Canadian families are expected to spend $17.6K on food in 2026 — why the Competition Bureau is examining grocery prices and how to cut your bill

While the federal government can’t force grocers to offer lower prices, the Competition Bureau is looking at whether some of their pricing strategies are reducing competition.

Here’s what the Bureau is looking at and how you can reduce your grocery bills.

Why is the Competition Bureau examining grocery prices?

In June, the Competition Bureau said it would look into competition across Canada’s food supply chain. It aims to release the findings and recommendations in 2027.

However, a lack of competition is not the only factor pushing up food prices. Extreme weather, higher input costs and currency fluctuations all affect prices.

Are grocery deals being kept from shoppers?

The recently announced investigation will focus on minimum advertised pricing policies. These establish the lowest price at which retailers can advertise a product. The investigation will determine whether these practices restrict competition and prevent grocers from advertising lower prices. It does not mean these companies have broken any laws.

To make groceries more affordable, Canadians need stronger price competition and easier ways to compare costs, according to Sylvain Charlebois, lead researcher at Dalhousie University and co-author of the report. He calls for clear unit pricing on shelves, fewer hurdles for new grocery competitors, and tougher enforcement against anti-competitive practices.

Investment in food processing, distribution and productivity could also help address costs throughout the supply chain, he says in the report. But there is no single measure that will bring grocery bills down overnight.

How can you lower your grocery bill now?

While policymakers examine the industry, shoppers can take steps to spend less.

1. Plan meals around discounts and reduce waste.

Take stock before shopping, then build your list around discounted items your household will actually eat. As Charlebois notes, meal planning and reducing food waste are two of the most effective ways to save. Planning ahead avoids buying food that ends up in the garbage, though he cautions that driving to multiple stores for deals can quickly erase your savings in transportation costs.

2. Compare unit prices and try store brands.

A larger package isn't always cheaper per gram or millilitre, and a sale price isn't necessarily the best deal available. Charlebois recommends checking unit prices (the cost per standard unit, like kilograms or millilitres) to find true value. Swapping name brands for store brands can also cut costs, but compare package sizes and ingredients rather than assuming every cheaper alternative is identical.

3. Be strategic about meat and produce.

Looking for cheaper cuts of meat can make a noticeable difference, Charlebois says. Choosing a less expensive cut or replacing some meat with beans or lentils can stretch a food budget. Frozen vegetables and fruit are also worth comparing with fresh options, particularly when the latter are out of season.

4. Watch out for bulk deals and multi-buy offers.