each person to get creative and assemble their own salad.

#5 – Try Out Different Brands

Next time you are at the grocery store, try reaching for a generic or No Name brand product. They are just as tasty and nutritious as name brand products, however, are often less expensive making them a simple way to reduce your grocery bill.

Be sure to watch for upcoming posts, where we will dive deeper into how to find the best deals in each grocery store department.

Looking for healthy and nutritious recipes? Visit thefoodbank.ca/food for some quick, easy and delicious meals you can cook at home!