Although prices are starting to come down, there’s no denying that gluten-free food is expensive. We’ve got a few tips for helping you save money on gluten-free groceries.
The basics still apply!
Doing some basic preparation like budgeting, meal planning, flyer shopping, and coupon clipping can help you be prepared when you hit the grocery store. We’ve really focused on smart meal planning over the last year and have seen our grocery bill drop by about 30%.
We love the ShopWise app for flyers and keep an eye on BrandSaver and Save.ca for coupons.
Stock up on sales.
When gluten-free items are on sale, stock up if you have the room. Buying in bulk can also save you money. As well, Costco has started carrying many gluten-free products, including pasta, crackers, and baking mixes.
Try before you buy.
One of my pet peeves is buying a new, expensive gluten-free treat, only to find that it tastes like cardboard (or worse). Check with friends and Celiac support groups to see what new products are out there, and which ones are worth your money. Online shopping sites like Amazon.com are another great place for product reviews. As well, we often review new products – we even feature a Products category that you can easily access from the home page.
Focus on naturally gluten-free foods.
Smart grocery shoppers stay around the perimeter of the store. This is where you’ll find naturally gluten-free foods like fresh produce, meat, and dairy.
Know what needs to be gluten-free.
Watch out for foods that carry an extra price tag because of a gluten-free label. Do you really need bottled water or baking soda that is gluten-free? Just make sure to always check the labels.
Take advantage of tax deductions.
If you’ve been diagnosed with a medical condition that requires a gluten-free diet, you may be able to claim the cost of gluten-free food on your taxes. More information is available here.
Consider buying local.
It’s likely that you’ll find plenty of gluten-free goods at your local farmer’s market. Prices may not always be cheaper, but there are still deals to be had. Plus, you can also ask questions directly from the person that has produced or made the food that you’re buying… and there’s no price tag that you can place on your peace of mind.
At the Halifax Seaport Farmer’s Market, you can usually find gluten-free goodies from vendors like Bramoso Pizza, Fox Hill Cheese House, Sweet William’s Country Sausage, and Schoolhouse Gluten-Free Gourmet.
What other tricks do you use to keep your gluten-free grocery bill down? We’d love to hear your ideas!
Gluten For Punishment 