If you can get over long queues, limited parking spaces, crowds, and a limited stock of products, you’ll be able to enjoy the many benefits of shopping for groceries in the cheapest grocery store Toronto has to offer, which is No Frills. If you’re looking for more premium products at low prices, Loblaws offers slightly higher prices but offers better products. It even has its own loyalty program, PC Optimum, which is highly popular among Canadians.
Even though these stores indeed offer better prices for groceries than most, there are still things you can do to save even more on groceries. Some tips include buying in bulk, using discount coupons, and buying the store brand.
Did you just arrive in Toronto and want to pinch some pennies on groceries? Well luckily for you, we have researched and listed the ten cheapest stores in Toronto, so whether you're on a budget or are simply looking for good deals, we've got your back.
Since groceries are often one of the most expensive items we have to purchase for our day-to-day lives, it makes sense that people would want to find cheaper alternatives, and with this article, you will!
Our Top 10 List Of Cheapest Grocery Stores In Toronto
| N° | Store | Average Item Cost |
| 1 | No Frills | $0.90 |
| 2 | Costco Grocery | $0.99 |
| 3 | Walmart | $0.99 |
| 4 | FreshCo | $0.99 |
| 5 | Loblaws | $1 |
| 6 | Metro | $1 |
| 7 | Food Basics | $1 |
| 8 | Galleria Supermarket | $1 |
| 9 | Real Canadian Superstore | $1.1 |
| 10 | B.J. Supermarket | $1.2 |
#1 No Frills
The first on our list—No Frills—is the cheapest grocery store in Toronto, with an average price of $0.90 per item. Apart from its low prices, No Frills has a wide selection of products, ranging from fresh produce to frozen food and everything in between.
According to one report, there were 273 No Frills retail stores in Canada as of November 2022. Toronto has 17 of these stores, which is about 6.2% of all No Frills stores in Canada. As its name implies, this store is all about getting you the basics without the frills.
Related: If you or someone you know is getting married in Toronto, you may be interested in the cheapest wedding venues in the city.
#2 Costco Grocery
The cheapest items at Costco are typically frozen vegetables, canned goods, pantry staples like peanut butter, and other household essentials. Plus, they offer a wide selection of organic options and everyday low prices, making it easy to keep your grocery budget in check.
Costco Grocery is one of the cheapest grocery options in Toronto, with an average cost per item of $0.99. Costco’s store layout also helps keep costs down, as there is no need for fancy displays or excessive packaging.
Below is a comparison of some of their products with Walmart's.
| Item | Costco Price | Walmart Price |
| Spices (steak seasoning) per ounce | $0.26 | $0.33 |
| Macaroni and Cheese per box | $0.89 | $1.07 |
| Brown rice per kg | $2.40 | $3.90 |
| Canned organic coconut milk per can (400ml) | $1.83 | $2.27 |
| Chicken breasts per kg | $13.99 | $18.10 |
| Ground turkey, per kg | $10.99 | $15.40 |
| Organic bananas, per lb | $0.87 | $0.97 |
| Organic milk, per gallon | $8.79 | $9.28 |
#3 Walmart
Walmart Canada offers a huge range of goods, including anything from fresh meals to frozen goods. You can save even more money because they frequently have sales on a variety of things.
It also has a great rewards program that allows customers to earn points when they shop at the store or online.
In addition, Walmart also offers free shipping on orders over $35, making it a great option for those trying to stock up on groceries without breaking the bank.
The company has stores across Toronto, which makes it easy to shop at a convenient location.
While both Costco and Walmart offer great prices on most of their products, you’ll find that some are cheaper in Costco and others in Walmart. Below is a short comparison of some of Walmart’s and Costco’s prices.
| Item | Walmart Price | Costco Price |
| Organic apples, per lb | $2.99 | $3.35 |
| Avocados, each | $1.17 | $2.00 |
| Almond milk, per l | $2.10 | $2.43 |
| Cod fillet, per kg | $24.19 | $25.99 |
| Spices (steak seasoning) per ounce | $0.26 | $0.33 |
| Macaroni and Cheese per box | $0.89 | $1.07 |
| Brown rice per kg | $2.40 | $3.90 |
| Canned organic coconut milk per can (400ml) | $1.83 | $2.27 |
| Chicken breasts per kg | $13.99 | $18.10 |
| Ground turkey, per kg | $10.99 | $15.40 |
| Organic bananas, per lb | $0.87 | $0.97 |
| Organic milk, per gallon | $8.79 | $9.28 |
#4 FreshCo
FreshCo Ltd. is a Canadian chain of deep discount supermarkets owned by Sobeys. Prices are comparable to other grocery stores in the city while still offering great discounts on staple items. The average price of items at FreshCo is around $0.99 per item.
