Are you looking for easy ways to incorporate money savings tips? Grocery shopping can seriously rack up the bills if you’re not paying attention to the items you’re purchasing, or worse—shopping on an empty stomach. There are small adjustments you can make during your next supermarket run to ensure you’re not shocked at the total when you’re checking out.
Here are tips and tricks to save money while grocery shopping.
Download Grocery Apps
Check out grocery apps to compare flyers, coupons, and prices all in one place! These apps do all of the work, so you don’t have to. Some even have points programs and cash-back incentives.
Stick To Your Grocery List
Thoroughly plan out your grocery list before heading out to the stores and be sure to stick to it. Following your detailed list will stop you from spending unnecessary money on items you probably don’t need. Skip the snack isle and avoid browsing sections of the store that don’t have the foods on your list.
Know Food Prices
Be sure to have an idea of the prices of the foods you are buying regularly. This will help you figure out when prices go up or down, or even compare prices between other grocery stores to score the best deal possible.
Shop The “Reduced” Section
Don’t forget to make a stop by the “reduced” section at your local grocery shop. You’ll typically find ripe produce that is great for baking or making smoothies—at a much cheaper cost. You could even get day-old bread that’s still good for eating or even making croutons and French toast! This is your chance to get creative in the kitchen while saving some cash.
Stock Up On Coupons
If your go-to grocer has flyers handy in-store or online, be sure to browse before heading out. Never miss out on deals on items that are on your list.
Shop the store brand
Typically, the no-name or store brand is just as good as other brands, without the higher price tag. Save money this way especially when shopping for pasta, canned goods, and produce.
Sales Days
The next time you’re grocery shopping, ask an employee which day they usually have sales on, so you can learn when the best time is to visit. This can help you plan out your trips better and receive awesome discounts while you’re at it!
Shop At “Cheaper” Grocery Stores
It’s no secret that grocery stores like Fortinos and Longos are more expensive to shop at than grocery stores like No Frills and Walmart. If you’re trying to save money while stocking up – shopping at budget grocery stores is the way to go.
Price Match
Check if any grocery stores around you price match! This way no matter where you’re shopping, you know you’ll always be getting the lowest possible price.
Don’t Over-Stock
Going hand-in-hand with making a grocery list and sticking to it, ensure you know how many groceries you actually need. All too often we over-stock and end up having to throw out expired food. Which is super wasteful and can be easily avoided. When in doubt, less is more. You can always go back out if you need more groceries.
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You can now grab freshly made bowls at a Toronto Loblaws! The grocery chain just introduced a new in-store element that is super exciting.
Located at the Loblaws at Maple Leaf Gardens, 60 Carlton Street, the restaurant is called Globōl.
Known as a “grocerant” which is a play-on for combining a grocery store and a restaurant, it offers takeout as well as delivery for delicious globally inspired bowls.
The Globōl website states in more detail about the inspiration behind the concept, “Our menu is inspired by the stories of international street food legends, hardworking farmers and loving mothers & fathers whose crafts have been shaped by generations in their homeland and who personify the spirit of each dish.”
Created by Pierre Jutras and Nipun Sharma, Globōl serves six different types of bowls.
These include beef fajita, chicken shawarma, butter chicken, jerk chicken, General Tao, and pad Thai.
Plus, each of the meals are only $12!
If you aren’t able to make a trip to the Toronto Loblaws, check out DoorDash or Uber Eats to make a purchase!
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As of today, January 5, 2022, we are entering many new restrictions in Ontario. The following measures will be in place for the next 21 days, which is until January 27. This of course may fluctuate depending on our health system at the time of completion.
If you’re not familiar with the new restrictions in Ontario or need a refresh, we’ve listed the changes below.
