Ontario Food Deals for June 12 - June 18, 2009

I promise I won't rant today, especially as at least one of my conspiracy theories from last week has been proven wrong. The Foodland and No Frills flyers both arrived today, with my other flyers!

I will probably head over to No Frills, because they have a great deal on Catelli Healthy Harvest. I think this is the cheapest I have ever seen whole wheat pasta.

I also have the opportunity to try out Superstore's "Lowest Price Guarantee" this week. Their flyer says that "if you find a lower price we will beat it by 10%". The fine print says "Applies to front page and Price Lock items with this symbol/slogan. Refundable at Customer Service only. See back page for full details." The only thing on the back page that seems applicable is that they reserve the right to limit the quantities. My guess is that Superstore will see the Price Chopper flyer and immediately lower their listed price to match, but I could be wrong. I will head over there tomorrow and let you know how it goes!

Price Chopper

• Black Diamond cheese bars, 500g, selected varieties, including old for $3.97
• Maple Leaf bacon, 500g for $2.99 (common sales price, lowest price I've seen is $1.96)
• Shopsy's all beef wieners, 450g for $1.99
• Silani Feta cheese, 200 g for $2.99

No Frills
Having a Secret sale with up to 60% off on a $9.99 doorcrasher. Starts Friday June 12. While supplies last! Limited quantities per store. Store reserves right to limit quantities per customer. No returns refunds or rainchecks. $9.99 doorcrasher compared to a $24.99 manufacturer's suggested retain price. Full details instore. If anyone finds out what this is, let us know!

• Chicken breasts, bone-in, skinless, fresh for $1.97/lb
• Catelli Healthy Harvest or Smart pasta, selected varieties, 300-545 g for $0.99. Best price I've seen on whole wheat pasta, if you buy the heavier (545 g) packages.

Zehrs (Loblaws)

• Green Giant vegetables, 750 g still $1.99 (price locked)
• Gay Lea sour cream, 500 g for $1.49

Superstore

• Black Diamond cheese bar, 500 g, selected varieties for $4.44 with a lowest price guarantee... humm, do you have a Price Chopper flyer? We should be able to get their price of $3.97 beat by 10%, so for $3.57 per bar!
• Spalding sliced bacon, 500 g for $1.99. Considerably cheaper than the Maple Leaf bacon at Price Chopper, but is it as nice? I'll give it a try!
• Danon creamy or silhouette yogurt, 650/700 g for $1.99
• Heinz baked beans, 398 mL for $0.79

Foodland

• Schneiders Bacon, regular, salt reduced, thick, 500g for $2.99

Food Basics
Equality sour cream, 500 mL for $1.49

Ontario Food Deals for June 5 - June 11, 2009

I apologize in advance. This week's flyer deals has turned into this weeks rants and conspiracies! There are so few deals this week I think I will try to skip the stores all together and just buy milk at the drug store and fruit and veggies at the farmers market! Maybe that has put me in a bad mood, leading to all my ranting?

The No Frills and Foodland flyers didn't come this week. Those stores are a little farther from my home, in a nearby small town, only worth driving to for really great deals or if I am headed that way anyhow. I wonder if they have decided we are too far away? The other possibility is that the big new Walmart that is between my larger town and those stores is sucking away some of their business. Sending us the flyers only makes it easier, because Walmart will price match from flyers. Just rambling: I admit I don't have particularly strong views on Walmart, one way or the other. By the way, if there are any flyers you don't get but want to see, you can check them out at flyerland.ca. You can find the link for Canadian Online Store Flyers on my side bar, under "Useful Websites".

Watch out again this week for "deals" that aren't really deals. The Sockeye Salmon (wild red pacific) is on sale for $2 for a standard (213 g) can at Price Chopper this week. The add says "save up to 99 cents". I guess that may be true, but the very same Clover Leaf salmon is pretty easy to find for $2 a can. That was the price it was "locked" at in April at No Frills, and may still be. I wait until I can find it for $1.50 a can to stock up.

Food Basics

• Green Seedless Grapes, product of Mexico, $0.99/lb. Be aware, these are on the dirty dozen list of fruits and veggies to think of buying organically because of their high pesticide load.
• Breyers double churn ice cream (1.66 -1.89L) for $3.99. Last time I bought Breyers, I discovered it wasn't really ice cream when I got home, it was a "frozen dessert". I find that kind of off-putting. This is more expensive type of Breyers, but seems to really be ice cream!