Their stores sell a wide range of products, from fresh fruits and vegetables to household items, pet supplies, and even organic options.
FreshCo is the perfect store for shoppers who desire both quality and affordability when it comes to their groceries. Whether you're in need of fresh produce, dairy, or pantry staples, FreshCo has all your needs covered with a wide selection of products.
Related: These are the best furniture stores in Toronto that sell at affordable prices.
#5 Loblaws
“We sell for less” has been Loblaw’s mantra since 1919, and today, it's still evident in the prices of their products. If you're looking for a more traditional grocery shopping experience, Loblaws is one of the best options in Toronto.
Prices are slightly higher than No Frills, but their selection is much more extensive, and they offer quality produce and other items.
Loblaws also offers great discounts on various products with their loyalty program and weekly sales that can save you even more money. By signing up for PC Express Pass you can get as many as 25,000 PC Optimum points, as of August 23.
#6 Metro
Metro Inc. is a Canadian food retailer with one of the cheapest grocery stores in Toronto. They can keep their prices down by having a no-frills approach to their store design and layout.
This means that they don’t have the same level of customer service as some of the other stores, but it also means that their prices are lower.
Their prices are also lower because they do not carry as many items as some of the other stores. This can be a downside for customers looking for a specific item, but it also helps keep their overall prices down.
#7 Food Basics
Food Basics is a Canadian supermarket chain owned by Metro Inc. The company operates over 130 stores throughout Ontario with its headquarters in Toronto.
Food Basics is one of the cheapest grocery stores to shop in Toronto for several reasons.
First, the store offers a wide variety of items at low prices. This is due to the fact that Food Basics sources its products from a variety of suppliers, which allows the store to offer competitive prices.
Food Basics also offers discounts on certain items every week, which can help cut the cost of groceries even more.
Finally, the store has a loyalty program that gives shoppers additional savings. As a result, Food Basics is an ideal place for budget-conscious shoppers who are looking for the best deals on groceries.
Related: When going to downtown Toronto to buy groceries, you'll want to save on parking. Here are the cheapest places to park in downtown Toronto.
#8 Galleria Supermarket
Galleria has a wide range of food items for a small fraction of what other supermarkets charge. For example, Galleria sells a pound of ground beef for $4.99, while the average price for a pound of ground beef at other supermarkets is over $8.00.
In addition, Galleria offers a wide variety of organic and natural foods that are not easily found at other supermarkets. For example, Galleria sells organic chicken breasts for $7.99/lb, while the average price for organic chicken breasts at other supermarkets is over $12.00/lb.
Galleria also offers a loyalty program where shoppers can earn points towards free groceries. They have free delivery for orders over $35.00, making it convenient for busy families or those who do not have access to a car.
#9 B.J. Supermarket
B. J. Supermarket is a cheap grocery store for anyone looking to stock up on Asian groceries. They offer a wide variety of products from all over Asia, including Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Thai items, with their prices being some of the cheapest in Toronto.
The store has aisles of shelving stocked with non-perishable items such as canned goods, dried pasta, and cereal boxes. They have ingredients for your favorite meal as well as ingredients for a quick snack. They also have a selection of fresh produce and seafood to make your meals more delectable.
Despite its low prices, B.J. Supermarket strives to provide a clean and welcoming shopping experience for all of its customers. They have dedicated staff to help you find specific items in their store.
#10 Real Canadian Superstore
The Real Canadian Superstore is one of Toronto's best places to visit for cheap groceries. With its wide selection of products, competitive prices, and weekly sales, it's easy to find great deals on everything from food to household items.
The store sells a wide range of foods worldwide, including fresh fruits and vegetables, frozen foods, dairy products, meat and poultry, ready-made meals, and health and beauty products.
