Tips for saving at the grocery store? This is exactly what you need in times when inflation is eating away at your budget!
I’ve tracked down the top Canadian grocery stores for discounts and clearance sales. Now let’s go bargain hunting.
Several grocery stores and businesses stand out for their very low food prices, thanks to bulk supply from wholesalers. The products available are always a surprise, as they may have:
Food liquidation centers offer the biggest discounts (30-70%) on name-brand products. They acquire surplus inventory, end-of-lot items, or products with upcoming expiry dates. Additionally, the products often change and may not return to the shelves.
High-discount grocery stores will offer significant discounts of between 20% and 50%, with products that are often the same.
Finally, there are the low-price supermarkets that offer a year-round low-price policy with a stable selection, such as Dollarama, Giant Tiger, Walmart, No Frills and Food Basics.
Plan your purchases by consulting flyers or apps like Flipp to spot the best promotions each week.
Here are just a few examples of the discounts and wide selection of products available:
You can also read a similar article we wrote about discount or clearance grocery stores in the province of Quebec.
Most of these liquidation stores actively use their newsletters or social media (especially Facebook) to announce new arrivals and promote these great items that have arrived unexpectedly.
In addition, it is highly recommended to check the expiry dates before purchasing from liquidation grocery stores. The shelf life is generally shorter, but many products still taste just as good. Refer to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s guide to understand the meaning of “best before” dates.
Good to know: a product close to its “best before” date can be safely consumed if it has been well stored. When in doubt, rely on your senses: the product’s look, smell and texture.
Nonetheless, you may need to go to another supermarket to complete your shopping for the week’s meals. Check out the cheapest grocery store in your neighbourhood. Also, use points from loyalty programs to pay part of your bill.
And carry a credit card in your wallet that offers more points at the grocery store. They’re the best way to maximize your savings. For example:
American Express Cobalt® Card
Some liquidation centers may not be categorized as grocery stores when charged to your credit card. If in doubt, we suggest you use your credit card. American Express Cobalt® Card If American Express cards are accepted; otherwise, visit National Bank World Elite Mastercard.
Here’s our list of grocery stores we’ve found across Canada that stand out by offering reduced prices all year round. Do you know of any others? If so, please let us know on our Facebook group.
Dollarama stores have an excellent food section:
You can pay with American Express, Visa or Mastercard.
Present in several Canadian provinces, Giant Tiger stores offer:
Payment methods are Visa and Mastercard.
In larger branches, promotions are also regularly offered:
No Frills, Walmart, and Food Basics are the best grocery stores in Canada for paying less.
The most expensive grocery stores in Canada are Metro, Safeway, Longos and Thrifty Foods. To compensate, they offer higher product quality and a more satisfying customer experience.
Savings are here (if you don’t see the sign-up form, please click here):
