The capital city of Alberta is a bustling hub that’s grown by almost 10% over the last five years.
The city features some really nice high-end grocery stores and organic farmers’ markets, which are definitely worth checking out. However, they can be a bit pricey.
Below, I’m going to show you the cheapest places to buy groceries in Edmonton. Whether you’re looking to buy in bulk or you just want a good deal on your everyday essentials, these affordable grocery stores will save you money and keep your fridge full.
What Store Has The Cheapest Groceries In Edmonton?
If you’re looking for the cheapest overall groceries, then No Frills and Walmart are going to be your best bet. At both stores, you’ll find all of your essentials and then some. Both stores offer their own prospective generic discount brands, which makes it easy to save.
If produce is what you’re looking for, though, H&W Produce has the cheapest fruits and vegetables in Edmonton. It’s a locally-owned and operated grocery store that specializes in fresh, low-cost produce.
The Cheapest Places To Buy Groceries In Edmonton: Listed
Saving money can be hard, especially if you’re on a tight budget. One of the best ways to start saving more money is to reduce your daily cost of living by purchasing affordable groceries and cooking at home more often than you eat out.
With that in mind, here are the cheapest places to buy groceries in Edmonton.
1. Costco
- Best For: Non-perishable groceries, bulk kitchen supplies
Costco is a wholesale grocery store that sells all of your favourites (and then some) in bulk.
Whether you need paper plates, steaks, wine, or a giant batch of bananas, everything is big at Costco. I use it for non-perishable items like snacks, paper towels, and frozen foods.
That being said, the meat and produce are very affordable. You just have to buy it in bulk, which may not be a good idea unless you’re purchasing for a large group or a party.
2. No Frills
- Best For: Low-cost groceries and produce
No Frills is a local discount grocery store with locations throughout Alberta. It offers a similar selection to Walmart’s, and you’ll be able to find great deals on your everyday essentials.
The meat selection can be a bit small at No Frills, but the grocer does have a good produce selection.
You can save even more money by shopping with your No Frills coupons and taking advantage of short-term deals.
3. Walmart
- Best For: General groceries
Walmart’s grocery selection has improved a lot over the past few years. The store is pretty much a one-stop shop for every last grocery item you might need. I will say that the produce selection is a bit sparse.
However, Walmart has a decent selection of affordable meats (including organic meat). They also offer great deals on pantry essentials and kitchen cleaning supplies.
Is Walmart Cheaper Than Superstore?
Superstore and Walmart have always been competitors in Edmonton’s grocery market.
Both stores offer a wide selection of cheap groceries and other household essentials. Walmart and Superstore both have very similar prices.
Some items might be cheaper at Superstore, while other items might be cheaper at Walmart.
The two stores are constantly competing, and changing prices. Overall, though, I’d say that Walmart has slightly cheaper prices than Superstore.
4. Save On Foods
- Best For: General groceries, produce
As the name implies, Save On Foods is a great way to save money on everyday groceries. The store doesn’t offer as many bulk deals as you’ll find at Costco or Walmart.
However, if you’re just purchasing groceries for yourself, then Save On Foods has some great deals on essentials like:
- Milk
- Eggs
- Bread
- Bottled Water
- … and more
Plus, Save On Foods often offers free samples on the kitchen food bar items. Who doesn’t want to eat some free food while they shop?
5. Safeway
- Best For: Meat, produce
Safeway is a small but well-stocked grocery store in Edmonton that’s always offering daily deals that you can find in local flyers and newspapers.
I really appreciate Safeway’s wide selection of fresh produce, and the store usually has a solid meat selection as well.
You won’t find as many brands at Safeway as you will at larger grocery stores, but what you do find will be affordable.
6. The Grocery People (TGP)
- Best For: Wholesale groceries, fresh produce, meat
The Grocery People (TGP) is, hands-down, one of my favourite places to buy groceries in Edmonton.
It’s a 100% locally-owned grocery store that also has a wholesale market for those wishing to buy in bulk.
The prices you’ll find here are very similar to what you’ll find at Costco, and there’s no membership fee, so anybody can go.
7. Real Deal Meats
- Best For: Meat
Growing up, my dad would always buy our meat from a local butcher shop instead of the grocery store. He explained that butcher shops almost always had better-quality meat at lower prices. You just had to know what you were looking for.
