What's For Dinner Tonight?
Looking to save money, eat better, and cook more? Join our Nutrition Leaders in a virtual grocery store tour that can help you navigate the aisles like a pro!
Before you go shopping...
Plan Ahead
1. What recipes you will be making
2. What ingredients you need for those recipes
3. What ingredients you have at home
4. What you will need to buy
Write a Shopping List
Write your list ahead of time to:
1. Help you stay on budget
2. Speed up your shopping time
3. Make sure you get everything you need and prevent multiple trips to the store
Eat Before You Go
Everything looks extra delicious when you are hungry.
Shopping on an empty stomach means you are more likely to pick up extra things you may not need.
Have a snack or meal before you go to stay focused and on budget.
Resources
Build Balanced Meals
International Students
Shop No Name Brands
Generic store brands (e.x. “no name” brand) are often less expensive than brand names made with similar ingredients and quality
Bring Your Own Bag
Many stores charge money for shopping bags – bring your own reusable bag to help the environment and save a few $!
Best Before vs. Expiration Date
Best before dates indicate approximate date until the unopened food product still retains its quality. If the best before date has passed, it doesn't always mean the food is expired. Always check the quality of the food before you eat it. When in doubt, throw it out.
Expiration date indicates the food should not be eaten if the date has passed (for example: meal replacements, nutritional supplements, infant formula)
Finding Familiar Foods
Look for the “International Foods” aisle in most grocery stores, or try the bulk section for specific dry ingredients.
The “International Aisle” may not have the appropriate cultural foods you are looking for, and can also be more expensive.
Look for other cultural stores that are usually less expensive and that may carry more specific items (see list of stores below).
Grocery Stores Near You
Vancouver Campus
On & Near Campus
- Save on Foods, 5945 Berton Ave
- No Frills, 2083 Alma St
- Harvest, 6445 University Blvd
- Grocery Checkout, 6133 University Blvd
- H Mart Express, 5728 University Blvd
- UBC Farm Farmers Market, 3461 Ross Drive
Off Campus & International
- H-Mart, 5557 Dunbar St
- Persia Foods, 2827 W Broadway Ave
- Kim’s Mart, 519 E Broadway
- T&T Supermarket, 179 Keefer Pl
- Fujiya, 912 Clark Drive
- Los Guerreros Mexican Food, 3317 Kingsway
Off Campus & International
- Aling Mary’s, 2656 Main Street
- Punjab Food Center, 6635 Main Street
- East West Market, 4169 Main St
- Kosher Food Warehouse, 612 Kingsway
- Jasmine Halal Meats and Market, 4323 Main Street
Okanagan Campus
- Walmart, 1555 Banks Rd
- Superstore 2280 Baron Road
- Nesters 1750 Pier Mac Way
- Oriental Supermarket 2575 Highway 97N
Feedback
What do you think?
If you’ve dined recently at UBC, we want to hear from you! Your feedback helps us to provide the best possible experience.
