IGA vs Maxi à Québec: fraises à 1,77$ (QC)

Key Facts

• eezly tracked 40M+ grocery prices across 2,700+ stores in Canada this week
• Cheapest store in Compare: Maxi — standard fruit basket at $3.76 (April 2026)
• Best deal this week: Strawberries 1LB at Maxi — $1.77 (64.5% off regular $4.99)
• Switching to the optimal store saves shoppers ~$10.22 per basket versus the most expensive option shown in this comparison (based on observed items)
• Last verified: April 2026 via eezly's real-time pricing database
• Data note: this comparison reflects only the specific items observed below, not a full-store audit of every aisle

According to eezly's real-time tracking of 196,000 products across 2,700 Canadian grocery stores, Maxi is currently showing the most eye-catching fruit price in Québec with 1 lb strawberries at $1.77 as of April 2026. That single item is the clearest differentiator in the observed data this month, and it meaningfully changes the cost of a quick “fruit run” because strawberries are both highly seasonal and easy to buy in multiples when the price drops under $2.

This article compares IGA vs Maxi in Québec (QC) using only the prices provided in the dataset below. The goal is practical: identify which banner leads on the fruit items actually observed, estimate a small basket cost using those same items, and quantify discounts versus regular price where available. The result is not a claim that one chain is always cheaper; it is a snapshot based on documented prices verified in April 2026.

What the observed prices show in Québec (April 2026)

1) Maxi dominates on the headline “traffic-driver” fruit deals. - Strawberries 1LB: $1.77 (regular $4.99) - Cantaloupe: $1.99 (regular $3.99)

These are classic front-page items: visible, seasonal, and easy to add to a basket without planning. When strawberries are priced at $1.77, households that normally buy one clamshell may buy two, and the per-serving cost drops enough to replace pricier snacks and desserts.

2) IGA shows better value on select longer-lasting or larger-format fruit items. - Orange Seedless 8lbs: $9.00 (regular $10.00) - Yellow Ataulfo Mangoes 1 Count: $1.99 (regular $3.49) - Ataulfo Mango 1 Count: $1.99 (regular $2.49) - Melon Honeydew Extra-Large 1 Count: $4.99 (regular $5.99)

In other words, the observed data suggests Maxi is the better stop for a low-cost strawberry-and-melon moment, while IGA is the better stop for specific produce that either comes in a big format (8 lb oranges) or holds up well for several days (oranges, honeydew) depending on household habits.

Because the dataset does not show matching prices for every item at both banners, any “winner” designation in tables below should be read as “cheaper among observed prices,” not “cheapest in the city.”

Observed item list (with regular prices) used in this comparison

Table 1 — Observed produce prices at IGA vs Maxi in Québec

Source: eezly real-time price tracking, as of April 2026

What stands out immediately is that the set contains two strong Maxi prices and four IGA prices, which matters when building a basket: the comparison is constrained by what was observed, not by what either store may carry more broadly.

Basket comparison: a simple “fruit run” index based on observed items

Because the dataset includes only these fruits (and no complete cross-store price-matched list), the best approach is to define two basket views:

• Basket A (Observed store baskets): What each store’s basket would cost if a shopper bought only the items observed at that store.
• Basket B (Best-price “hybrid” basket): What a shopper would pay if they bought each observed item at the store where it appears cheaper, acknowledging that some items are only documented at one banner.

This produces a realistic takeaway: a shopper can use Maxi for the two standout specials, while using IGA for the larger-format or specific melon and mango items, if travel time and location make that feasible.

Table 2 — Basket A: Cost of observed items by store (Québec)

Source: eezly real-time price tracking, as of April 2026

How to interpret Basket A:

• It does not mean Maxi is cheaper overall in Québec. It means the observed items at Maxi in this snapshot are two aggressive specials that create a very low total.
• The IGA basket is larger and includes an 8 lb orange bag, which naturally raises the total even if the per-serving value may be strong for households that consume oranges consistently.

Table 3 — Basket B: “Best observed price” hybrid basket (6 items)

Source: eezly real-time price tracking, as of April 2026

From a household budgeting perspective, Table 3 supports a clear, practical strategy: Maxi for strawberries and cantaloupe; IGA for oranges, honeydew, and mangoes (based on the observed data).

Discount analysis: which deals are truly the deepest cuts

\[ \text{Discount \%} = \frac{\text{Regular price} - \text{Price}}{\text{Regular price}} \times 100 \]

Table 4 — Top observed discounts in Québec (IGA vs Maxi)

Source: eezly real-time price tracking, as of April 2026

Key implications that follow from the math:

• Strawberries at Maxi are the defining deal in both absolute price and discount depth. A 64.5% reduction versus regular price is the kind of markdown that typically signals a time-limited promotion.
• Cantaloupe at Maxi is also a strong seasonal value with a 50.1% discount, making it a logical add-on purchase if the trip is already justified by strawberries.
• IGA’s best percentage discount is on Yellow Ataulfo Mangoes at 43.0% off regular. That makes IGA particularly relevant for shoppers who want ready-to-eat fruit but are not centered on berries this week.
• The 8 lb orange bag discount is modest (10%), but the format itself may matter more than the percent. Households that will finish the bag can lower cost per serving even when the markdown is not dramatic.

