As Grocery Prices Rise Again, Experts Share Strategies to Stretch Your Food Budget
TORONTO, ON – With food inflation once again outpacing Canada’s overall consumer price index, Ontario residents are being urged to adopt smart shopping strategies to help manage rising grocery bills.
According to Statistics Canada, the price of food purchased from stores rose 3.8% year-over-year in April, marking the third straight month that grocery price increases have outstripped the national inflation rate. In particular, the cost of beef, coffee, and tea has surged significantly.
Food economist Dr. Mike von Massow attributes the spike in beef prices to a long-term supply issue driven by past drought conditions across western Canada and the United States. “With less feed available, farmers kept fewer cows, and now we have fewer calves—so less beef,” he explained. Prices will eventually stabilize as the cattle population recovers, but consumers can expect higher prices through the summer.
Beef ribs in Ontario have jumped from $25.50/kg in January to $37.56/kg in March, while striploin has increased from $27.73 to $33.93/kg in the same period.
Coffee prices have also risen by 13.4% compared to April 2024, partly due to global climate sensitivities and trade tensions. Canada’s retaliatory tariffs and a weakening Canadian dollar have further strained prices.
Despite the price pressures, experts say there are several practical ways consumers can save:
- Buy in-season produce: Opting for fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables in their peak season can yield better prices and flavor. In May, asparagus, radishes, and spinach are widely available in Ontario. In June, look for peas, kale, and bok choy.
- Choose affordable proteins: Marketing professor David Soberman suggests swapping expensive cuts of beef for ground meat, sausages, or plant-based alternatives, especially during grilling season.
- Buy frozen produce: Von Massow notes that flash-frozen vegetables retain their nutritional value and are often cheaper than fresh produce—without sacrificing texture or taste.
- Hunt for deals: Shoppers can cut costs by purchasing sale items and stockpiling when possible. “I never pay full price for yogurt,” von Massow said. “I buy whatever brand is on sale.”
- Compare prices between stores: While convenience matters, Soberman emphasizes that shopping around can save several dollars per trip—particularly when comparing large grocery chains like Loblaws and FreshCo.
These strategies come at a time when many households are feeling pressure from other rising costs, and experts say flexibility and smart planning will be key in navigating grocery shopping this year.
For additional seasonal food guidance, Ontarians can visit the provincial Produce Availability Guide to plan purchases around what’s fresh and affordable.