Price Chopper
The $1, $2, $3 Sale continues

• Chicken leg quarters, $1/lb
• Kellogg's cereal, Jumbo boxes for $3. Mini Wheats (850g), Special K red berry (700 g), corn pops (515 g), foot loops (580 g), just right (1.02 kg), corn flakes (1.35 kg), selected varieties. (Just so you know, there is no way in a million years I would buy a giant box of foot loops, or even corn pops for that matter, but I figured I would type it all out, as listed in the flyer!)
• PEI potatoes, 10lb bag for $2. Just so I can fit in one last little rant, these aren't local to us here in Ontario, and Ontario grows lots of lovely potatoes!

Wow! I had better stop now! See you all next week.

Ontario Food Deals for May 29 - June 4, 2009

There really isn't anything to get excited about this week, other than the deals at Bulk Barn I posted earlier in the week.

I'll make a trip to Zehrs (Loblaws) to get some frozen peas because they are a quick and healthy veggie that my kids love. The whole wheat pasta is also a pretty good price this week, so I will get a few boxes. The sales price should be better than the regular store brand whole wheat pasta, but if is important to check carefully because the different pasta shapes have different weights. Some shapes are better deals than others!

The other nice deal this week is the yogurt at No Frills, but it is too far out of my way to go just to save a quarter on yogurt. Oh well!

Zehrs (Loblaws)

• Green Giant frozen vegetables (peas, corn, etc.) 750g for $1.99 (lowest price I have seen them is $1.88, so not bad at all. We might get some peas as we are out and they are a favourite around here. Don't need as many frozen veggies as the weather gets nicer though.
• Catteli Healthy Harvest pasta (whole wheat) (300-454 g) at 3 for $4.00 (about $0.29 per 100 g for the heavier boxes)

No Frills

• Astro yogurt (650/750 g) selected varieties, $1.88 (best price I've ever seen)
• Asparagus, product of Ontario, $1.49/lb or $3.28/kg

Sobey's

• Life, Oat Squares, Corn Bran or Cap'n Crunch (350 - 730 g) for $2.99 (plus 10 bonus Sobey's points). If the box is regular size (540 g), this is a pretty good deal on Corn Bran. Last time I got a good deal on it, I paid $2.37 a box. The normal sales price is $3.69.

Price Chopper
$1, $2, $3 Sale

• Seedless cucumbers, product of Ontario, 2 for $1

Bulk Barn Coupon (May 30 to June 12, 2009)

I just got a Bulk Barn flyer in the mail box, with a coupon to save $3 when you spend $10 before taxes. The flyer and coupon are good for two weeks, from Saturday May 30 to Friday June 12, 2009.

The coupon reads:

Save $3.00 on your total purchase of $10.00 or more before taxes available at any Bulk Barn. Coupon effective from Saturday May 30 to Friday June 12, 2009. Limit one coupon per store visit. This offer excludes the purchase of gift cards. While supplies last. We reserve the right to limit quantities. All applicable taxes shall be payable on the full value of the merchandise. Coupon cannot be used in conjunction with the 10% Seniors' & students' discount. No mechanical reproductions accepted.

In the past I have found that Bulk Barn prices are usually higher than my local independent bulk store (Ayrs Baking Supplies, if anyone is interested), but with the $3.00 off coupon, you are basically getting a 30% discount on $10.00 worth of food. If you are very careful to only spend just over the $10.00 minimum, especially if you buy things that are also on sale, it can be worth it.

You do need to be careful because their are some items that are actually more expensive to buy in bulk than to buy at the regular grocery store. A price book can really make a difference. Last time I was at the Bulk Barn, I noticed that the regular price for whole wheat pasta is $0.61/100 g. Even with the coupon, that would be $0.43/100 g. If I head over to Zehrs (Loblaws) and buy their house brand whole wheat pasta at regular price, I will only pay $0.34/100 g. If I find a sale, the difference is even more. I have often paid as little as $0.26/100 g for whole wheat pasta.

Another peril of the Bulk Barn is all the sweets and treats. We try not to buy these things, but we (the kids and I) find Bulk Barn very tempting! Make sure you do not go when you are hungry or feeling snackish!

When you go to the Bulk Barn to use your coupon, it is harder than you might think to spend only $10.00. You need to weigh each item to determine how much your bag will cost. I suggest you bring a paper and pencil and a calculator. Make use of the scales located around the store to weigh your items. You can also use this handy chart to get an idea how much a cup of different items weigh. For example, a cup of brown sugar weighs about 110 g and a cup of almonds weighs about 225 g and a cup of raisins weighs about 100 g.

