How to save on groceries: 9 strategies

1. Plan your meals ahead

Decide on your menu for the week before heading to the store, then build your meals around affordable proteins and vegetables. Planning is the lever that pays off the most: you buy only what you are going to cook.

2. Shop with a list (and stick to it)

A precise grocery list cuts impulse buys, which make up a big share of the bill. Also avoid shopping on an empty stomach.

3. Choose store brands

Private-label brands often cost 20 to 30% less than name brands for comparable quality on basic products.

4. Lean on budget-friendly proteins

Legumes, eggs, tofu, chicken thighs and less premium cuts come out cheaper than filets and steaks. Rotate them through the week.

5. Freeze to spread out your purchases

When you find meat or bread at a good price in a large format, buy more and freeze it. That way you smooth your costs over several weeks.

6. Cook to avoid waste

Turn leftovers into new meals (soup, frittata, bowl) and use up vegetables before they spoil. Waste is money thrown away.

7. Buy certain products in bulk

For non-perishables you use often (rice, pasta, legumes), the large format or bulk lowers the cost per unit.

8. Compare the price per 100 g

The listed price is misleading: look at the unit price (per 100 g or per litre) on the shelf tag to objectively compare two formats or two brands.

9. Let a tool do the math

Olivi automates strategies 1, 2 and 6: Olive builds your weekly menu, generates your grocery list without duplicates and takes into account what you already have in the pantry to avoid waste. By buying only what you need, you cut your bill effortlessly.

Take advantage of flyers and apps

The major grocery chains publish a discount flyer every week. Building part of your menu around the proteins and vegetables on sale makes a real difference on the bill, without cutting corners on quality.

• Check the flyers before planning your menu: on paper or with an app like Flipp, the go-to for browsing all of the week’s deals. Flipp shows you the deals; it’s then up to you to keep them in mind as you place meals in Olivi: the duo works great together.
• Sign up for points programs: they are deferred but real discounts on your usual purchases.
• Note the “floor” price of the products you buy often: that way you tell the real deals from the fake bargains.