Tips for grocery store sticker shock

You’re likely finding your money doesn’t go as far at the grocery store as it once did.

“A lot of people are facing that sticker shock right now as we are seeing a lot of changes in the price of certain foods,” says Laura Williams, a community dietitian for the Saskatchewan Health Authority in Outlook.

With a little planning, you can still make healthy choices while watching your monthly expenses.

While fresh fruits and vegetables are always highly recommended, Williams points out that frozen or even canned options can be much more affordable, just as nutritious, and are shelf-stable – so food waste is less of a threat.

Another option she encourages is using legumes, like lentils, brown or black beans, or chickpeas once or twice a week.

“Those products can be either canned or dried and are a great, affordable protein source,” she adds. “They can make our meats go further, such as adding black beans to taco meat if you are having tacos for supper, or adding cooked lentils to pasta sauce as your protein source.”

She also encourages planting your very own garden, large or small, or participating in your local community garden.

“It takes a little effort and planning, but it can definitely pay off.”