Meat, dairy, fruit: Canadian market prices are climbing across the board, pushing up grocery bills and forcing some households to find new ways to make ends meet.

Food prices rose 7.4 per cent in February from the same month a year earlier, the biggest jump in more than a decade. Beef increased a staggering 16.8 per cent, chicken was up 10.4 per cent and dairy products and eggs rose nearly seven per cent.

Soaring food prices have shone a light on rising food insecurity, prompting social justice advocates to call for stronger income supports and changes to food production and access to ensure all Canadians can afford to eat.

Yet even those with more disposable income are starting to feel the pinch from rising food costs. While some can afford higher prices, others may be struggling and looking for ways to cut costs.

Here are some tips from experts on how to save money on groceries:

Make a list: B次元官网网址漈he No. 1 way to save money is to go shopping with a list,B次元官网网址� said Jennifer Ferguson, a registered dietitian based in Truro, N.S. B次元官网网址滻t keeps you focused and on budget,B次元官网网址� since it minimizes impulse purchases or unnecessarily buying something you already have at home.

Cook at home: Eating out, ordering takeout or buying prepared foods adds up quickly. Experts say the best way to save money is to cook at home. It isnB次元官网网址檛 always easy: not everyone has the time, ability or space to prepare food. B次元官网网址淭hereB次元官网网址檚 a systemic change that needs to happen around food access and availability,B次元官网网址� Ferguson said. B次元官网网址淏ut I also see is a loss of food mentors and the skills to cook.B次元官网网址� She said greater income support and education around food preparation is needed.

Meal plan: Planning ahead can help save money and reduce food waste. B次元官网网址淧eople think that saving money on food starts when they walk into the grocery store,B次元官网网址� Ferguson said. B次元官网网址淚t starts in your own house.B次元官网网址� Before going to the supermarket, check what food is already in your cupboard and come up with a meal plan for the week, she said.

Eat before you shop: DonB次元官网网址檛 go to the supermarket on an empty stomach. B次元官网网址淕oing into a grocery store hungry is never a good idea unless you have an iron willpower,B次元官网网址� Ferguson said. B次元官网网址淲hen youB次元官网网址檙e hungry, you will make impulse purchases.B次元官网网址�

Consider online shopping: If you have trouble sticking to a list or tend to be an impulse shopper, experts say placing your grocery order online might be a good option.

Check the unit price: Grocery store price labels often include a unit price for the product. Food experts say it helps shoppers easily compare and contrast prices, regardless of the product size or how itB次元官网网址檚 packaged. A cereal price label, for example, includes a unit price for each 100 grams. This helps customers quickly compare the cost difference between brands.

Choose fewer processed foods: Processed foods are convenient but usually cost more than unprocessed foods, experts say. For example, a can of beans is more expensive than a bag of dried beans and shredded cheese is pricier than a block of cheese. Yet unprocessed foods require more time and know-how to prepare. B次元官网网址淒ried beans may be cheaper but if they sit in your cupboard and you never use them, itB次元官网网址檚 a waste of money,B次元官网网址� Ferguson said.

Increase plant-based protein: With the cost of meat on the rise, experts say one way to save money is to eat more plant-based protein like tofu, lentils and beans. B次元官网网址淭here are multiple benefits to increasing your plant protein B次元官网网址� whether you mix it with animal protein or have it by itself,B次元官网网址� Ferguson said. B次元官网网址淭hereB次元官网网址檚 a cost savings but thereB次元官网网址檚 also a health benefit to decreasing saturated fat and increasing fibre in your diet.B次元官网网址�

Consider frozen or canned produce: With the cost of fresh fruits and vegetables on the rise, experts say shoppers should consider frozen or canned produce. Not only can it be more affordable, frozen and canned produce has a longer shelf life and thus helps prevent food waste. Still, local produce can also sometimes be less expensive when in season and helps support local farmers.

Choose generic brands: Name brands tend to cost more, and many companies are currently limiting promotions and sales due to inflation. Experts suggest now is a good time to B次元官网网址渢rade downB次元官网网址� and try a store brand. B次元官网网址淪ome people tend to be very brand loyal, like theyB次元官网网址檒l only use Tide detergent,B次元官网网址� said Lisa Thompson with Coupons.com. B次元官网网址淭his is a good time to try something new.B次元官网网址�

Consider buying in bulk: Shopping at a wholesale or bulk-food store or buying larger-sized formats is one way to save money. But this usually comes with a higher upfront cost and requires more storage space. One idea is to team up with a friend, Thompson said. B次元官网网址淚 have a friend I shop with at Costco and if we both need avocados this week weB次元官网网址檒l split a bag,B次元官网网址� she said. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 cheaper than buying them at the grocery store and also reduces food waste.B次元官网网址�

Flyers, coupons, sales and apps: Checking weekly flyers, using coupons and keeping an eye out for sales and discounts are all good ways to save money at the grocery store. Also, apps like Flashfood allow shoppers to browse discounted groceries at nearby stores.

Reduce food waste: One of the best ways to save money on groceries is to reduce waste. Experts suggest monitoring household food waste to see what regularly gets tossed out. B次元官网网址淲e get into the habit of buying the same stuff all the time,B次元官网网址� Thompson said. B次元官网网址淣ow is a good time to pay attention to what you throw out.B次元官网网址�

B次元官网网址擝rett Bundale, The Canadian Press