Some of the good deals:

I have included the price per 100 g if you make use of the coupon, but remember that only applies if you spend the $10 before the discount! Also, it only applies on your first $10.00. If you spend more, you just get the regular sales price!

• Natural Almonds (California) $5.89/lb, or $1.30/100 g ($0.91/100 g with coupon)
• Sunflower seeds, hulled (roasted, salted or unsalted) $2.89/lb or $0.64/100 g ($0.45/100 g with coupon)
• Walnut halves or pieces (California) $5.39/lb or $1.19/100 g ($0.83/100 g with coupon)
• In-shell peanuts (dry roasted, salted or unsalted) $1.79/lb or $0.40/ 100 g ($0.28/100 g with coupon)

• Large Prunes (pits removed) $3.49/lb, or $0.77/100 g ($0.54/100 g with coupon)
• Sultana Raisins $1.89/lb 0r $0.42/100 g ($0.29/100 g with coupon)
• Turkish Apricots $3.79/lb or $0.84/100 g ($0.59/100 g with coupon)
• Dried Cranberries (assorted flavours) $6.19/lb or $1.37/100 g ($0.96/100 g with coupon)
• Dried blueberries or Dried cherries 20% off (probably a good deal... where else do you buy these?)

• Brown Sugar (Golden yellow or dark brown) $0.75/lb, or $.17/100 g ($0.12/100 g with coupon)

Extra Food Deal: Apple Juice

I just noticed in the Rexall/Pharmaplus flyer that Rougemont apple juice is on sale this week. It is a really great bargain at $0.69 for a 1.2L can (standard size). Normally, this goes on sale for $0.88, so this is a deal indeed if you want 100% juice.

Ontario Food Deals for May 22 - May 28, 2009

The most exciting thing this week is the $1, $2, $3 sale at Food Basics. There are a few good deals, which I pointed out below, but there are also some things that have actually been rounded up to go with the sales theme. Their sales price on mayonnaise is usually under $3, but has been rounded up to $3 this time! Don't forget, you need to know your prices!

I will also make my way to the Superstore to look at the big box of granola bars on sale. These make a good snack I can keep in the car for the kids, saving me money on trips to Timmie's with "starving" children.

I may also pick up some bacon. We are running low in the freezer. I have seen bacon for as little as $2 per package for good quality, and the sales this week are $3 per package. Was the extra low sales price a fluke, or part of the regular sales cycle? Looking in my price book, I saw the lowest price in March, when I last stocked up. Bacon was available at $3 per package in February, and again over the last two weeks. This is where stocking up takes experience, thought, planning and a little luck. It may be that the "new normal" sales price of bacon is $3 or it may be that I should wait longer for the next good sale. We will see!

Although I blew my $100 challenge this month, I still want to keep my spending as low as I can. Still, it doesn't make sense to pass up good deals when they are around, unless my store cupboards are already overflowing with those items.

Food Basics
$1, $2, $3 Sale

• Saporito Vegetable Oil, 3 L for $3
• Chicken breasts, boneless, skinless, frozen, seasoned for $2 per lb or $4.41 per kg
• Marc Angelo Italian Sausage, hot or mild, 500 g for $2 (I have never tried this brand, but it is a pretty good price)
• Italian home bakery Calabrese style bread, 675 g for $1

If you are in Kitchener or Waterloo, there is a new Food Basics open at 600 Laurelwood Drive in Waterloo. There are a few extra deals in town, available only at the Food Basics located at 600 Laurelwood Drive, 851 Fischer-Hallman Road and 370 Highland Road West only.

• Black Diamond cheese, selected varieties, 500 g for $3.99, limit 2 (This is actually a few cents more expensive than a similar cheese at Walmart last week. Still a decent deal though.)
• Piller's Black Forest Style Ham, smoked and cooked, 900 g for $3.99. This comes to $0.44 per 100 g, much cheaper than buying it pre-sliced at the deli counter.

No Frills

• Pork side rib portions for $1.97 per lb or $4.34 per kg (Not a bad price if the good weather has you in the mood for ribs!)

Superstore

• Unico tomatoes, still price locked at $0.79 per 796 mL can
• Nature Valley crunchy granola bars, club size (1.12 kg) for $8.79. I think this is a good deal, but I don't know how many bars are in this box. You can get a regular size box with 5 double bars for $1.99 at Zehrs (their ongoing semi-permanent sales price). That works out to just under $0.40 per bar. If there are over 23 double bars per box, it is a good deal! Do keep in mind that each individual sleeve contains 2 bars. I think this is clear from the packaging, but make sure there are over 23 pouches of double bars if you are looking for the best deal. I think these jumbo packs are usually in the $10 range. Also, each box contains a variety of flavours, so if your family won't eat all the flavours, it isn't a good deal! I will post when I have more details.
  

