Prices are up and Canadians are nervous
Canadians are tightening their belts and looking for deals as grocery prices rise. Nearly 80 per cent of Canadians are moderately or extremely concerned about the increases, according to a new survey by Field Agent, a mystery shopping app.
"For families that are on a tight budget, it's going to be harder and harder to put that nutritious meal on the table," said Jeff Doucette, general manager of Field Agent Canada.
Field Agent surveyed 1,042 Canadians at the end of August and discovered that 85 per cent of Canadians had noticed grocery price increases in the past month.
The majority fear that suppliers will continue to raise prices, adjust the packaging size (smaller for the same price) and offer fewer sales and promotions.
"I've reduced meat down from twice a week to every two weeks," said Stella, a grocery shopper who did not want her last name used.
The price increases have been steady during the pandemic as supply issues have not kept pace with demand. You may have noticed it more on meat, dairy and eggs, as well as produce.
Consumers are now price checking at other stores looking for better deals. The survey indicated 83 per cent plan to stock up on items when they are on sale. Sixty per cent plan to use more coupons and 55 per cent plan to purchase some grocery items less often - things like candy, snacks, prepared foods, fresh seafood, organic and natural products, and frozen meals and desserts.
"So I would expect to see full buggies of promotional items over the next few months in grocery stores," added Doucette. "I think now where we have prices starting to rise again we'll see consumers switch to other types of grocery stores, in particular what we would call the discounters."
The survey indicated that the stores that Canadians trusted the most to offer the lowest price for groceries included in the following order: No Frills/Maxi, Superstore, Walmart and Costco.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
'It was joy': Trapped B.C. orca calf eats seal meat, putting rescue on hold
A rescue operation for an orca calf trapped in a remote tidal lagoon off Vancouver Island has been put on hold after it started eating seal meat thrown in the water for what is believed to be the first time.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
B.C. judge orders shared dog custody for exes who both 'clearly love Stella'
In a first-of-its-kind ruling, a B.C. judge has awarded a former couple joint custody of their dog.
Saskatoon police to search landfill for remains of woman missing since 2020
Saskatoon police say they will begin searching the city’s landfill for the remains of Mackenzie Lee Trottier, who has been missing for more than three years.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.