by Angela V In the next few weeks, prices will creep up on some of your favourite products. With new tariffs on goods from the U.S., many of the everyday items we rely on—groceries, household supplies, even clothing—might cost us more.
But don’t worry! There are plenty of ways to stretch your dollar and keep your family’s budget on track.
I am sharing some simple and practical ways to save money while still getting what you need.
1. Shop Canadian Whenever You Can
With tariffs making U.S. imports more expensive, now is the perfect time to start supporting our local businesses.
Many Canadian brands offer high-quality products that are just as good—if not better—than their American counterparts. Look for “Made in Canada” labels when shopping for food, clothes, and household items.
Bonus: Buying local supports Canadian jobs and businesses, too! So let’s keep it local, friends!
(Scroll to the bottom of the post for a full list of Canadian brands to shop)
2. Hit Up Farmers’ Markets for Fresh, Affordable Produce
Grocery store prices on imported fruits and veggies will go up, but local farmers’ markets are a great (and often cheaper) alternative.
Fresh, seasonal produce is usually more affordable when you buy directly from the grower. Plus, you’re getting better quality food for your family while helping out local farmers. Win-win!
Speak up: You can encourage your local grocery stores to carry more local items straight from local farms.
3. Buy in Bulk & Stock Up on Essentials
If there are pantry staples your family uses all the time—like pasta, rice, canned goods, or toiletries—consider buying in bulk. It’s usually cheaper per unit, and you won’t have to worry about running out anytime soon. If space is an issue, split bulk purchases with a friend or family member to share the savings.
4. Use Coupons & Loyalty Programs Like a Pro
If you aren’t using store loyalty programs, now’s the time to start! Many grocery and retail stores offer discounts, cashback, or points that add to future savings. We use them all the time and get discounts on purchases that way. Also, don’t forget about digital apps that help you save money.
5. Check Out Thrift Stores & Second-Hand Finds
Instead of buying new clothes for the kids and a new piece of furniture, try thrift stores, consignment shops, or online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace or Kijiji. You can often score brand-name items in great condition for way less than retail.
6. Be Smart About Cross-Border Shopping
Even with tariffs, shopping in the U.S. can sometimes still be worth it—especially for things like electronics, shoes, or specialty items. But before you make the trip, do the math:
✅ Check the exchange rate – A weak Canadian dollar can eat into your savings.
✅ Factor in duties & fees – Some items will cost extra at the border.
✅ Know your duty-free limits – If you stay over 48 hours, you may get an exemption on certain goods.
✅ Use a U.S. dollar credit card – Some banks offer these to help avoid extra fees on exchange rates.
7. DIY & Upcycle Instead of Buying New
Instead of replacing your old furniture or home decor, why not try refreshing it? A new coat of paint, some new hardware, or a creative upcycling project can breathe new life into something you already own.
Pinterest is full of inspiration for fun and affordable DIY projects! My favourite to go site for that.
8. Cut Energy Costs at Home
A few small changes can make a big difference in your monthly utility bills:
🔹 Turn off lights when you leave a room.
🔹 Unplug electronics when not in use.
🔹 Use energy-efficient light bulbs and appliances.
🔹 Adjust your thermostat—lower in winter, higher in summer—to save on heating and cooling.
9. Look Into Government Support & Rebates
The Canadian government sometimes offers rebates or financial assistance for things like energy-efficient upgrades or grocery relief programs. Keep an eye on official websites to see if there are any new programs that can help offset increased costs, especially in light of recent U.S. tariffs. The Canada Greener Homes Grant provides financial assistance for energy-efficient home upgrades, helping you save on utility bills. Additionally, the Benefits Finder is a useful tool to discover other federal and provincial programs that can offer financial support.
Staying informed about these opportunities can help offset increased costs and support your family’s budget.
10. Adjust Your Budget & Plan Ahead
With prices fluctuating, it’s a great time to sit down and reassess your budget. Look at where your money is going and find areas where you can cut back—like eating out less, canceling unused subscriptions, or switching to generic brands. Small changes can add up to big savings!
Have any other money-saving tips? Drop them in the comments—we’d love to hear how you’re navigating these changes!
Adding this helpful list a friend shared with me:
Here’s a list of 100 Canadian-made grocery brands, sorted by category:
