Our ideas for smart shopping for groceries
Eating well at a low price without compromising on meal quality is possible! Using the tips below, discover how to satisfy everyone at the table while also going easy on your wallet.
1. Stick to the items on your grocery list
The grocery list is the first weapon to help you buy what you actually planned on buying. With the IGA mobile app, you can do it in advance by adding products to your list to make your in-store visits easier and faster.
2. Keep an up-to-date inventory
A quick glance at the fridge gives you an overview of what you already have when you make your grocery list. But where inventory gets interesting is when you make one for the freezer and pantry, two places where you tend to forget things for months.
3. Opt for private labels
Private label products like Compliments are usually offered at a great price. A nice variety of these products can be found in all departments.
4. Stock up
Canned or jarred products, such as beans, tomatoes, soups, olives and artichoke hearts, are among the foods that have a long shelf life. So it’s worth keeping an eye on the week's discounts and the Sure Value products identified in order to stock up and save later.
5. Cook with canned food
Canned goods come in handy to help you cook delicious and quick meals. Plus, there’s no need to cook! Just use the food as is, or simply reheat it. So remember to always have a few canned goods on hand, ready to use for lunches or spontaneous dinners.
6. Choose the right cuts of meat
Is it possible to have low-cost recipes with red meat? Definitely, by focusing on cuts such as ground beef or beef cubes when they are on sale in flyers. They’re perfect bases for cooking your favourite classics, like shepherd's pie or meat macaroni. They’re easy dishes that can be prepared in advance and reheat well on weeknights, too.
To cook ground beef: Classic shepherd's pie
7. Half-meat, half-vegetarian
To make a recipe more affordable, an effective strategy is to combine plant-based proteins with meat that is usually more expensive, like this chili recipe where beans and ground beef are combined. The results? A less expensive—but just as tasty—dish.
Cooking half and half: Half & Half Chili by Geneviève O'Gleman
8. Double up
Most recipes can be doubled and freeze easily. When the star protein is discounted in the flyer, take the opportunity to cook in large quantities!
9. Add Flavour
To achieve a variety of flavours, dried herbs are perfect as a complement to fresh herbs. They keep for a long time and you just have to add more if you find that their taste is not as pronounced over time.