Price Chopper

• Asparagus, product of Ontario, $1.49 per lb or $3.28 per kg

Sobey's

• Kellogg's Cereal (Mini-Wheats or Raisin Bran, Froot Loops or Frosted Flakes, selected, 275 - 475 g), 3 for $5
• Schneiders Bacon, regular, salt reduced or thick, 500 g for $2.99 (Good deal for name-brand bacon!)

Foodland

• Maple Leaf Bacon, 500 g for $2.99. Similar deal to at Sobeys

Zehrs (Loblaws)

• Asparagus, product of Ontario, $1.77 per lb or $3.90 per kg (It is a bit cheaper at Price Chopper, but if Zehrs is more convenient, go there. Just don't forget to eat your local asparagus while you can!)

Ontario Food Deals for May 15 - May 21, 2009

Lucky for me and my food challenge, there isn't much to excite me this week. I have lots of peanut butter, so don't need to stock up. I'll probably buy some asparagus, because it is in season now, and doesn't last long. It should be easy to stay under $15 this week.

No Frills
The Half Price Sale continues. The deals listed last week should still be good this week, according to last week's flyer! Additionally:

• Kraft peanut butter, selected varieties, 750g or 1kg. This may include Kraft's natural, 100% peanut butter, which comes in the 750g size for $1.99
  
• Kellogg's Raisin Bran (675 g), Mini Wheats (540-555 g) or Rice Krispies (525 g), selected varieties, $2.49

Zehrs (Loblaws)

• Europe's Best frozen vegetables (300 g - 600 g) for $1.99 - $1.00 in-store coupon, as promised in last weeks flyer.

Price Chopper

• Kellogg's Raisin Bran (675 g), Corn Pops (345 g), Rice Krispies cocoa (420 g), All Bran (525 g), $2.49

Sobey's

• Asparagus, Product of Ontario, $1.47 per lb, weather permitting
• Chicken breasts, boneless, skinless, value pack, $2.99 per lb or $6.59 per kg

Real Canadian Superstore

• Post cereal, selected varieties (Shreddies and Honeycomb are pictured) (400-620 g) for $1.99 (price lock)

Walmart

• Cracker Barrel cheese (500 g) for $3.97

Food Basics

• Gold Seal pink Salmon, skinless, boneless (170 g - smaller than normal), $0.99. This is cheaper for salmon, but my understanding is pink salmon isn't as good as red salmon. Also, wild salmon is better for the environment. As this is not labeled wild, it isn't! The wild red salmon I bought two weeks ago was about $0.70 per 100g and this is $0.58 per 100 g. You decide on the best balance for your family between taste, price and environmental impact.

If you are in Kitchener or Waterloo, there is a new Food Basics open at 600 Laurelwood Drive in Waterloo. There are a few extra deals in town, available only at the Food Basics located at 600 Laurelwood Drive, 851 Fischer-Hallman Road and 370 Highland Road West only.

• Irresistibles white meat chicken strips or nuggets (908 g) for $3.99

Ontario Food Deals for May 8 - May 14, 2009

I am most excited by the Europe's Best frozen vegetables that have been reduced to $1.99 at Zehrs! With my coupons, I will get them for $0.99! I LOVE the Zen Garden mixed veggies for a quick stir fry. I'll head over to Price Chopper to stock up on some apple juice.
We need milk, eggs, yogurt and fresh veggies this week, but I should have an easy time staying within my budget for my $100 challenge. I'll post pictures and let you know how I did, probably on Friday.

Zehrs (Loblaws)

• Europe's Best frozen vegetables (300 g - 600 g) for $1.99 - $1.00 in-store coupon. According to the flyer (We've checked, lowered and locked prices on items you buy the most)
• PC soft drinks on sale for $0.99 for 2L (Okay, I'm joking! I'm not buying it!!)

No Frills
Half Price Event, Flyer Prices are effective for 2 weeks, Friday May 8 to Thursday May 21, 2009)

• Colgate toothpaste (regular), 75 mL for $0.41
• Suave shampoo or conditioner, 444 mL for $0.99 (I will need to test the smell. Sometimes cheap shampoo is really stinky and I can't use it!)

