You asked so I will answer!
One of the biggest surprises new clients receive when starting with my meal prep services is the amount of MONEY they can save each week on groceries. I know that when life gets crazy it is typically easier to do all of your grocery shopping at just one store, especially when you have small children that have to tag along. While getting your entire grocery list at your local Safeway may save you time, it is most certainly increasing your grocery spend by over 50%. Many young families who are doing their own shopping report spending upwards of $400 PER WEEK! Many continue to report that when using grocery delivery services they inevitably end up with higher food waste, especially in produce because they have not selected the product themselves. This is also true for meat. If you don’t have access to a local butcher shop, shopping for meat at the grocery store can save you money if you know what to look for. Meat that is a day or 2 away from its best before date will likely be on sale for $1-$2 off. These options are great to get home and get into your freezer! Large roast on special? Portion it out, or even ask the in house butcher to do so for you to smaller portions for multiple meals instead of holding onto a large roast you may only use for a special occasion. These are just a few notes, but if you really want to save money you have to learn HOW and WHERE to shop to save you money long term. Typically I budget $120 per week for 4-5 family style dinners. This does rely on having a well stocked pantry however pantry items are easy to re stock in a once per month shop. With the right planning and a little bit of extra time, you can start saving your family $800+ a MONTH! What could you use that additional money for?
Here is a list of my favourite money saving shopping spots in Vancouver:
1) Jacksons Butcher Shop (2214 W 4th ): There are plenty of butcher shops in Vancouver. Everyone you know probably has their go to. While Jacksons is my neighbourhood butcher because it works for my convenience, there are multiple other butcher shops in the same area who are charging double what Jacksons is, for a lower quality, rarely organic or local product. They also own a poultry company that runs out of Granville Island without the inflated Granville Island prices. Not only do they have top quality product and prices, but they have stellar customer service! Every staff member is keen to help and ensure you get exactly what you need to fit your budget and create a meal that pleases the wallet and delights your stomach!
2) Kits Natural Foods Market (2200 York St): Kits Natural Food Market is my one stop shop for all things baking and bulk! Alternative flours, starches, oils, nuts, seeds, oats, this is my store! They have plenty of local and organic options with prices that are half of what Whole Foods is charging. Worth the additional travel time plus as a result you're shopping small and local!
3) Apple Farm Market (2344 W 4th ): My neighbourhood market. Not only is it run by the most friendly and FASTEST ladies in town, they have plenty of organic produce to suit your needs. While not the entire store is local and organic, seasonally speaking they have tons of produce to peruse. High quality, fresh and fully stocked there is something for everyone. The real treasure of this store however is the dry and canned goods. This is the only store I buy my organic canned goods such as coconut milk, beans and dried lentils! They have both options so be sure to read the cans and there is always a 2 for 1 deal happening on various products so when you see those signs, stock up! Your pantry will thank you! It is also my one stop shop for any Asian related ingredients. With a wide variety of sauces and seasonings this store makes it easy to complete the perfect curry while also inspiring your creativity with spices that may not have caught your eye before. Best deal on jarred marinated veggies such as artichokes for a Mediterranean salad or charcuterie board as well! I could go on and on but go check them out for yourself and avoid peak times such as after 3pm weekdays/weekends.
4) No Frills (various locations across the lower mainland): I know you might remember No Frills as the no name brand store, and you are right! They are! What you may not know is that No Frills, no matter what size of store has a heavily stocked Organic section that highlights products from the Presidents Choice brand, found most commonly at their higher priced stores such as Canadian Superstore or their even more expensive older sister, Loblaws. Nut mylks, grains, nuts, seeds, you name it, they have a wide range of selection at a lower price than your usual big chain grocery store. Don’t be turned off by that no name brand and look a little closer in store.
5) Costco (various locations around the lower mainland): Costco is a pantry stock dream, From oils, vinegars, sauces and maple syrup I frequent Costco bi weekly to restock for my clients basic needs. You sincerely cannot beat their sizes or prices on oils and if you go early enough during the day you can avoid the larger post work or weekend crowds. Cleaning supplies are also a must when you're in store! Check them out for bulk sized dishwashing pods and dish soap!
Those are my top spots to ensure my clients budgets are always on point and usually we go well under! Are you inspired to plan your shopping trips a bit more to avoid wasting money at your big box grocery store? Let me know in the comments below!
Comments