Grocery Shopping in Canada: Stores, Prices and Saving Money

Types of stores

These are common types of stores. Store names, prices and availability differ by province and city, so look at what's near you and compare before you decide where to shop.

• Supermarkets. Full-service chains, including some discount-format stores, with a wide selection and weekly sales.
• Warehouse clubs. Large packs, usually with a membership fee. They may suit a larger household that has storage space.
• Independent and ethnic grocers. Local shops that are often a good place to find produce, spices and specialty foods from home.
• Farmers' markets. Fresh, local food, often seasonal.
• Convenience stores. Handy in a pinch, but prices can be higher than at a supermarket, so compare.

How to save money

These are practical suggestions, not official advice.

• Compare unit prices. Shelf labels often show the price per 100 g or per kilogram, which is a fair way to compare different sizes.
• Check weekly flyers and store apps before you shop, and plan meals around what's on sale.
• Look at loyalty programs at the stores you use, and check whether they're free to join.
• Try store brands, and compare them with national brands.
• Buy produce in season, and consider frozen fruit and vegetables.
• Check the clearance shelves for items close to their best-before date.
• Make a list, and cook at home more than you eat out.

Prices, tax and bags

Basic groceries such as fresh, frozen and canned fruits and vegetables, breakfast cereals, most milk products, fresh meat, poultry and fish, and eggs are zero-rated for GST/HST, which means no GST/HST is added. Snack foods, candy, carbonated beverages and prepared platters are taxable ^[1]. That's why your receipt total can differ from what you expected. The CRA lists the rules on its basic groceries page. Bring your own reusable bags, because some stores charge for bags.

Reading food labels

• Best before dates are about freshness, taste and nutritional value, not safety. The CFIA says best before dates are not indicators of food safety, before or after the date, and that the date applies to unopened products ^[2].
• Expiration dates are required only on certain products, such as infant formula, meal replacements, formulated liquid diets and nutritional supplements. Food should not be bought, sold or eaten after its expiration date ^[2].
• Allergens. Check the ingredient list and the “Contains” statement if you or your family have allergies.

Learn more on the CFIA's page about understanding date labels. Canada's Food Guide is the Government of Canada's guidance on healthy eating for people aged 2 and older ^[4].

Setting a grocery budget

Grocery costs depend on your household, your city and how you shop. Use the First-Month Cost Calculator to set a number that fits your situation, replacing its starting amounts with your own, and see What Life Costs: Comparing Canadian Cities for the bigger picture.