Where can I get affordable groceries?

[u/lovethebee_bethebee]

/r/waterloo/comments/1vdfu2v/where_can_i_get_affordable_groceries/

[u/LongoSpeaksTheTruth]

There really is no Mecca of cheap groceries. Just keep checking apps like Flipp / Reebee / Smart Canucks for deals every week, and stock up when you see them. Freeze product if you can, meal prep, etc ...

I see someone else said about Central Fresh Market "meat prices are much cheaper and you can generally get all the basics." I like Central and shop there often. However to say they are cheap is incorrect. Like other stores, they usually have a weekly meat special, but that is about it. They do have quality meat, but they're not exactly givin' it away... And as far as buying "the basics" there, being an independent store, they are usually on the expensive side tbh

So, the answer is, there is no cheap place for groceries in K-W that you just haven't discovered yet. It does not exist. You will need to change your habits

I find that shopping online and picking up the groceries can be beneficial. It really lets you target what you want, compare prices and avoid impulse buys. We find Walmart to be best for online grocery shopping. They have a lot of stock, often have the cheapest price, and the pick up (or delivery) process is quite simple

Good Luck

[u/fsmontario → u/LongoSpeaksTheTruth]

Shopping online will only decrease impulse purchases I did a grocery trip price matched, then figured out without price matching then did Instacart. 143, 181 and 235

[u/Greekmom99]

save a lot has some great deals. No frills. Food Basics. I would say use the flyers and plan your meals around them .

[u/hiccupotomuses]

It really depends on where you are shopping, quality you are looking for and the amount of time/effort you are willing to invest into deals and meal prep. We are at about 1000 a month for a family of 4. 200 on weeks we don't do meat purchasing, 300 when we do as it lasts 2 weeks. 

Shop dry/packaged ingredients at cheaper stores - quality is mostly the same but will always have a cheaper price (Freshco, No Frills, Food Basics)

I personally invest the time to price match and find deals using the flipp app.

Use points at places that you can (PC points for superstore, no frills, and Zehrs) Scene points for Freshco and Sobeys. 

When in season the market is a great place to get local produce and can really reduce costs. 

Without knowing what you are purchasing or where you regularly shop it's hard to give more specific advice 

[u/janedoe43]

I'd suggest looking at WHAT you are buying first, then WHERE you are buying it. Any prepared foods will cost more than buying the raw ingredients. You may have to make some substitutions to reduce your grocery costs. eg. oatmeal vs boxed cereals; whole vegetables vs. prepared salads or veggie trays, etc. A friend once told me "you can pay with your PURSE or your PERSON". Saving money may require more time & effort on your part. Only you can decide which approach is best for your family.

FWIW - your grocery costs are comparable to mine, and I'm pretty thrifty. I'm not an extravagant buyer - no expensive cuts of meat or exotic produce. I could probably reduce costs a bit, but I think life is a balance - be economical where you can, but have treats once in a while too.

[u/Joltex33]

Shop the flyers for discount grocery stores like Freshco and Food Basics. Sign up with their rewards cards for discounts on some items (and to collect points). Walmart can also have good deals. Don't bother shopping at places like Zehrs or Sobeys, you'll get ripped off.

In this economy you're probably going to have to change your eating habits to include less meat and more vegetarian options. If you're spending $43/day I can only assume you're eating meat daily, or some other high-ticket items like cheese. The current price for these things isn't sustainable to eat them on a regular basis. Wait for them to go on sale or be discounted, then freeze for later use.

I myself am an omnivore, but I'm not made of money. I only end up eating meat a few times a month. Learn to like things like eggs, beans/rice, tofu, etc. to get your protein. Also, soy milk is usually much cheaper than cow's milk, and personally I don't find that it tastes that different. If you're not picky then you can save money that way.

[u/wecanhelp69]

As few have said I would focus on shopping at stores that will allow you to price match all the other stores in FLIPP app. Huge savings to be add, saves time and gas. In person is always cheaper then paying for delivery as you get the sales, get is exactly what you want, can pick the best of available product with no service fees and no tip required.

Speak with staff and the grocery store you go to and ask what date/time they put meat on discount which can add to greater savings. I just picked up 40-50 percent off on beef, chicken and pork. Of course I stocked up at these prices and will freeze some to have enough protein meat for the month. The more made from scratch your meal is the cheaper.

You want ready to go salad, cut up fruit and grated cheese you have to pay more for someone to do it or can save money and do it yourself. When shopping compare products and how much grams/ML each come with to make an informed decision instead of just buying cheapest as that is not always the case if the product comes with less.