GATHERINGS
Social Gatherings
- Indoor gatherings limited to five people or fewer
- Outdoor gatherings limited to 10 people or fewer
Weddings, Funerals, Religious Services, Rites & Ceremonies
- Indoor services are limited to 50% capacity of the room size
- Outdoor services are limited to the number of people who can maintain two metres distance
OPEN
Retail
- Must operate at 50% capacity
- Safety measures for shopping malls, pharmacies, hardware stores etc. include the above capacity limit with distancing in line ups and safety screenings
Restaurants, Bars & other Food Or Drink Establishments
- Take out, drive through, and delivery are allowed
- Food courts remain open for takeout only
- Outdoor areas are open with restrictions including no more than 10 people per table, patrons must remain seated, no dancing or singing
- Liquor stores remain open with capacity restrictions and limited hours
barbers, Hair Salons & Tattoo Parlours
- Must operate at 50% capacity and are by appointment only
Hotels & Motels
- These establishments remain open except for the indoor gyms, pools, steam rooms/saunas
- Restaurants within the hotel or motel may offer takeout or delivery only
Parks
- Outdoor parks and playgrounds remain open
Libraries
- Open with 50% capacity
CLOSED
Work Offices
- As of right now, work from home is in place, unless the nature of the work requires workers to be on-site
Camps
- Day and overnight camps are closed
Restaurants, Bars & Other Food or Drink Establishments
- Indoor service is closed
Meeting & Event Spaces
- Indoor areas are closed with exceptions, such as child care, court and government services, social services, health services, collective bargaining, and mental health/addiction services up to 10 people
Gyms & Recreational Fitness Facilities
- Gyms and fitness facilities are now closed with exceptions to those training for the Olympics and Paralympics
Concert Venues & Theatres
- Indoor areas of concert venues, theatres, and cinemas are closed except for rehearsing or performing a recorded or broadcasted performance
Personal Care Services
- Saunas, steam rooms, and oxygen bars are closed
Museums & amusement Parks
- Zoos, CN Tower, historic sites, science centres, and more, are closed
Schools
- All publicly funded and private schools are remote learning until at least January 17
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Toronto is finally getting its very own T&T Supermarket! Now those living in downtown Toronto won’t have to travel far to get delicious dumplings and egg tofu.
The new T&T Supermarket is located at 297 College Street and opens Friday, August 20 at 9 a.m.
Since T&T closed its Port Lands location in January 2020, which was the closest to downtown Toronto, this store opening is fantastic news for fans.
If you’ve never checked out a T&T Supermarket, you definitely should! The grocer is owned by Loblaws and features mouth-watering Asian products.
It also operates a handful of other spaces in Markham, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Mississauga, and Aurora.
T&T Supermarket posted an exciting video about the grand opening stating, “To all friends in Toronto, join us on our opening day to celebrate this long-awaited moment with lots of joy and gifts. The first 100 customers will receive a $10 gift card. Free recycle bag when purchasing over $68 or more. $10 coupon when purchasing over $88 or more (redeem 9/3-9/16)”
Head on over to College Street as of this Friday to stock up on some yummy foods and maybe even win a gift card!
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A new Farm Boy will open in Downtown Toronto on January 28— its 36th location in Canada! The shop can be found at 29 Bathurst Street.
Farm Boy reported in 2019 that part of its growth strategy involved major plans of expansion throughout southern Ontario.
If you’re unfamiliar with Farm Boy, it’s basically a Canadian version of Trader Joe’s, which is all the rage in the USA for those looking for organic produce and a salad bar.
The store floor spans a whopping 33,478 square feet and will carry organic and plant-based foods, fresh dairy products, meat products, a Village Juicery kiosk, and so much more.
Plus, it’ll have pizza, grill, and sushi stations to enjoy.
“Torontonians are telling us that they are really enjoying our Farm Boy stores in Toronto and based on customer requests, we are excited to continue expanding our footprint and presence in the downtown core,” said Jean-Louis Bellemare, President and General Manager, Farm Boy in a press release.
This Farm Boy will be the third location in downtown Toronto, which follows last year’s opening at 777 Bay Street.
Additional Farm Boy Toronto openings in 2021 include 5245 Dundas West, 740 Dupont Avenue, and 207 Queens Quay West.