Price Chopper

• Cashmere toilet paper, 24 single rolls or 12 double or 12 ultra rolls, for $3.97. This is about $0.33 per double roll. The cheapest I have bought toilet paper is $0.25 per double roll, with a coupon. This seems to be the lowest price that "nice" toilet paper regularly goes, without a coupon. I think if you don't care about your toilet paper, you can get it cheaper, but my husband is picky!
• Pork tenderloin, fresh for $2.79 per lob or $6.15 per kg. I bought it a month ago for $1.99 per lb at Superstore. It was frozen, but I don't care. I would just freeze it when I get home anyhow!
• Maple leaf or Shopsy's wieners (hot dogs), 450g for $1.66
• Oatmeal Crisp or Fiber 1 cereals (425-505 g) for $3.49. Buy 2 and get a free box of Nature Valley granola bars (160g-230g). I don't honestly know if this is a good deal for the cereal. I have found those granola bars on sale for $1.99 per box, if that helps you decide. Also, this cereal is priced at $4.49 at Sobey's this week. They have a similar deal, buy 2 boxes of either, and get a free box of Fiber 1 cereal.
• Rougemont apple juice, 1.2L can for $0.89

Foodland

• Maxwell House ground coffee, 925 g tin for $4.44

Sobey's

• Campbell's cream of mushroom, tomato, chicken noodle or vegetable soups, 284 mL condensed, 2 for $1.00 (or $0.69 each - make sure you buy multiples of 2 only!)
• See also the Oatmeal Crisp/Fiber 1 deal, listed under Price Chopper

Superstore

• Mr. Clean all purpose cleaner, 800 mL for $1.99 - coupon from paper (buy 2, get $2 off).
• Teddy's Choice soft touch baby wipes, 560-575 for $10.99. Includes one tub and 6 refill packs, I think.

Food Basics

• Black Diamond cheese (Including old cheddar), 500g block for $4.44
• Schneiders Oktoberfest sausages, frozen, 450 g fro $1.49 (great on the BBQ!)

If you are in Kitchener or Waterloo, there is a new Food Basics open at 600 Laurelwood Drive in Waterloo. There are a few extra deals in town, available only at the Food Basics located at 600 Laurelwood Drive, 851 Fischer-Hallman Road and 370 Highland Road West only.

• Kellogg's Corn Flakes (Jumbo-1350g), Corn Pops (Jumbo-775g) or Special K (475g) for $3.99. We don't usually eat these cereals, but the Corn Flakes are a great unit price, if you like them!
• White potatoes, product of Canada, 10 lb bag, 2 for $3

Ontario Weekly Grocery Flyer Deals for May 1 - May 7, 2009

I will stop by the brand new Food Basics in Waterloo to pick up some of the flyer deals, as well as the special new store deals. I also plan on picking up a fresh mozzarella cheese or two at Price Chopper and some frozen fish at Superstore. I am looking forward to picking up a free shave gel at No Frills, and a tub of yogurt for $0.97 with coupon at Walmart. The large tins of salmon at Shopper's are a pretty good deal too.

What is your favourite deal this week?

UPDATE: Foodland has Clover Leaf Sockeye salmon, Wild red pacific, regular size canned salmon (213 g) on sale 2 for $3 this week. A slightly better deal than the salmon at Shopper's Drug Mart, and a better size, for my family.

Food Basics
$0.99 sale this week. Watch out though, because some things can be found cheaper.

• Italpasta regular pasta in select varieties (450 g) for 2 for $0.99, while quantities last
• Primo canned beans (540 mL) for 2 for $0.99, selected varieties (I mostly use dried, but I think this is a pretty good deal)
  
• Fresh chicken legs, quarters bagged for $0.99 per lb or $2.18 per kg
• Red Rose Orange Pekoe 36 tea bags for $0.99

If you are in Kitchener or Waterloo, there is a new Food Basics open at 600 Laurelwood Drive in Waterloo. There are a few extra deals in town, available only at the Food Basics located at 600 Laurelwood Drive, 851 Fischer-Hallman Road and 370 Highland Road West only.

