How to save money on groceries
Healthy eating has many benefits and it can be done on a budget. As an older adult dealing with a fixed income, saving money on healthy food is an important reality.
Taking advantage of sales at the grocery store is an easy way to cut costs. Do this by browsing store flyers and using coupons where possible. Then plan your meals and snacks around these foods.
To get a better price, buy most of your food from discount grocery stores rather than convenience stores. Also, check to see if your grocery store has a seniors’ day or special discounts. In terms of healthy buys, frozen and canned fruits and vegetables with little-to-no added sugars or sodium are good choices, especially when fresh produce is out of season or more expensive.
Eating meals with plant-based protein foods more often can also be more affordable. These include beans, lentils, chickpeas and other legumes, which are more reasonably priced. Add them to stews, soups and sauces to make your meals go further. Canned fish such as tuna, salmon and sardines are other less expensive protein foods. Limit highly processed foods like ready-to-heat meals, as they can cost more and are likely to be higher in sodium and saturated fat.
Be realistic and buy only what you’re going to eat. Otherwise, the food wasted is like throwing away money. Either share large items with a friend or neighbour for extra savings, or buy from bulk bins to get the exact amount you need.
Find more information and subscribe to Canada’s food guide at canada.ca/foodguide.
– News Canada