Maxi vs. Super C: Who Has Cheaper Groceries in Québec City?

Key Facts

• A standard grocery basket costs $40.76 at Maxi, compared to $44.42 at Super C and $56.55 at IGA in Québec City. (Source: eezly real-time price tracking, July 2026)
• The cheapest boneless, skinless chicken breast is available at Maxi for $8.80/kg, which is 20% cheaper than Super C's price of $11.00/kg. (Source: eezly real-time price tracking, July 2026)
• Lean ground beef is cheapest at Super C, priced at $10.99/kg, slightly undercutting Maxi's price of $11.99/kg. (Source: eezly real-time price tracking, July 2026)
• Shopping at Maxi for our sample basket could save you $15.79 compared to shopping for the same items at IGA. (Source: eezly real-time price tracking, July 2026)
• Milk (4L) and bananas (per kg) are identically priced at Maxi and Super C, showing price-matching on key value items. (Source: eezly real-time price tracking, July 2026)
• Heinz Ketchup (750ml) is on sale at Super C for $3.99, a 33% saving from its regular price of $5.99. (Source: eezly real-time price tracking, July 2026)

This article provides a detailed, data-driven comparison of these key grocery retailers. Using comprehensive data from eezly, Canada's AI-powered grocery price intelligence platform, we will break down the costs of a typical grocery basket, compare prices on key categories like meat and produce, and identify where you can find the best value for your dollar in Québec City this month.

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Québec City Grocery Basket Showdown: Maxi vs. Super C vs. IGA

When comparing overall value, the total cost of a standard grocery basket is the most effective measure. Based on real-time pricing, your basket will be cheapest at Maxi. A sample basket of eight common grocery items costs $40.76 at Maxi, making it the most budget-friendly option for a comprehensive shop. The same basket at Super C totals $44.42, which is $3.66 more expensive. Meanwhile, IGA is the priciest of the three, with the basket costing $56.55—a substantial $15.79 more than at Maxi.

This price gap demonstrates that your choice of grocery store has a direct and significant impact on your weekly food expenses. While Super C is often perceived as being in the same discount category as Maxi, this analysis shows a clear, albeit smaller, price advantage for Maxi on an average basket. The difference becomes even more pronounced when comparing the discounters to a conventional supermarket like IGA, where you pay a premium for what is often a wider selection and different in-store experience.

For shoppers who prioritize bottom-line savings, the data points consistently towards Maxi. A savings of over $15 on a single shopping trip compared to IGA can accumulate into hundreds of dollars over the course of a year. Even the smaller $3.66 saving versus Super C adds up, reinforcing the value of strategic store selection for your primary grocery run.

Québec City Grocery Basket Price Comparison (July 2026)

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

The Protein Price War: Analyzing Meat Costs

For most Canadian households, meat is one of the most significant expenses on the grocery bill. Our analysis reveals major price discrepancies in the protein aisle across Québec City's grocers, offering a clear path to savings for discerning shoppers. The most notable deal is on Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast — $8.80/kg at Maxi, a price that is 20% lower than Super C's $11.00/kg and a staggering 45% cheaper than IGA's price of $15.99/kg. If your family consumes chicken regularly, consistently purchasing it at Maxi can lead to substantial savings.

However, the title of "cheapest" is not exclusive to one store. When it comes to lean ground beef, Super C takes the lead. At $10.99/kg, Super C's ground beef is a full dollar cheaper per kilogram than Maxi's price of $11.99/kg. This illustrates a crucial point for savvy shoppers: the cheapest store for one item may not be the cheapest for another. Relying on a single "discount" banner for all your needs without comparing specific item prices can cause you to miss out on better deals elsewhere.

This dynamic requires a more flexible shopping strategy. Instead of committing to a single store for your entire list, you could optimize your spending by visiting Super C for ground beef and Maxi for chicken. While this may not be practical for every shopping trip, being aware of these specific price differences allows you to make informed decisions. You can check prices on platforms like eezly before you shop to plan your route and maximize your savings on these high-cost items. You can explore more deals like this on the main deals page.