• Breyers classic ice cream (1.66L to 1.89L) for $1.99
• Lean ground beef for $1.49/lb, sold in 2lb tubes for $2.98
• Christie cookies, selected varieties, large sizes (550 g) for $1.99
• Maxwell House ground coffee, 925 g tin for $4.44

No Frills

• Satin Care shave gel for $1.99 - $2.00 from save.ca, making it free!
• Unico vegetable oil, 3L for $3.99

Price Chopper

• Fresh ground beef for $1.49/lb, sold in 2lb tubes for $2.98 (same price as at the new Food Basics)
• Silani mozzarella cheese ball, 340 g for $2.49 (this is the fresh style cheese. It is yummy, and can be frozen)
• Aunt Jemima waffles, 354 g for $0.99
• Always pads (12-24) for $2.99 - $1.00 coupon from newspaper flyers (available slightly cheaper at Walmart)
  

Zehrs (Loblaws Stores)

• Air chilled chicken for $1.64 per lb or $3.62 per kg. (Still not as cheap as a Superstore a few weeks ago, when the chickens were about $1.17 per lb)

Superstore

• Kraft Cracker Barrel bar cheese, 500 g for $4.44. I bought cheese for $0.66 per 100 g and this cheese is $0.88 per 100g, but still a good price.
• Tide laundry detergent for $11.99 - $1.00 coupons, found everywhere, including this weeks Shop and Save, delivered with newspapers and flyers. (Tide Ultra powder 3.8-4kg or 2X liquid 2.95 L laundry detergent, selected varieties, 48-80 washloads)
• Green Island polar cod fillets, boneless skinless, frozen, 400 g for $1.99. I haven't tried this brand, but the price is good, so I think I will try it this week.
• Unico tomatoes, still price locked at $0.79 per 796 mL can. Last time, I found I could get the unsalted variety at this price.

Shopper's Drug Mart (Sales Start Saturday)

• Gold Seal Pacific Red Sockeye Salmon, large 418 g tin for $2.99

Walmart

• Yoplait Source or Creamy Yogurt tubs, 650 g fro $1.97 - $1.00 coupon found in last month's Chatelaine magazine.
• Always pads (18) for $2.66 - $1.00 coupon from newspaper flyers

Canned Tomatoes at Price Chopper

At my local Price Chopper I discovered Unico canned tomatoes on sale for $0.77 per 796 mL can. I didn't see this price listed in their flyer, but it is a good deal I thought I would mention, especially if you aren't near a Superstore, where the same tomatoes are price locked at $0.79 per can.

Ontario Weekly Grocery Flyer Deals for April 24 - April 30, 2009

Every week I look at the flyers for Sobeys, Foodland, No Frills, Price Chopper, Food Basics, Real Canadian Superstore, and Zehrs (a Loblaws store, which should have the same sales as Loblaws and Fortinos). I also look through the food section of the Pharma Plus and Shoppers Drug mart flyers, as well as my Walmart and Zellers flyers. My goal is to find food that is worth stocking up on, because it is at the lowest price I can expect to find it.

This week, there isn't much to buy again. I will probably go to Price Chopper to get some Cheerios, and Ontario tomatoes and cucumber. The potatoes are a good deal, but we don't need any yet. I will probably swing by No Frills to get the good deal on Ontario apples, and I can get my yogurt there this week. If I am near a Zehrs, we may pick up some ham, but other than that, I'm not doing much shopping this week.

What do you think is the best deal of the week?

Price Chopper

• Whole chickens, fresh for $1.49 per lb or $3.28 per kg. Not as good as last week, but okay.
• Cheerios, $2.49 for 370-525 g. Shows Honey nut, but says cheerios, so should be regular too.
• Hot house tomatoes, from Ontario, for $0.99 per lb or $2.18 per kg
• Seedless cucumbers, from Ontario, for $0.99 each
• Russet potatoes, from Ontario, $2.99 for a 10lb bag

No Frills

• Empire or McIntosh apples, from Ontario for $2.49 for 4 lbs
• Unico vegetable oil, $3.99 for 3 L, price locked
• Tuna, no name, $0.87 for 170 g, price locked
• Yogurt, no name, $1.97 for 750 g, price locked

Zehrs

• PC Black Forest ham, deli sliced, $0.99 per 100 g

Food Basics

• Equality Brand Cheese bars, 520g for $4.99 ($0.96 per 100g. I have got name brand cheese for as little as $0.66 per 100g, but this isn't a bad price if you want some cheese.)
• Europe's Best frozen fruit, 600 g for $3.79. This was down to $3.49 just a few weeks ago. Still, a pretty good deal if you use the $2 off coupons that were around. I have heard rumors there were more at Loblaws stores last week, but I haven't been able to find any.

Superstore

• Astro yogurt, price locked at $1.99 for 750 g
• Unico tomatoes, still price locked at $0.79 per 796 mL can. Last week, I found I could get the unsalted variety at this price.

Ontario Weekly Grocery Flyer Deals for April 17 - April 23, 2009

There aren't that many deals this week, so I won't be buying much. This is one of the weeks that I enjoy the fruits of my stocking up and spend very little money.