Real Canadian Superstore also has a loyalty program that rewards customers with discounts and money-saving coupons.
What's Behind The Increase In Grocery Prices In Canada?
The cost of groceries has been rising in recent years, and this has been a cause for concern for many families.
The Canadian inflation rate increased to 8.1% in June, which is a new 39-year high and the fastest annual increase in decades. A percentage way higher than the Bank of Canada’s inflation target of between 2 and 3%.
Alongside the effects of inflation, there are a number of other reasons for the increased cost of groceries, including
- The rise in fuel prices
- The increasing cost of transportation, and
- The depletion of agricultural land.
However, there are ways to save money on groceries, and this article has provided 10 of the cheapest places to buy groceries in Toronto without sacrificing quality or variety.
Tips To Save Money On Your Groceries
There are simple steps that you can take to save money on your groceries in Toronto. Here are a few tips:
#1 Compare Prices Before You Buy
This is probably the best way to save money on your groceries. Compare the prices of items at different stores before you make your purchase. This will help you find the cheapest option and save you a lot of money in the long run.
#2 Use Coupons And Discounts
Another great way to save money on your groceries is to use coupons and discounts. Many stores offer loyalty programs that give discounts on various items, and Walmart offers weekly sales that can save you a lot of money on your groceries.
#3 Buy In Bulk
If you have the space, buying groceries in bulk can be a great way to save money. Buying products like meat, fish, cheese, bread, and cereal in bulk can save you a lot of money in the long run. Just be sure to store any excess food properly so it doesn't go bad.
#4 Take Advantage Of Sales
Sales are a great way to save money on your groceries. Keep an eye out for any weekly or seasonal sales that stores offer, and stock up on items you regularly use when they go on sale.
#5 Plan Your Meals Ahead Of Time
Planning your meals can help you save money on groceries. By planning what you are going to make for the week, you can avoid buying unnecessary items that will go bad before you get a chance to use them. This can help keep your grocery bill low and your stomach full!
#6 Use A Grocery List
Another way to save money on your groceries is to use a grocery list. This will help you stay focused while shopping and avoid buying unnecessary items.
#7 Buy Store Brands
Store brands are a great way to save money on your groceries. They offer the same quality as name-brand products but at a fraction of the price.
#8 Stick To A Budget
The best way to save money on your groceries is to stick to a budget. Determine how much money you can afford to spend on groceries each week and shop accordingly. This will help you stay within your budget and save money in the long run.
These tips can help you save money on your groceries in Toronto, so make sure to put them into practice the next time you go shopping!
The Challenges Of Purchasing From The Cheapest Grocery Stores In Toronto
These are some of the problems you might encounter if you shop at stores that sell items at low prices.
#1 Long Queues
Grocery stores in Toronto can be very busy. It is common to have long queues at the checkout and this can be very frustrating, especially if you are in a hurry.
#2 Limited Stock
Some popular grocery stores may run out of items due to high demand. This can be frustrating if you are looking for a specific product and can't find it at the store you are visiting.
#3 Crowds
Grocery stores in Toronto can be very crowded, especially during peak hours. This can make it difficult to move around the store, which can be very frustrating.
#4 Limited Parking
Many popular grocery stores in Toronto have limited parking, making it challenging to find a spot nearby.
In Summary
There you have them! The top 10 stores to get the cheapest groceries in Toronto. If you're looking to save money on groceries, check out one of these stores. You might be surprised at how much you can save.
Just remember to keep an eye out for bargains and special deals and to be mindful of the challenges that cheap prices might present.
Cheapest Grocery Stores Toronto FAQs
What grocery stores are the least expensive?
The cheapest grocery stores in Toronto are Walmart, No Frills, and Food Basics. These stores offer low prices on various products and can help you save a lot of money on your groceries.
Is Costco cheaper than Walmart?
No, Costco is not generally cheaper than Walmart. However, some items may be less expensive at Costco due to their bulk-buying power. Before making a purchase, it's always a good idea to compare prices at various stores.
What day is the cheapest to buy groceries?
The cheapest day to buy groceries is Wednesday. This is when most stores offer weekly sales, saving you a lot of money on your groceries.
