How to avoid compromising nutrition when grocery shopping at dollar stores
CTV
As Canadians continue to feel the financial toll of inflation while grocery shopping, one registered dietitian offers practical tips for cutting costs at dollar stores, without compromising nutrition.
As Canadians continue to feel the financial toll of inflation while grocery shopping, more are looking to their local discount store to find savings.
But while these stores are often stocked with cheap and ultra-process food products, a Canadian registered dietitian says it is possible to get healthy foods at stores such as Dollarama, Dollar Tree and Great Canadian Dollar Store if you’re willing to plan ahead and do some extra label reading.
“I think you could absolutely still find nutritious, healthy foods at a lower cost,” Bailey Franklyn, who works in long-term care, told CTVNews.ca during a phone interview. “It’s just going to take a little bit of planning ahead and knowing what to look for and basically changing up your shopping style a little bit if you’re really looking to save some money.”
This, however, comes with a caveat, she warned.
If people are looking to save money by purchasing food at discount and dollar stores, “they might find themselves choosing those (ultra-processed products).”
“Some products that are ultra-processed often have higher sodium or higher fat or more sugar. They might have less fibre and other micronutrients that we look for when making healthier choices.”
Franklyn says the only way to avoid compromising nutritional value for cheaper options is to do a “little bit more label reading.”