I probably won't make it out to No Frills because there isn't much I need there this week, and it is out of my way. Food Basics is probably not going to make the cut either. I may pop into Price Chopper because it is right next to the Pharma Plus, where I will definitely be headed to stock up on some apple juice and my husband's brand of deodorant. Based on sales, I will do my main shopping at the Superstore this week. The main draw is the good deal on whole chickens. I will probably buy 2 or 3 and add them to the freezer.

The food I buy every week, which mostly consists of milk and eggs, are about the same price at all of the budget grocery stores. If you check the back of the Price Chopper, No Frills, Food Basics and Superstore flyer, you will see they all have bread, milk, eggs and butter advertised for almost identical prices. I don't buy the processed bread, and I usually wait to stock up on butter when I find a really great price (and most of the stores only guarantee a price on salted butter - I prefer to get unsalted). For basic milk and eggs, any store will do.

If you need reusable grocery bags, Sobey's and Price Chopper have them for buy 1 get 1 free on Earth Day (Wednesday April 22, 2009). Also, Zehrs (Loblaws) and Superstore have their reusable bags on sale for 50% off until April 26th. The full service stores, like Sobey's, Zehrs (Loblaws) and Real Canadian Superstore are going to start charging for bags in the very near future. Zehrs (Loblaws) and the Superstore will start charging 5¢ for bags on Earth Day, April 22nd, 2009 and Sobey's will start charing for bags of May 1st, 2009.

Superstore
No tax event on Friday 5pm-close and Saturday from open-close

• Whole chicken, fresh for $1.18 per lb ($2.60 per kg)
• Tomatoes, Ontario on the vine for $1.29 per lb (or $2.84 per kg)
• Unico tomatoes, 796 mL for $0.79 (Should still be on sale, as they were listed as a price lock last week. I found that at my Superstore they had the no salt added variety at this price as well!)

Pharma Plus
Sales start Saturday the 18th

• Rougemont Apple juice for $0.88 for 1.2L (standard can)
• Old Spice deodorant at 2 for $5.00
• Cheerios for $1.99 for 400g box
• Another coupon came in the flyer for Buy 1 Get 1 Free on Rexal brand vitamins, mineral or herbals, excluding advertised products. Valid April 11 -24th, 2009

No Frills
(If you happen to live in KW, the only No Frills I know about is in Elmira. If you are near the expressway, it isn't very far, especially if you are making a stop at the new Walmart in St. Jacob's)

• Royale Toilet Paper 40 single rolls for $5.97 - $1.00 from save.ca
• Celery $0.99 (imported)

Price Chopper

• Post cereals (400-620g) for $1.47. The picture only shows Honeycomb and Shreddies, but it will probably include raisin bran too. Maybe others?

Food Basics

• Cucumbers, Ontario, for $0.79 each

Ontario Weekly Grocery Flyer Deals for April 10 - April 16, 2009

Keep in mind before you head out shopping, that most stores will probably be closed tomorrow (Friday April 10th, 2009) for the holiday!

There are a couple of good deals at all the stores this week, including free Pillsbury Crescent rolls, and $0.49 for 125g of sliced meat (after coupons, available online).

I am particularly interested in the good price on meat: good deals on Canadian bacon and pork tenderloin this week.

I will also stock up on Campbell's condensed soup and our favourite Habitant soups, both on sale this week.

Canned tomatoes are a good price, but as the price is locked, I will only buy a can or two this week. I can buy a few cans over the next few weeks. This should make it easier to stick to my budget.

Sobey's

• Schneiders 1890 or fat free sliced meats (125g) for $2.49 - $2.00 coupon from save.ca
• Oranges, Seedless from Morocco (8lb bag) for $3.99

SATURDAY April 11 ONLY:

• Lou's Cured Pork Loin Rolled in Cornmeal (Peameal Bacon) for $1.99 per pound.

Price Chopper

• Green Giant frozen veggies (750g) for $1.99. Not as good as last week, but not bad if you are out!

Superstore

• Pork Tenderloin (frozen in pkgs of 2) for $1.99 per pound. Buy some and try my recipe!
• Tropicana orange juice for $4.44 for 3.78L (about the same price as last weeks, per unit)
• Vegetable oil for $3.99 for 3L (again, same deal I got last week)
• Astro yogurt (650/750 g) for $1.99 (Price lock... so it should stay here for a few weeks)
• Unico tomatoes, 796 mL for $0.79 (Another price lock...)

