The Canada Food Price Report for 2022 has come out showing a 5-7% approximate increase in the cost of food compared to 2021. Now that doesn’t sound like a whole lot does it? but for the average 4 person household that could be a difference of approximately an extra $1000/year. Now I don’t know about you, but I can’t really see incomes increasing to reach that level. Therefore, we need to become resourceful. So, here’s some Grocery Hacks to help you out!
Figure out Your Budget
I think it goes without saying that the first step to any successful financial endeavour is to start with a budget. Now there was a time when people would say groceries should be roughly 10% of your monthly income. But, you and I both know that for most of us the whole dividing up your paycheck does not work. Therefore, figure out what your set expenses are. You know the things you cannot change, like your rent/mortgage and then see what you have leftover. Depending on your expenses you can use all or a portion of what is left over for your groceries. But you can’t skip this step. It just won’t work.
Portion Your Grocery Budget For StockUps
The true key to success is to know your commonalities. Figure out what you need to keep on the stock in your pantry and freezer at all times and then set aside a portion of your grocery budget for when those items go on sale. This is when you want to purchase extra of those said items as a stockpile. Now this will also vary depending on how much space you have to store extra groceries. But make sure to set aside a portion of your weekly bi-weekly or monthly Grocery budget for stock-up items is huge. This will not only save you trips to the store in the long run but it will also save you money. Because you’re not purchasing those items at regular prices when you run out randomly. The goal is to always have it available.
Use Clearance Racks, Coupons & Rebates
Clearance rocks coupons and rebates were huge several years ago everyone saw the extreme couponers. But for the most part, it was a fad. Which is really unfortunate. Because these are huge potentials for saving money on your groceries. Clearance rocks are items that are going to expire soon, and or product that is not at their peak. As for coupons and rebates you can find these in multiple places. There are several apps for rebates I will have those links down below.
And as for coupons, there are so many places to find them. The most common is contacting the manufacturers of your favourite processed foods. You can join couponing groups on places such as Facebook, and you can also always find coupons for the most part at your local grocery store. Coupons and rebates do take a little bit of work but they can yield some pretty amazing results.
Meal Planning
Meal planning is so tricky. I will be 100% honest with you I have a hard time meal planning. As someone who is neurodivergent, I have a really hard time knowing what foods I’m going to be fixating on and wanting from week to week. But for a lot of people meal planning really works and I wanted to add it here because of that. Meal planning is a way of figuring out the meals that you definitely want for whatever your time frame is. Buying only the ingredients for those recipes, and then taking a day and making them and storing them in daily portions. Something very simple and a little bit time-consuming can save you time and money for the remainder of your week(s).
Buy based on weekly sales and what’s in season
Buying based on weekly sales and seasonal produce is a huge deal. Produce obviously has specific time frames when it is in season and typically is lower in price and or goes on sale at really high discounts. Those are the times you want to e buy most of those foods. Keeping an eye on weekly sales and buying only what’s in season can be a huge saving if you work it in with meal planning and or rebates and coupons.
Okay, so I know this may sound like a lot for some people. But, every single one of these money-saving hacks works together. You may be able to leave one or two out but when they work altogether but when they work all together you will most certainly notice huge savings in your grocery bill. Now keep in mind, things always change and these tips may not work for everyone. You need to find ways that work for you to put food on your table. That’s why The Discount Vegan exists. I am here to show you how to save money while eating a vegan diet.
Some great online shop options:
- Vegansupply.ca
- Shopvejii.com https://ca.shopvejii.com/?raf=ref3835943
- Fair-square.ca
- Amazon
- Compassfoods.ca
Now please keep in mind, that while these are great options for buying ready-made foods online to be delivered to your home. Processed products are always going to be more expensive, the shipping will be dependent on what you purchase and their Fees for shipping as well. But, they are an option depending on your budget.
If you’re looking for some vegan budget recipes, Here’s my most popular:
- Raspberry muffins
- French toast
- Salsa con queso (no nuts or soy)
- Tofu alfredo sauce
- TVP Burger
- Pasta dough
- Bread dough for bread machines
- Tofu sour cream
- Spicy sesame noodles
- Oatmeal date muffins
- Spaghetti sauce
Tag me on Instagram @thediscountvegan and hashtag #thediscountvegan or #thediscountveganrecipes if you recreate any of these I can’t wait to see your photos!