Amid inflation, many Canadians are grappling with skyrocketing food costs.
From the absurdly high price of chicken breast to those who drastically change their diet to save a few bucks, finding ways to eat well on a budget can be difficult.
Additionally, 2023 forecasts from the Canadian Food Price Report — The annual Food Price Trends publication predicts that Canadian households will spend up to $1,065 on food in the next year. This is an amount that many people cannot afford.
We can’t change the current food market, but there are ways to meet your nutritional requirements while staying within your budget. can.
“Take the time to see what the flyers are selling, both online and in store.”Abby Sharp
But things are not as gloomy as they seem. According to Canadian nutritionist Abby Sharp, there are many ways to save big at the grocery store. Just shop smart.
“Prices for agricultural products are skyrocketing, especially for leafy greens. Key animal proteins like chicken breast are also particularly expensive right now,” she said in an interview. Yahoo Canada“Eat more beans and other plant-based proteins to save money and shop in bulk! There are plenty of options.”
Sharp added that one thing people don’t see enough of is “sales and flyers.”
“When things are on sale, stock up. Take your time and check out flyers, both online and in store, to see what’s on sale,” she explained.
Read on to learn the best foods to buy on sale amid inflation to help you save money.
The first step to shopping on sale
Before you shop, Sharp recommends making a recipe list for the week and seeing if any of those foods are on sale. .
“Make a list of the items you need before you shop, and stick to the list when you’re in the store so you don’t buy things impulsively,” Sharpe explained. but if something is more expensive than expected, I’m happy to substitute it.For example, if I wanted a peach and strawberries were on sale, I’d trade it in and make a new meal plan. please.”
Nutritionists suggest choosing recipes that utilize some of the same ingredients to avoid buying special sauces or bulk items that you will only use once.
“Choose a few veggies, proteins, and starches for the week and make big batches that you can incorporate into multiple meals,” Sharpe said. Scan it and go from there.”
Food you can buy on sale
There are no hard and fast rules about what to buy, especially since many people have dietary needs and preferences, but there are certain items in different food groups that Sharp recommends to buy on sale. said to be optimal.
Dairy products and dairy substitutes
Many Canadians love cheese and milk, but it is one of many food groups that are expensive to purchase.
However, certain staples such as butter are often sold during major holidays such as Christmas and Thanksgiving, so be careful during those times.
Additionally, Sharp encourages shoppers to look for dairy products with a long shelf life.
“Cheese generally has a fairly long shelf life, so if you see one for sale, it’s worth stocking up,” she revealed. Is the same.”
production
According to Sharp, frozen food is much cheaper than fresh food, and sometimes even healthier.
“Choose cheaper frozen foods to save big. They also make a lot of sales. Frozen foods are quick frozen at peak ripeness, so they are often very It’s highly nutritious,” Sharp shared.
If you prefer fresh, she suggests choosing one that will last longer in the refrigerator.
“Cabbage, carrots, root vegetables, apples, and pears are great during sales because they last longer than leafy greens and berries, so you can buy them in bulk without spoiling quickly,” Sharp says.
protein
“One of our biggest grocery store spends right now is animal protein (meat and poultry),” Sharpe revealed.
So, if you can find “portioned chicken like chicken breast for sale,” I recommend stocking up and storing it in a freezer bag for use over the next few months.
On the plant-based side, “proteins like beans and legumes (dried or canned) are good for months, so they’re a great option to buy on sale.
pantry
Sharp explains that, like frozen foods, canned and pantry foods are nutritious for the price and convenient, especially if they’re on sale.
“Oats, nut butters, nuts, and canned or dried legumes are all nutritious staples that can be stored for a long time,” she recommended.
Sharp also said canned seafood, such as salmon and tuna, can be cheaper than fresh fish at the time of sale, but he’s worried about the sneaky additions of sodium and other preservatives he’s trying to avoid. Please check the display again.
take advantage of bulk sales
Most of the time, you’re not paying for extra packaging or brand names, so buying in bulk can be cheaper than supermarkets.
Sharp explains that buying items such as oats, nuts, seeds, and grains in bulk can reduce the cost per unit, giving you the freedom to buy as much or as little as you want.
“If food is cheap on sale or in bulk and can be safely stored for months, you can buy it when the price is right and enjoy it in the more expensive months out of season,” she said. Buying only the stuff will save you money over time.
General tips for saving money
Shopping on sale is a surefire way to save on groceries, but due to busy schedules and product availability, shopping on sale isn’t always possible. Sharp has a few tips to get you through—start by eating your veggies.
“Go vegetarian more often! Plant protein is nutritious and much more cost effective than animal protein. It’s often available at amazing prices at cost-effective stores such as grocery stores and bulk stores,” she said.
Another way to save money is to extend the shelf life of your groceries with proper care.
“Avoid washing or chopping fruits and vegetables until they are ready to eat, and freeze any meat or poultry that will not be used immediately.”
Inflation friendly recipe
Now that you know some ways to save money while shopping at grocery sales, it’s time to put them into action.
Cooking on a budget or with certain products you wouldn’t normally buy can be overwhelming.
For examples of inflation-friendly recipes that don’t skimp on flavor, try Sharp’s Vegan Bean Toast and her Frozen Vegetable Soup.
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