Between rising food costs and busy schedules, many renters across the Greater Toronto Area are looking for practical ways to stretch their grocery budgets without sacrificing quality. These 7 simple strategies can help you shop smarter and spend less in the new year.

Start With a Loose Meal Plan

Meal planning doesn’t have to be rigid or time-consuming. Even outlining three to four meals for the week can guide your shopping list and help prevent impulse purchases. Take stock of what you already have in your pantry and fridge, then plan meals that use those ingredients first. This reduces waste and ensures you’re only buying what you need. This can be especially helpful when fridge space is limited, when using apartment-size appliances.

Make Use of Digital Flyers and Price-Matching

Apps like Flipp or individual grocery store apps make it easy to compare prices across the GTA. Before heading out, check weekly flyers to find the best deals and build your shopping list around them. Many retailers also offer price-matching, meaning you can get the lowest advertised price all in one trip. This saves both money and time, especially if you rely on transit or prefer to walk to nearby stores from your apartment building.

Buy In-Season Produce

Seasonal fruits and vegetables are almost always more affordable and fresh. In Ontario, that means berries and leafy greens in the summer, apples and root vegetables in the fall, and hearty produce like squash through the winter. If you’re not sure what’s in season, grocery stores often highlight these items with special pricing. They’re a great way to keep your meals healthy without overspending.

Choose Store Brands Over Name Brands

Don’t overlook store-brand items, like no name® or Great Value. Whether it’s pasta, canned goods, snacks or cleaning essentials, private-label products are often made by the same manufacturers as national brands but sold at a lower price. Sticking to store-brand staples can shave several dollars off each trip. These small savings add up quickly over the month.

Buy Frozen When It Makes Sense

Frozen fruits, vegetables and proteins can be more cost-effective than fresh, with a much longer shelf life. They’re picked and frozen at peak ripeness, meaning they maintain nutrients and great flavour. Frozen items are also handy when cooking for one or two people since you can use exactly the amount you need. No more wilted spinach or spoiled berries in the back of the fridge!

Limit Impulse Buys by Shopping With a List

It may sound simple, but sticking to a list is one of the most effective ways to avoid overspending. Grocery stores are designed to encourage impulse purchases, especially near the checkout or between aisles. If you find it tempting to grab extras, try using a digital list on your phone and check items off as you shop. This keeps you focused and helps you track what you’ve already picked up.

Limit Online Orders & Takeout

Takeout and apps like Doordash can be super convenient, especially after a long day, but even one or two extra delivery orders a week can noticeably increase your spending. Preparing simple meals at home, batch-cooking on Sundays, or doubling recipes so you have leftovers for lunches can dramatically reduce costs. Even small swaps, like making your morning coffee at home instead of buying it daily, can free up space in your budget for other priorities.