Real Deal Meats is one of Edmonton’s best (and cheapest) local butchers. They’re open from 10 am to 6 pm most of the week and closed on Sundays and Mondays. The staff here is also really friendly, and it’s not hard to become a “regular.”
8. Real Canadian Superstore
- Best For: General groceries
Real Canadian Superstore has been an Edmonton staple for over twenty years. They’re known for having cheap groceries and a wide selection of brands. Overall, the prices here are similar to what you’ll find at Walmart.
Unfortunately, since the store is so busy, you often may find some essential items that are out of stock.
9. H&W Produce Edmonton
- Best For: Produce
H&W Produce is, by far, the best place to buy fresh produce in Edmonton. It’s a locally owned grocery store that only sells produce. You won’t find any meat, chips, sodas, or snacks here, but you will find some incredible deals on fresh fruits and veggies.
It truly is a green grocery store, and the store stands by its eco-friendly principles. The people who work here are also very friendly and welcoming.
How Can I Save Money On Groceries In Alberta?
Looking to save a bit of money on your groceries? Here are a few of my top tips for saving money on groceries.
Don’t Shop While Hungry
You may have heard this before, but it’s worth mentioning again. Shopping while you’re hungry is probably the easiest way to stray from your shopping list and end up purchasing an extra $30 worth of unnecessary snacks.
Do yourself (and your wallet) a favour, and eat a quick meal before you go out shopping.
Use Coupons
Many of the stores I mentioned above offer coupons that can be found in local flyers, newspapers, and couponing apps.
Couponing does take a little bit of extra time, but it’s a great way to save money on last-minute deals and stock up on essentials with buy-one-get-one-free deals.
Buy In Bulk
Buying certain expensive items in bulk is a great way to reduce your overall grocery spending over the month.
I like to stock up on paper goods and canned and frozen food at wholesalers like Costco and TGP in Edmonton.
Make A List (And Stick To It!)
One of the most important budgeting tips that I give people is to make detailed shopping lists.
If you’re the type of person who frequently strays from the list or has a spending problem, creating a detailed list can help you build financial discipline and save you money.
Local Farmers’ Markets and Its Advantages in Edmonton
Farmers’ markets are a great way to support local businesses and agriculture while enjoying fresh and often organic produce. Edmonton is home to several farmers’ markets, each with its unique offerings and advantages, and you might find some great deals as well.
- Old Strathcona Farmers Market: This market is open year-round and hosts over 130 vendors. Here, you can find a variety of locally produced goods, including fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, poultry, and more.
- City Market Downtown: This market is also open year-round. During summer months, it is located outside on 104th Street and moves indoors in the winter. It hosts vendors selling a wide range of goods, from food items to artisan crafts.
- 124 Grand Market: The 124 Grand Market takes place on 124th Street, featuring a variety of food trucks, vendors, and live music.
- Callingwood Farmers Market: This is one of the larger farmers’ markets in Edmonton, with over 130 vendors. It’s a great place to find fresh produce, baked goods, meat, and crafts.
- Southwest Edmonton Farmers Market: A community-driven market where all products are grown or crafted within Alberta.
Advantages of shopping at local farmers’ markets in Edmonton include:
- Freshness and Quality: The produce sold at farmers’ markets is typically fresher than what you’d find at a grocery store, as it’s often picked at the peak of its ripeness and sold directly to you.
- Support Local Economy: By shopping at a farmers’ market, you’re supporting local farmers and small businesses. This helps to keep money within your local community and boost the economy.
- Variety: Farmers’ markets often feature a wider variety of fruits, vegetables, and other goods than typical grocery stores. This includes unique and heirloom varieties that you may not find elsewhere.
- Sustainable: Buying local can reduce your carbon footprint since the food hasn’t travelled long distances to get to your plate.
- Community Engagement: Farmers’ markets often become community hubs where you can meet your neighbours, chat with vendors, and even enjoy live music or other entertainment.
Conclusion
Whether you’re buying in bulk at Costco or purchasing small batches of fresh veggies from H&W Produce, affordable groceries aren’t hard to find in Edmonton. The more you can save on groceries, the more you’ll have to invest in the things in life that matter most.
Not sure if you’re overpaying? Check out what is the average cost of groceries in Canada for one month here.
