Save While You Shop: Tips for 2026
While researching this topic to compile this article, I was reminded of my mother. As the youngest, it was my job to accompany her on weekly grocery runs. One of the things that stuck with me from those outings was her reliance on a ‘shopping list.’ She swore by it. Everything was neatly transcribed in her diary in the exact order of the store aisles—starting with the perishable fruits and discounted items near the entrance and ending with eggs and dairy at the far end. Fortunately, many stores, including Islamic stores in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), typically follow this layout.
It’s no surprise that shopping experts often recommend similar strategies for saving money. Let’s take a closer look at some tips.
Preface: When it comes to high food expenses, few can rival the Muslim community. They are significant buyers, and their dietary habits, combined with their commitment to Halal meats and other foods, often lead them to pay a premium for their groceries. The suggestions below will be helpful.
1. Establish a Budget: This is the most critical step that many people overlook. Experts recommend spending 10–15% of your household income on groceries. For example, if your household income is $50,000 per year, your grocery budget should be around $417 to $625 per month, plus an additional 15-25% to account for the premium on Halal items.
2. Create a Grocery List: Shopping without a list can lead to unchecked overspending, especially for impulsive buyers. It’s not just about being organized; it’s a proven money-saver. Research shows that you can save about 23% on groceries just by shopping with a list. It helps you stay focused and avoid impulse buys.
3. Shop Smart: Consider shopping in the evening, especially before a holiday when stores might offer markdowns on spices, dairy, and other perishables. Don’t hesitate to freeze items—you can invest in a good vacuum sealer to store sale items and reduce waste. Another tip is to shop with cash rather than credit or debit cards. Cash helps you keep a clear eye on your spending; once it runs out, you know you’ve hit your limit.
4. Never Shop on an Empty Stomach: This might sound cliché, but it holds. When you’re hungry, your brain focuses on food, leading to impulsive purchases that don’t align with your long-term needs. Research indicates that hunger increases the desire for food-related items and diminishes the willingness to pay for non-food items, which shows a bias toward immediate gratification. Shopping during Ramadan serves as a prime example.
5. Refer to Store Flyers on Social Media: Many shoppers prefer one or two specific stores. While that’s reasonable, it limits your awareness of prices at other locations. For example, most people think Halal meat costs the same everywhere in the GTA. In reality, some Halal meat stores in North York and the Peel region offer ‘bulk bags‘ of high-quality cuts at reasonable prices. Yes, you’ll need to buy more in one go, but you’ll likely use every last bit and be pleased with the savings. Additionally, consider using a grocery price comparison app on your phone to check prices. If an item is cheaper at another store, you can ask your store to match the price.
6. Encourage Healthy Eating Habits in Your Family: Focus on incorporating more fruits and vegetables into your diet. Not only are they healthier options, but they are also generally cheaper than packaged snacks that children often prefer.
7. Avoid Pre-Packaged Foods: Although pre-cut vegetables, frozen dinners, and ready-to-eat meals save time, they come with a higher price tag (especially the Halal ones), and are often loaded with preservatives. Cooking from scratch reduces the cost per meal, gives you control over ingredients, and provides healthier options for your family.
8. Reduce Eating Out: This might be a tough habit to break for some, but it saves money like nothing else. Many of us have enjoyed eating out for years, but it’s worth remembering that the street food culture back home was often more affordable than what we encounter in Canada.
We hope you’ve enjoyed reading our newsletters in 2025, Insha’Allah. Please let us know which new topics you would like us to cover in 2026.
Finally, on behalf of Muslim Network TV and GTA Muslims Today, we wish you and your families a new year filled with Taqwa, Tawakkul, and Khushu. Have a safe, healthy, and faith-filled 2026. Ameen.
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