Many Canadians are swapping their go-to grocery store in search of lower prices, according to a new survey. Dalhousie’s Agri Food Analytics Lab released a report this week that found nearly two-thirds of grocery customers have swapped stores in favor of cheaper options. The report also revealed that nearly 60 per cent of customers consistently seek out discounted food products, with clearance items or those approaching their best before date at the top of their shopping lists.

The numbers come as many Canadians continue to struggle with the high price of groceries. A new Leger survey has found that 64 per cent of Canadians think that the rate of inflation at the grocery store is worsening.

When shopping for a family, every dollar counts. Shopper Sam Norwood, while loading up groceries at a No Frills store in Stittsville, expressed the need for deals. He mentioned that his family spends about $300 per week on groceries and they go to where the savings are. This sentiment is echoed by Sylvain Charlebois, a Canadian researcher and professor in food distribution and policy at Dalhousie University, who was shocked by the results of the survey. Charlebois emphasized that over 60 per cent of Canadians have actually switched stores, their primary store, because there weren’t enough discounts.

Loblaw recently faced public backlash after scrapping a 50 per cent discount for old or items at or nearing their best before date at its stores. The company later reversed the policy only days later. This move came as Loblaw shared its fourth quarter earnings, which increased 3.7 per cent, or $524 million, to $14.5 billion, from the same period last year. The survey found that stores run under Loblaw, including the Real Canadian Superstore and No Frills, are the top destination for discounted food, followed by Walmart, Costco, Metro/Foodbasics, and Giant Tiger.