• Coupons: There are a variety of coupons in the Superstore flyer this week, good only for this week. Many for electronics and household stuff. Of particular interest was Fusion power cartridges (4's) or Venus cartridges (8's), save $2

Zehrs (Loblaws stores)

• Campbell's condensed Soups (tomato, vegetable, cream of mushroom or chicken noodle) (285mL) for $0.49

Food Basics
Evidently the sale doesn't start until Monday here in Waterloo. May or may not be true in other places.

• Kraft Peanut Butter (1kg) for $1.99. I prefer natural peanut butter, but it is my husband's favourite. EDIT: the 750g natural 100% peanuts was the same price!
  
• Shopsey's all beef wieners (450g) for $1.99
• Habitant Soup (796 mL) for $0.99

Walmart
(Sale starts Saturday)

• Pillsbury Crescents (235g) for $1 - $1 save.ca coupon. Okay, so this isn't healthy, and probably falls under one or more of my coupon traps, but for free, or close to free, I may buy. Keep in mind: It will cost at least the price of the gas to get there, there may be a charge for taxes, you may find some other things you "need" while you are in yet another store, you may be hassled when buying only one free thing, and the nutritional content of these things is probably atrocious.

Rexall PharmaPlus
(Sales start Saturday)

• With the flyer coupon, Buy 1 Get 1 Free on Rexal brand vitamins, mineral or herbals, excluding advertised products. Valid April 11 -24th, 2009

Ontario Weekly Grocery Flyer Deals for April 3 - April 9, 2009

I am so excited by the frozen fruit deal I will get this week! On the other hand, I am disappointed to see I spent too much on the frozen veggies I stocked up on last week.

Grocery deals this week:

Price Chopper:

• Tropicana orange juice for $2.97 for 2.63L
• Saporito vegetable oil for $3.99 for 3L
• Astro Original Yogurt for $2.29 for 750g (Can't stock up on this, but not a bad price. Last week I got it for $2 which is even better.)
• Cucumbers for $0.89

Sobeys:

• Green Giant veggies for $1.88 for 750g. Ohhh... I stocked up last week at $2 per bag. I'll make a note that the prices go down even farther and wait for this sale next time! They are also this price at Foodland, if that is more convenient.
• Broccoli for $0.97 for a large size. (Not local yet, but we like some variety!)
• Ground Pork for $3.49 for 450 g (Not an amazing deal, but a favourite)
• Lemons and limes for $0.99 for 3 large.

Food Basics:

• Europe's Best Frozen Fruit for $3.49 for 600 g -$2.00 using the coupons I got last week! (And a much better deal then the $4.99 they are on sale for at Price Chopper)
• Europe's Best Frozen veggies for $1.99 for 300g to 600g -$1.00. I will have to check these out. The 600 g packages are a great deal, cheaper than the Green Giant veggies. The 300 g packages aren't such a great deal. And if nobody will eat them, they aren't a great deal.
• Carnation Evaporated Milk for $0.99 for 370mL
• Dole Pineapple for $0.59 for 398mL

Ontario Weekly Grocery Flyer Deals for March 27-April 2, 2009

My grocery list doesn't reflect the food I am going to eat in the week to come, it reflects the foods that my family eats that are available at a good price now. When it is food that will store in my freezer or in my cold cellar, I stock up.

We also buy some fresh fruit and veggies, eggs and milk and often some other dairy such as yogurt or cheese.

This week I stocked up on:

Real Canadian Superstore:

• Highliner frozen pollock for $1.99 - $0.50 coupon for 400g (X4)
• Royale toilet paper $7.99 - $1.00 coupon for 24 double rolls (X1)
• Frozen peas and corn for $2 a bag (X4)

Food Basics:

• Astro plain yogurt (large tub) $2 (X1)

Zehrs (Loblaws):

• Minute Maid juice boxes (10X200mL) $1.88 - $0.50 (Don't like the extra trash, but I use them!)
• Black Diamond cheese bars (520g) $4.44 (I didn't actually need any this week - but a good deal! You can freeze the cheese, either grated or ungrated. It will be more crumbly when it defrosts.)

Shoppers Drug Mart:

• Butter $2.22/lb (SATURDAY ONLY... sorry, it is already too late!) (X12)

Coupons I collected this week:

Food Basics:

• Europe's Best frozen fruit: -$2.00 off
• Europe's Best frozen veggies: -$1.00 off

(The two coupons were attached together, but are pulled apart to use separately.)

Zehrs (Loblaws):

• Western Creamery (any product): -$0.50 off, found inside a Foodland Ontario booklet