Grocery prices across Canada are climbing, and Trump’s new tariffs could make the issue worse.
With the U.S. slapping a 25% tariff on most Canadian goods — and Canada responding in kind with its own tariffs on American imports — experts say some grocery items could see price hikes almost immediately.
So, how can you keep your grocery bill under control? Natasha Macmillan, director of everyday banking at Ratehub.ca, shared some easy ways to shop smarter amid the tariff fallout.
Buy made-in-Canada products
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“To avoid rising prices on American imports, consumers should consider choosing Canadian-made products,” Macmillan said in an email shared with MTL Blog.
Look for labels that say “Made in Canada” or “Produced in Canada” to support local manufacturers and sidestep costly U.S. goods. Grocery stores are making it easier by highlighting homegrown in-store and online products.
For ideas on which brands to switch to, check out our list of Canadian replacements for common grocery store items.
Check the price per gram, pound, or litre
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Bigger isn’t always better — unless it’s actually cheaper.
“Checking the unit price can help you maximize grocery savings,” Macmillan advised. Bulk purchases, especially from retailers like Costco, may offer better value as tariffs drive up costs.
Use grocery apps to save
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Apps like Flipp, Checkout51, and Drop offer cash-back deals, coupons, and loyalty points that can cut down your grocery costs. “Take advantage of money-saving apps,” Macmillan suggested, and consider pairing them with a rewards credit card for even bigger savings.
Use the right credit card
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Not all credit cards offer the same perks at every grocery store. Ratehub.ca put together a list of the best credit cards for groceries in Canada:
- Metro: American Express Cobalt, Scotiabank Gold American Express
- Loblaws, Superstore, FreshCo: CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite, Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite
- Costco: CIBC Costco Mastercard
- Walmart: Tangerine Money-Back Card, Walmart Rewards Mastercard
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