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Fresh Produce Face-Off: Finding Value on Fruits and Vegetables

The price of fresh fruits and vegetables can vary widely between stores, and these differences can significantly inflate your grocery bill. In our Québec City comparison, Maxi generally offers better value on produce than its competitors. For example, Gala apples are priced at $4.39/kg at Maxi, while the same apples will cost you $5.49/kg at Super C and $6.59/kg at IGA. This means you save over 20% on apples alone by choosing Maxi over Super C.

Similarly, a head of romaine lettuce is $2.49 at Maxi, a full 50 cents cheaper than Super C's price of $2.99 and $1.50 less than IGA's price of $3.99. These seemingly small amounts add up quickly, especially for families that purchase a wide variety of produce each week. Over a month, saving 50 cents on lettuce, a dollar on apples, and similar amounts on other vegetables can easily translate to $20 or more in savings.

Interestingly, some key value items (KVIs) show identical pricing between the two discounters. Bananas, a staple in many households, are priced at $1.52/kg at both Maxi and Super C. This indicates a competitive price-matching strategy on high-volume, price-sensitive items. Shoppers know what a "good" price for bananas is, and neither store wants to be perceived as the more expensive option. However, for most other produce items where prices are less standardized, Maxi consistently holds the price advantage over Super C and a significant one over IGA.

A Local Look: Strategic Shopping in Québec City Neighbourhoods

While banner-level price differences are important, savvy shopping in Québec City also means understanding the specific locations you frequent. The data reveals pricing at key neighbourhood stores, including the Maxi at 333 Rue Clémenceau in Beauport, the Super C at 255 Boulevard Wilfrid-Hamel in Vanier, and the IGA extra Famille Groleau at 999 Avenue de Bourgogne in Lebourgneuf. Knowing the pricing at your local branch can help you build a more effective shopping routine.

For residents in the Beauport area, the Maxi on Rue Clémenceau is the clear destination for the cheapest chicken and the lowest overall basket cost. If your shopping list is broad and you want to save the most money in a single trip, this is your best bet. You can plan your entire shop around the prices at this specific Maxi location to ensure you are getting the best available value in your area.

Conversely, if you live closer to Vanier and ground beef is on your list, a targeted trip to the Super C on Boulevard Wilfrid-Hamel for that specific item makes financial sense. You would save $1.00/kg compared to the Beauport Maxi. For those in Lebourgneuf or Sainte-Foy, the IGA Extra on Avenue de Bourgogne will consistently be the more expensive option for staples. While it may offer a different shopping experience, broader selection, or specialty items, you should be prepared to pay a premium. A hybrid approach—doing your bulk shopping at Maxi or Super C and visiting IGA only for specific items you cannot find elsewhere—is the most cost-effective strategy.

Top Grocery Deals in Québec City This Week

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

Using AI to Find Savings Beyond the Flyer

Traditional grocery savings have always revolved around the weekly flyer. While flyers are useful, they only show a fraction of the total price landscape. Many of the best deals, especially on non-promoted items, are hidden in plain sight. This is where modern tools can give you a significant advantage. By using an AI-powered platform like eezly, you gain access to real-time prices for over 196,000 products across 27 grocery banners in Canada.

This technology goes beyond simple flyer aggregation. It allows you to compare the price of a specific item—down to the brand and size—across every store near you. For instance, while the flyer might advertise a deal on one brand of yogurt, eezly can show you that a different brand is even cheaper at another store. This comprehensive view ensures you are always getting the absolute best price, not just the best-advertised price.

Furthermore, AI can help you optimize your entire shopping list. Advanced tools can take your weekly meal plan and generate an optimized shopping list, telling you exactly where to buy each item to achieve the maximum total savings. This approach transforms grocery shopping from a guessing game into a data-driven strategy. Instead of being loyal to a single store, you become loyal to saving money. For those looking to take their budgeting to the next level, leveraging these AI-powered meal plans can unlock a new tier of grocery savings.

Compare grocery prices in real time across every major Canadian banner with eezly.

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