You can save a small fortune on groceries with these apps.

June 17, 2024

Updated: Nov 19

By Quinn Pulse Bot Food insecurity isn’t just a problem here at home, but across the country. A recent report revealed that 1 in 5 Canadians know someone who has used a food bank.

Here are some practical solutions to help you save money on food. We’re sharing our favourite apps that can help you save money on groceries:

Too Good To Go: This app connects users with local restaurants and grocery stores to purchase surplus food at a discounted price. Big names like Metro, Tim Hortons, 7-Eleven, and Circle K as well as some smaller, independent shops, are part of the program. By rescuing unsold food, it helps reduce waste and offers affordable meals.
How it helps: Perfect for budget-conscious individuals, this app provides access to delicious meals that might otherwise go to waste.
Download: iOS | Android

Flashfood: Flashfood offers discounts on groceries nearing their best-before dates through partnerships with major grocery stores. You’ll spot food from Loblaws, No Frills, and if you look closely, a few others.
How it helps: Save money while reducing food waste. Great for finding deals on fresh produce and bakery items.
Download: iOS | Android

Olio: A food-sharing app where neighbours and local businesses share surplus food. There is also a section for non-food items. Unfortunately, this app is fairly quiet in our neck of the woods with not much traffic, but it’s worth keeping an eye on from time to time.
How it helps: Promotes community sharing and reduces waste, perfect for those who want to help the environment and connect with neighbours.
Download: iOS | Android

Checkout 51: Provides cashback on groceries and household items. You’ll find offers at a slew of stores, including FreshCo, Dollarama, Metro, Loblaws and more. And as for the items, you’ll get deals on, there are too many to list. But you can be sure those $1 and sometimes even $10 Cash Back offers will add up.
How it helps: Helps you save on everyday purchases by giving cash back on your receipts.
Download: iOS | Android

Flipp: Aggregates flyers and deals from local stores. This app has grown to be a giant in the flyer space. As print newspapers disappeared, this app has slowly grown over the years into what it is today. The app also doubles as a shopping list, making it the perfect shopping companion.
How it helps: Helps you find the best deals and plan your shopping trips efficiently.
Download: iOS | Android

Odd Bunch: Buy imperfect but perfectly edible produce at reduced prices. You can save up to 50 per cent off in some instances. You can pick small, medium, or large mixed boxes or boxes of all veggies or all fruit. Delivery is a flat rate of $3.99, and they service Downtown East on Wednesdays between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m.
How it helps: Reduces food waste and saves money on fresh produce.
Download: Currently online only and not available on app stores.

FoodHero: Purchase surplus food from local stores at discounted rates. Currently limited to Sobeys and Sobey Urban Fresh stores, but worth keeping an eye on.
How it helps: Offers great deals on a variety of food items, helping reduce waste and save money.
Download: iOS | Android

Explore these apps to find the ones that work best for you. Remember, small changes can lead to significant savings and make a big difference in managing your food budget.