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Times are really tough these days, with local businesses struggling and some folks being laid off or furloughed from their jobs. Food security is a serious issue and right now due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, it’s even more severe than ever before. One Toronto butcher shop is doing its part to ensure that no one goes hungry by giving free food to whoever needs it.
Portuguese grocery store Nosso Talho has been on the scene in the Bloorcourt neighbourhood since 1974 and its owner is generously offering to help by giving free food to people who need it.
“If ANYONE is not working/not getting a paycheck and runs out of food, or times are just tough…please don’t let you, or your kids especially, go to sleep with an empty stomach. Don’t be afraid or embarrassed to send me a private message. I’m more than happy to share whatever I can. I will drop off and go and pretend it never happened,” reads a post on the grocery store’s Facebook page.
In these uncertain times, it’s more crucial than ever that we all pull together and do whatever we can within our means to help our community.
While we’ve seen big brands and companies like Sunwing, Roots, and Telus doing their part, it’s so beautiful and inspiring to see a local grocery store stepping up when times are no doubt tough for them as well.
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During the global COVID-19 health pandemic, social distancing is important as ever. And while most non-essential retailers are temporarily closing their doors to the public, essential retailers such as grocery stores and drugstores are staying open.
Those working essential retail positions, such as cashiers and stockists, are working on the frontline and putting their health at risk so that shoppers have everything they need to prepare for isolation. And the company’s employing these individuals are doing their best to protect them.
Sobeys recently announced that it would be installing plexiglass screen guards at its cash registers.
The added barrier will act as another safeguard for customers and cashiers. In the statement, Michael Medline, the company’s President and CEO, said that the company “began to install the shields in stores [on March 19] and will work around the clock to get them in our stores.”
In addition to Sobeys’ plexiglass screen guards, Sobeys has taken a number of other precautions to protect shoppers and employees.
The protocols include mandatory handwashing for staff every 15 minutes, enhanced cleaning of common areas and surfaces, floor markers at checkout to maintain social distancing, Senior Shopping Hour, and the removal of open items like hot foods and olives.
You can read the entire statement on Twitter.
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We’ve all seen the news reports that grocery stores are being bombarded by folks stocking up on items like canned goods, produce, and especially toilet paper. And while we are all feeling the effects of the COVID-19 crisis, those most vulnerable are definitely feeling it even more. That’s why certain grocery stores have decided to open their doors early to accommodate them.
Grocery stores like Pusateri’s, Sobey’s, Loblaws, and Shoppers Drug Mart have all committed to opening doors an hour early so that those most at risk like seniors, can shop.
“To support those most in need, some of our stores will offer dedicated hours for seniors and people living with disabilities to come in before the crowds,” said Loblaws.
According to Daily Hive, Shoppers Drug Mart also announced that its 20% Seniors Day discount will be offered on regular priced items as well during this first hour of shopping.
Upscale grocery store Pusateri’s is also following suit and will open at 7 a.m. for those most at risk. The retailer is asking those who aren’t vulnerable or at risk to start their shopping at 8 a.m.
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Everyone loves the thrill of a good deal, but who says that has to be limited to a new lipstick or a pair of shoes? Let’s face it, grocery shopping might not be the most romantic of topics but we all gotta eat. We’re all about being as real as possible — and hey, if you’re saving up on bread and eggs, who’s to say you can’t treat yourself to those shoes at the end of the month?
Here are 7 grocery apps to download that’ll help you save money at the grocery store!
Flipp
Remember the days of flipping through all the grocery store flyers that would clog up your front step or your mailbox? Well those days are long gone. Flipp lets you compare flyers, coupons, and prices all in one handy-dandy place — your phone! The app pulls up offers from over 1,000 local stores. Just search for what you’re looking for, compare which is cheapest, and find that store with the lowest price!