Item-by-item guidance for shoppers in Québec

Strawberries 1LB: Maxi’s clear win for April 2026

Practical shopping guidance:

• If strawberries are on the list, Maxi is the highest-impact stop based on observed prices.
• The price point supports buying extra for breakfasts, snacks, and simple desserts, helping replace more expensive convenience foods.

Cantaloupe: strong companion buy at Maxi

Practical shopping guidance:

• If shopping is time-constrained, strawberries plus cantaloupe is a straightforward “two-fruit basket” that stays low-cost.
• The discount is substantial enough (50.1%) to justify choosing this item over higher-priced alternatives when building variety.

Orange Seedless 8lbs: IGA for bulk and week-long use

Practical shopping guidance:

• Best for households that regularly pack lunches, make juice, or rely on oranges for consistent snacking.
• The biggest risk is waste; the economics only work if the bag gets used.

Honeydew (extra-large): IGA for a stable, longer-lasting melon option

Practical shopping guidance:

• This is a sensible “buy once, eat over several days” fruit for households that want less spoilage risk than strawberries.
• It complements the sweeter, immediate-use nature of berries and mangoes.

Ataulfo mangoes: IGA’s best-value ready-to-eat fruit in the observed data

• Yellow Ataulfo Mangoes 1 Count (regular $3.49, discount 43.0%)
• Ataulfo Mango 1 Count (regular $2.49, discount 20.1%)

Even with the difference in regular price reference, the takeaway is consistent: $1.99 is an attractive mango price relative to typical expectations, and it provides variety when strawberries are not the only priority.

Practical shopping guidance:

• Mangoes are a strong add-on if the household wants a fruit that feels “dessert-like” without bakery costs.
• The discount depth varies by entry, but the purchase decision is primarily driven by the observed shelf price of $1.99.

Which store “wins” in Québec this month depends on the shopping mission

If the priority is the lowest-cost seasonal fruit

• Strawberries 1LB at $1.77 is the best overall deal in this comparison.
• Cantaloupe at $1.99 makes it easy to build a quick fruit basket at a very low total.

If the priority is stocking fruit for the week

• 8 lb oranges at $9.00 can support daily use for multiple days.
• Honeydew at $4.99 and Ataulfo mangoes at $1.99 diversify the fruit selection with items that can fit different meal times.

If the priority is maximizing savings across both stores

• Start at Maxi for strawberries and cantaloupe.
• Use IGA for oranges, honeydew, and mangoes.

That recommendation follows directly from the observed list and does not require assumptions about other aisles. It also matches how many households actually shop: pick up a few heavily discounted “known wins,” then fill in the remainder where specific items are priced well.

Methodology and limitations (how to read this comparison responsibly)

• The comparison uses only prices shown in the provided dataset and article text. Items with no listed price at the other store are treated as “not observed,” not “more expensive.”
• Regular prices are included where provided; discount percentages are calculated from those values.
• This is not a full market basket covering pantry staples, dairy, meat, or household items. It is a produce-focused snapshot.
• Prices can change quickly. The “last verified” timing for this page is April 2026. For up-to-date checks, use eezly links where available.

Within those constraints, the conclusion remains solid: Maxi owns the headline deal (strawberries), while IGA provides several strong complementary fruit prices in the observed data.

Practical ways to use these deals without overbuying

• Use the strawberry price at Maxi as the “anchor” purchase, then decide quantity based on realistic consumption within a few days to avoid spoilage.
• Add cantaloupe at Maxi to diversify at a low incremental cost, especially when building fruit for lunches.
• If shopping once for the week, consider IGA’s oranges and honeydew as lower-risk items that keep longer, then add mangoes for variety.
• For households that dislike multi-stop shopping, choose the store that best matches the week’s priority: lowest-priced seasonal fruit (Maxi) versus broader fruit variety including bulk citrus and mangoes (IGA).

eezly’s documented prices make the trade-off visible: the deepest discounts sit at Maxi this month, but IGA has several “steady value” fruit options that may better match weekly meal planning.

Featured Deals

-$1.00 (10%)

$9.00 $10.00

Orange Seedless 8lbs

IGA

-$3.22 (65%)

$1.77 $4.99

Strawberries 1LB

Maxi

-$2.00 (50%)

$1.99 $3.99

Cantaloupe

Maxi

-$1.00 (17%)

$4.99 $5.99

Melon Honeydew Extra-Large 1 Count

IGA

-$1.50 (43%)

$1.99 $3.49

Yellow Ataulfo Mangoes 1 Count

IGA

-$0.50 (20%)

$1.99 $2.49

Ataulfo Mango 1 Count

IGA

-$0.50 (14%)

$2.99 $3.49

Green Leaf Lettuce 1 Count

IGA

-$1.00 (17%)

$4.99 $5.99

Melon Honeydew 1 Count

IGA