A new survey from Dalhousie University notes that even with rising grocery prices, many Canadians are not regular users of coupons to lower their grocery bills.
The 2022 study of coupon usage in Canada found that while 45 percent of Canadians have never used coupons, 15 percent say they are now trying to use them more often.
“Couponing in Canada is very restrictive and using coupons in Canada is really like a full-time job,” says Sylvain Charlebois, a professor and researcher at Dalhousie University.
Charlebois said there is a “coupon culture” in the United States where coupons are easily accessible and easy to use, and cashiers are trained to use coupons more efficiently at the checkout.
Charlebois believes this is not the case in Canada.
But with food prices so high, more and more people are trying to use them, and one food-saving expert says doing so can really save you money.
Nicole Shaubroeck of Domain, Man., is known as Canada’s “Voucher sweetie‘ and has built a loyal following on social media with her money-saving tips and tips on using coupons.
According to Shaubroeck, consumers want to save money and can do so with coupons, price adjustments, and buying items in bulk when they’re on sale.
Shaubroek said it takes time and effort, but the savings are worth it.
“I think the last big trip I took and my grand total was $150 or something, I got my final bill down to $60 after points and coupons and all the discounts,” Shaubroeck told CTV News Toronto.
Shaubroeck said coupons are often found in front of products on tear-off pads on grocery shelves, and she also has a website that links to businesses where you can find printable coupons.
Shaubroeck said she thinks knowing your prices and using cash-saving apps like Checkout 51 can result in big savings.
“They use things like coupons, price matchers and cash back apps and they stack all these different things together and then you can get stuff really free or cheap,” she said.
The study also found that 49 percent think coupons have too many limitations and 38 percent are worried they’re delaying the checkout line. Charlebois believes the food industry should do more to encourage a more coupon-friendly culture.
If you’re worried about holding up the checkout line, you can start with a coupon or two and use more as you get organized. As grocery prices continue to rise, expect more people to use them at the checkout.
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