With food prices climbing higher every month, Canadians are becoming more strategic about where they shop. Loyalty points, price-matching, weekly specials, and bulk discounts can make all the difference for families trying to stretch their grocery budgets. While some stores have built a reputation for premium goods, others have gained loyal shoppers by consistently offering real value. Here are 18 grocery chains Canadians say have the best deals right now:
No Frills
Known for its “Hauler” branding and no-frills approach, this discount chain delivers some of the lowest prices in Canada. Shoppers love the price-matching policy, which ensures they never overpay compared to competitors. Weekly flyers feature deep discounts on essentials like produce, meat, and pantry staples, making it a top choice for budget-conscious families. While the store setup is bare-bones, the savings are real, and with its connection to PC Optimum points, every trip to No Frills helps stretch dollars further.
Walmart Canada
Walmart isn’t just about electronics and clothing, as its grocery section has become a major draw for Canadians looking for savings. The chain offers consistently low prices on everything from fresh produce to household essentials. Price-matching at select locations and frequent rollbacks help shoppers feel confident they’re getting value. The convenience of one-stop shopping, where groceries meet everyday goods, makes it especially attractive for families. With Walmart’s online ordering and curbside pickup, it’s clear why many Canadians turn to them when trying to keep their grocery bills manageable.
Costco Wholesale
Costco has long been a favorite among Canadians who are willing to buy in bulk to save big. Membership comes with perks like discounted groceries, gas, and household goods. Shoppers say the value is undeniable when stocking up on essentials like meat, cheese, and non-perishables. Kirkland Signature, Costco’s in-house brand, also delivers quality at lower prices. While bulk shopping requires space and planning, the per-unit cost savings are hard to beat, and for large families or those who meal-prep, Costco is a top pick for stretching every grocery dollar further.
FreshCo
FreshCo markets itself as “Fresher. Cheaper.”, and Canadians say it lives up to the slogan. This discount banner under Sobeys emphasizes affordability without compromising on quality. Price-matching ensures competitive deals, while weekly flyer specials attract shoppers looking for produce and meats at budget-friendly rates. FreshCo stores frequently appear in urban neighborhoods, making them convenient for city dwellers. The chain also stocks ethnic foods at affordable prices, catering to diverse communities. For many Canadians, FreshCo has become a reliable alternative to pricier grocery chains.
Food Basics
Operating mainly in Ontario, Food Basics is a discount grocery store known for keeping prices consistently low. Shoppers praise its straightforward approach, with fewer frills, but plenty of savings. Weekly specials on produce and pantry staples are among the best in the province, and its private label, Selection, helps shoppers stretch their dollars further. While the stores don’t offer the extras of higher-end chains, Food Basics focuses on the essentials, which is exactly what many households need right now.
Giant Tiger
More than just a discount department store, Giant Tiger offers surprisingly competitive grocery deals. Shoppers can find deeply discounted frozen foods, snacks, and pantry staples, often at lower prices than traditional grocery chains. The chain’s smaller footprint makes it accessible in both cities and smaller communities. Weekly flyers highlight bargains that Canadians rely on to stock up without breaking the bank. While Giant Tiger isn’t a full grocery destination, its prices on key items make it a favorite stop for budget-conscious shoppers hunting for extra savings.
Safeway
Safeway may not always be seen as the cheapest option, but savvy shoppers know how to unlock its best deals. The Sobeys-owned chain runs frequent promotions and offers substantial loyalty rewards through the Scene+ program. Sale items, particularly on meats and bakery goods, can rival discount grocers when timed right. Safeway’s combination of quality and savings appeals to families who want value without sacrificing selection. While everyday prices may be higher, regular flyer sales and digital coupons make Safeway one of those chains Canadians quietly rely on for deals.
Metro
Metro is a staple in Ontario and Quebec, and while it’s often thought of as a mid-range grocer, its deals shouldn’t be overlooked. The chain offers weekly flyer specials, digital coupons, and loyalty points that help reduce costs. At the same time, its private labels, Irresistibles and Selection, are also popular among shoppers looking for affordable alternatives without sacrificing taste. Metro isn’t always the cheapest on every item, but smart shoppers know how to time their trips around sales, and for many, it strikes the right balance between quality and cost.
Real Canadian Superstore
Superstore combines low prices with the benefits of PC Optimum, one of Canada’s most popular loyalty programs. Weekly discounts on staples like produce, dairy, and meat make it competitive with discount chains, while its private labels, like No Name and President’s Choice, provide added value. Shoppers also appreciate the ability to earn and redeem points across Loblaw-owned stores, stretching savings even further. With larger footprints, Superstore locations often double as one-stop shops for groceries, clothing, and household items.