Dairy & Dairy Alternatives
1. Agropur – Milk, cheese, butter, ice cream (Natrel, OKA)
2. Saputo – Cheese, dairy products (Black Diamond, Dairyland)
3. Bothwell Cheese – Artisanal cheeses
4. Tre Stelle – Italian-style cheeses (mozzarella, ricotta)
5. Armstrong Cheese – Cheddar, mozzarella, snack cheese
6. Gay Lea Foods – Butter, sour cream, whipped cream
7. Burnbrae Farms – Eggs, liquid eggs
8. Daiya – Dairy-free cheese, yogurt, and plant-based foods
9. Earth’s Own – Almond, oat, and soy milk
10. Riviera – Specialty dairy products (yogurt, cheeses)
Meat & Plant-Based Alternatives
11. Maple Leaf Foods – Packaged meats (Schneiders, Greenfield Natural Meat Co.)
12. duBreton – Organic pork, bacon, sausages
13. Freybe – European-style deli meats, sausages
14. Grimm’s Fine Foods – Deli meats, pepperoni, sausages
15. Lesters – Montreal smoked meat, hot dogs
16. Piller’s – Deli meats, sausages, cold cuts
17. Olymel – Bacon, ham, deli meats
18. Yves Veggie Cuisine – Plant-based meat alternatives
19. Gardein – Plant-based frozen meals and meat substitutes
20. Sol Cuisine – Plant-based burgers, nuggets, and sausages
Frozen Foods & Convenience
21. McCain Foods – Frozen fries, potato products, appetizers
22. Cavendish Farms – Frozen potato products
23. Janes Family Foods – Breaded chicken products
24. High Liner Foods – Frozen seafood, fish fillets
25. Icelandic Freezer Fish – Frozen seafood
26. Sargent Farms – Frozen and fresh chicken products
27. Summer Fresh – Hummus, dips, salads
28. Sun-Brite Foods – Frozen vegetables, sauces
29. CoolWay – Low-calorie ice cream
30. Chapman’s Ice Cream – Canadian-made frozen desserts
Snacks & Confectionery
31. Hawkins Cheezies – Classic Canadian cheese snack
32. Old Dutch Foods – Potato chips, tortilla chips
33. Covered Bridge Potato Chips – Kettle-cooked potato chips
34. Hardbite Chips – Handcrafted kettle-cooked chips
35. Que Pasa – Organic tortilla chips
36. Spokes Snacks – Air-puffed potato snacks
37. Neal Brothers – Organic popcorn, chips, salsa
38. Pur Gum – Sugar-free chewing gum
39. SmartSweets – Low-sugar candy
40. Dare Foods – Cookies, crackers, candies (Whippets, Breton)
Baking & Pantry Staples
41. Robin Hood – Flour, baking ingredients
42. Five Roses – Flour, wheat products
43. Redpath Sugar – Canadian sugar and baking products
44. Club House – Spices, seasonings, flavorings
45. E.D. Smith – Jams, fruit spreads, pie fillings
46. Smucker’s Canada – Jams, peanut butter
47. Golden Acres Honey – Canadian honey products
48. Billy Bee Honey – Pure Canadian honey
49. Flourist – Freshly milled flours and grains
50. Muskoka Roastery Coffee – Canadian coffee brand
Condiments, Sauces & Dressings
51. French’s Canada – Mustard, ketchup, sauces
52. Kozlik’s Canadian Mustard – Handcrafted mustard
53. Wildly Delicious – Gourmet condiments, sauces
54. Berthelet – Sauces, dressings, and seasoning mixes
55. Maison Orphée – Oils, vinegars, mustards
56. Tabasco Canada – Made-in-Canada hot sauces
57. Horseshoe Brand – BBQ sauces, hot sauces
58. Pili Pili Hot Sauce – African-Canadian hot sauces
59. Meadow Creek Sausage – Mustard and condiments
60. Dion Herbs & Spices – Gourmet seasonings and blends
Cereal, Grains & Pasta
61. Nature’s Path – Organic cereals, granola, oatmeal
62. Quaker Canada – Oatmeal, cereals, snack bars
63. Annie’s Homegrown Canada – Organic mac & cheese, cereals
64. GoGo Quinoa – Organic quinoa-based products
65. Catelli – Pasta, pasta sauces
66. Primo Foods – Pasta, sauces, canned goods
67. Rizopia – Gluten-free rice pasta
68. Lundberg Family Farms – Organic rice products
69. Minute Rice Canada – Instant rice and grain blends
70. SunWest Foods – Canadian-grown rice and grains
Beverages (Non-Alcoholic)
71. SunRype – 100% fruit juices, fruit snacks
72. Cott Beverages – Sparkling water, juices
73. David’s Tea – Canadian specialty tea brand
74. Tetley Canada – Classic and herbal teas
75. Tim Hortons Coffee – Canadian coffee brand
76. Balzac’s Coffee Roasters – Organic and fair-trade coffee
77. Jumping Bean Coffee – Eco-friendly coffee
78. Club Soda Canada – Sparkling water, tonic water
79. Canada Dry – Ginger ale, soda products
80. Flow Water – Naturally alkaline spring water
Canned & Packaged Foods
81. Clover Leaf Seafoods – Canned tuna, salmon, seafood
82. Ocean’s Seafood – Sustainable canned fish products
83. Unico – Canned beans, olives, tomatoes
84. Irresistibles – Canned and packaged food products
85. Aylmer – Canned tomatoes, vegetables
86. Heinz Canada – Canned beans, sauces, condiments
87. Bicks Pickles – Pickles, relish, and condiments
88. St. Jean’s Cannery – Sustainable seafood, smoked salmon
89. Well Juicery – Cold-pressed juice blends
90. Eden Foods Canada – Organic canned goods and beans
Health, Organic & Specialty Foods
91. MadeGood – Organic snack bars, granola
92. Kicking Horse Coffee – Organic fair-trade coffee
93. Greenhouse Juice – Organic, cold-pressed juices
94. Naked & Saucy – Organic soy sauces and condiments
95. Rawcology – Organic granola and snack bites
96. Bio-K Plus – Probiotic drinks and supplements
97. Rumble Supershake – High-protein meal replacement shakes
98. Organika – Collagen, health supplements
99. Goodly Foods – Upcycled soups and sustainable products
100. Fody Foods – Low-FODMAP sauces and snacks
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