IMage description: Screenshot of a cell phone showing a folder called grocery saving apps and most of the apps listed in this post

I’ve always been someone who looks for savings when it comes to grocery shopping but with the prices of groceries increasing so much since COVID began, I wanted to share some of the apps I use to try to save some money when it comes to the grocery bill.

Flipp

Flipp is an app that gives you access to local flyers and to create a grocery list that you can share with others.

Their description: This essential app brings you the latest weekly ads, deals, and coupons from more than 2000 of your favorite stores.

How I use it:

I go through the flyers and pick which store has the best deals for the week, circle items in the flyer I want to buy and start thinking about my meal plan for the week (that I base on what’s on sale)

I add items from the flyers to the grocery list which is synced with my husband’s app (because he does the grocery shopping)

A couple of extra ways to use it:

If the store you shop at does price matching you can use the app at checkout.

You can create a watch list of products to look for on sale - something that can be super handy for more expensive items you don’t want to buy unless they’re on sale.

Flashfood

Flashfood is an app that lets you see what items are almost at their expiry date at your local grocery stores and purchase them for pickup next time you’re in the store.

Their description: Get massive savings on fresh food items like meat and produce that are nearing their best before date at grocery stores across Canada and the U.S.

How I use it:

Whenever we’re going to the grocery store or going near some of the stores we like, we check to see if they have anything good in stock. We have gotten a lot of the family meal kits we really like for half price, as well as more than half price cold cuts, snacks, and cheeses.

There are often great bargains in Flashfood, but it’s definitely hit or miss. I often check it if we don’t have a plan for dinner and find something easy and cheaper than resorting to takeout or even something full price.

I’ve included my affiliate link to check out the app which will get you $5 off your first order (and I get a credit too! :)

Caddle

This app is a combination of quick surveys you can take for small amounts of money, and opportunities to scan receipts for cash back.

Their description: Caddle is a free app that allows you to earn cash back by responding to surveys, purchasing products, providing reviews and more!

How I use it: I really like to answer their mini surveys and scan shopping receipts for cash back. The surveys take no more than a few minutes for the very longest ones. We occasionally take advantage of their product specific discounts but they definitely don’t have a huge variety so that doesn’t happen very often.

I’ve included my affiliate link for this one as well.

In the time I’ve had this app they have sent me cheques for $20+ at least 3 times.

Checkout 51

Checkout 51 is an app that shares special offers on food that you can claim by sending in a photo of a receipt showing you’ve purchased specific items.

Their description: Checkout 51 lets you save on the brands you love: Get new offers weekly, buy from any store, snap a photo of the receipt and earn cash back!

How I use it: This is one I don’t have on my phone but my husband does and has been able to upload enough receipts on product discounts to claim multiple refund cheques adding up to about $100 over a couple of years.

PC Points / Airmiles

This is definitely where we make the most money back every year. By always scanning our PC points card both at Loblaws/Superstore and at Shoppers Drug Mart, and taking advantage of 20 times the points promotions at Shoppers, we accumulate at least $300-500 in free groceries per year. Our strategy with these points is to save them up throughout the year and then use them in November and December to defray costs of holiday gifts.

We also collect Airmiles whenever possible, though we do use those every time $10 comes available, saving up at least $50-100 each year on gas at Shell and at Metro.

Do you use any other apps or reward plans to help with the cost of groceries? Share in the comments - we’d love to hear!