Save-On-Foods
A Western Canadian favorite, Save-On-Foods earns loyalty with its price-matching policy and strong weekly promotions. The chain also offers personalized digital coupons and loyalty rewards that make regular shopping trips more affordable. While not always the cheapest option, Save-On-Foods is known for balancing quality with value, especially when buying sale items. Shoppers in B.C., Alberta, and beyond often praise its competitive produce and meat prices when deals are applied. With in-store perks like bulk bins and prepared foods, Save-On-Foods effectively delivers value in multiple ways.
IGA
Operating mainly in Quebec, IGA has a reputation for being a little pricier, but those who shop strategically know its promotions deliver serious value. Weekly flyers often feature discounts on meats, dairy, and pantry staples that rival discount stores. The chain’s loyalty program through Scene+ also helps shoppers rack up points that can be redeemed for savings. IGA’s private-label products balance affordability with quality, giving budget-conscious shoppers more options. For Quebec households, IGA continues to be a trusted name where careful deal-hunting can pay off in big ways.
Loblaws
Loblaws might be considered the flagship of the Loblaw Companies, but it doesn’t mean deals are out of reach. Shoppers who pay attention to flyer specials and digital coupons through the PC Optimum app find real opportunities to save. The chain’s No Name and President’s Choice brands offer affordable alternatives to national labels without skimping on quality. While everyday prices may be higher than those on discount banners, the opportunity to earn and redeem loyalty points across multiple Loblaw-owned stores makes Loblaws a smarter choice for long-term savings.
Co-op Food Stores
Found primarily across Western Canada, Co-op Food Stores have built a loyal following for their community-focused approach and competitive deals. Shoppers benefit from member ownership, where profits are often returned as annual rebates, effectively lowering grocery costs. Weekly flyers highlight discounts on produce, meats, and local goods, giving families plenty of chances to save. Co-op’s focus on local products at reasonable prices resonates with shoppers looking for both quality and value.
Longo’s
A Toronto-area favorite, Longo’s balances premium quality with frequent deals that keep costs in check. The chain’s weekly flyer specials often make fresh produce, bakery goods, and meats more affordable than expected. Through its partnership with PC Express, shoppers can also earn and redeem PC Optimum points on purchases, stretching budgets even further. Longo’s in-house brand products offer additional savings without sacrificing taste. While its stores cater to a more urban and health-focused shopper, Canadians who pay attention to sales know Longo’s can be surprisingly wallet-friendly.
Farm Boy
Farm Boy is known for fresh, ready-made meals and premium produce, but many Canadians say the deals are an underrated secret. The Ontario-based chain regularly features weekly specials on produce, deli items, and bakery goods that compete with larger grocers. Shoppers who stock up on sale items find that they can stretch their budget while still enjoying Farm Boy’s quality. Its private-label products also come at competitive prices, often cheaper than national brands. For health-conscious Canadians, Farm Boy proves you don’t always have to overspend to eat well.
Highland Farms
This family-owned Ontario chain has earned a loyal customer base thanks to its strong emphasis on fresh produce, meats, and bakery goods. Highland Farms emphasizes bulk pricing, making it a solid choice for families looking to save on everyday essentials. Weekly flyer deals keep costs down, while its reputation for freshness ensures shoppers don’t have to compromise on quality. Although it has fewer locations than the big chains, many Canadians specifically seek it out for competitive pricing. For those in the GTA, Highland Farms is a reliable budget-friendly option.
Atlantic Superstore
Serving the Maritimes, Atlantic Superstore is a grocery lifeline for East Coast Canadians. Part of the Loblaw network, it offers strong weekly promotions and the ability to earn PC Optimum points on every purchase. Shoppers say the discounts on fresh produce, meat, and bakery staples help offset rising food costs. Its No Name and President’s Choice brands also give shoppers affordable alternatives to pricier name brands. With its combination of sales, loyalty rewards, and large store footprints, Atlantic Superstore remains a favorite destination for Maritimers trying to stretch their food dollars.
Calgary Co-op
As a long-standing presence in Alberta, Calgary Co-op combines member dividends with strong weekly deals to deliver real savings. Shoppers love the sense of community ownership, knowing profits are reinvested locally or returned as rewards. Flyers feature frequent discounts on produce, meat, and pantry staples, making it competitive with national chains. Calgary Co-op also emphasizes local products at reasonable prices, appealing to shoppers who want value while supporting regional producers. For Albertans, this chain continues to be more than just a grocery store, as it is a dependable source for both savings and community spirit.
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