Canada’s GST/HST Break on Groceries is Ending – Time to Stock Up

Canada’s GST/HST break on grocery items is coming to an end soon, and if you’re looking to save on your next grocery bill, now is the time to stock up! As of Saturday, February 15, 2025, the temporary freeze on the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) will expire, and certain grocery products will no longer be exempt from these taxes. This means that some food and beverage prices are going to increase, so it is a good idea to prepare ahead.

Food Products to Stock Up Before the GST/HST Break Ends

1. Prepared Foods: Sandwiches, salads, cheese or vegetable platters, and pre-made meals. If you enjoy having ready-to-eat meals on hand, now is the time to stock up before you start paying tax again. >

2. Snacks.: Everything from chips, crisps, puffs, and cheese curls to popcorn and pretzels will fall under this category. Snack mixtures containing cereals, nuts, dried fruits, and seeds-that is, those mixes except for the so-called breakfast cereals-will also be tax-exempt until February 15. >

3. Candies and Confectionary: Candy, chewing gum, chocolates, and even goodies like candy floss and lollipops should also be purchased and stashed until the freeze ends. >

4. Granola Products: Granola bars (excluding breakfast cereals) will remain tax-free until mid-February, so now is the time to grab a few extra boxes.

5. Frozen Treats: Ice cream, frozen yogurt, sherbet, and non-dairy substitutes will continue to be tax-free. So if you’re a fan of cold desserts, grab those extra tubs before prices go up. >

6. Baked Goods: Cakes, muffins, tarts, cookies, and pastries in quantities of less than six are also currently exempt from GST/HST. If you have a sweet tooth, don’t wait too long to stock up.

7. Energy Bars and Protein Bars: These are only tax-free if they are sold like other snack foods, not as a specialized nutrition product. But for now, while the GST/HST break is still in place, you can stock up on these items and save.

Drink Items to Stock Up On Before the GST/HST Break Ends

1. Non-Alcoholic Beverages: Coffee, tea, juices, smoothies, and carbonated drinks will stay tax-free at least for now. If you buy these on a regular basis, you may want to pick up a few extra before the tax relief ends.

Republicans Push for Major SNAP Reform: What the Changes Could Mean for You

2. Beer and Malt Beverages: Canned and bottled beer, pitchers, and similar malt beverages are tax-free until February 15.

3. Wine, Cider, and Sake: Any drinks with alcohol levels of 22.9% ABV or less are not taxed; if you are a wine or cider drinker, stock up while you still can.

4. Spirit Coolers and Premixed Alcoholic Beverages: These beverages are 7% ABV or less; as of yet, they remain untaxed but not for long.

5. Energy or Protein Drinks: You can buy energy or protein drinks so long as they are marketed as “regular thirst-quenching beverages” and not as nutritional supplements.

With the end date of February 15, 2025, for the GST/HST break, this is the right time to start making your grocery list and restocking your tax-free foods and drinks. When you are buying snacks, prepared meals, or beverages, do not wait; take advantage of the temporary freeze to save money before prices surge. Do not wait too long; shop now and avoid extra tax on your everyday items once the break is over.