Drop
Drop is a free loyalty points program that rewards you for — well, for spending money. All you have to do is shop through the app or link your credit/debit card, and each purchase will accumulate points. Then you can use them towards gift cards to places like Amazon, Walmart, Starbucks, or more. A rewards program for our generation.
Reebee
Coupon collecting isn’t just an activity for our parents anymore. Similar to Flipp, Reebee is a flyer app that compares prices and flyers amongst your local stores, making your weekly fridge stock-up a breeze. Make a shopping list, see which stores will do price match, and you’re well on your way to saving both time and money!
KOHO
Banking for millennials and Gen Z’s, KOHO offers both an app and a reloadable card that pays you every time you spend money with 0.50% cash back. This is great for not just groceries, but now you can totally justify buying that $8.99 tub of ice cream that isn’t on sale. The app is also a great financial management tool in general because it lets you automate your savings and budget — plus there are no monthly fees! We call that a win-win.
Checkout 51
Checkout 51 is a cash back app — essentially returning money to your wallet every time you buy groceries. Offers come out every week (every Thursday, to be exact), so all you have to do is buy whatever is on offer and then upload a photo of your receipt onto the app. Rewards and discounts will be added to your account and you can cash out your cash back balance once it hits $20. Easy peasy.
Caddle
Similar to Checkout 51, Caddle offers cash backs on weekly offers that come out every Thursday. Shop offers and upload your receipt on the app to rack up cash back rewards. Also similarly, you can cash out at $20 and a cheque will be mailed to you. However, Caddle also offers other opportunities to earn money, such as by answering short surveys or watching advertising videos. Plus, every time you refer a friend you get $1. It pays to use grocery apps!
PayMi
Another cashback rewards app, PayMi rewards you for shopping at its partnered retailers. It’s super simple to use as well, since all you have to do is link your bank accounts on the app. Plus, if you use a CIBC card, you get double the cash back rewards. You can then cash out the rewards using Interac E-transfer for a $1.50 fee if your balance is under $25, and for free if it’s over $25. Plus, the retail partners are varied enough that it’s not just groceries that you can use this one for!
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When it comes to plastic waste, retailers play a major role in production. And while we’ve seen some brands take steps towards sustainability, one grocery retailer has made a major leap.
Sobeys recently announced that it will be removing plastic bags from stores by January 31, 2020.
In a press release, the chain announced that it will no longer offer Sobeys plastic bags at checkout in stores across Canada. With this major step towards plastic reduction, the grocery chain will be taking 225 million plastic bags out of circulation.
And this is just one of the initiatives that Sobeys has launched that work to the chain’s commitment to reducing plastic.
Sobeys aims to reduce plastics across all of its banners.
Some other initiatives that have already launched include introducing plastic checkout bags that are made with 30% less plastic; launching a reusable container pilot in IGA stores in Quebec; partnering with the likes of TREX Recycling Program and LakeCity Plastics to turn plastic waste into decking, furniture, and more; and eliminating plastic mini-cucumber trays.
Not to mention, Sobeys is also encouraging and incentivizing its shoppers to reduce the amount of plastic they use.
In the press release, Sobeys shared some of the other examples that show the steps they’re taking to help its shoppers reduce plastic, which include:
- A new line of reusable, mesh produce bags made from recycled water bottles available to provide another reusable bag solution, and cut down single-use plastic waste.
- In-store plastic bag recycling programs in Atlantic Canada and Western Canada.
- IGA stores on Montreal Island launched innovative ways to incentivize reusable bag adoption with initiatives such as:
- Designated parking spots for customers who bring reusable bags
- A program allowing customers to “rent” reusable bags from IGA stores for a returnable deposit
- Promotional IGA offers on reusable bags and boxes to encourage customer use
- Partnering with Enactus Canada on a Social Enterprise Accelerator. The program seeks to challenge young Canadians to find innovative alternatives to plastic use, work towards more sustainable operations, and drive behavioural change.
Removing Sobeys plastic bags from checkout is a major move for the grocery chain, and we hope to see other retailers follow suit.
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