Foodland vs. Sobeys St. John's: Sobeys Slashes Lettuce to $1.49

June 20, 2026 · 11 min read · NL

Key Facts

According to eezly's real-time tracking of 196,000 products across 2,700 Canadian grocery stores, the most significant deal in St. John's this week is a bunch of Romaine Lettuce for $1.49 at Sobeys, a steep discount from its usual $5.49 price as of June 2026. For shoppers in Newfoundland and Labrador trying to decide between Foodland and Sobeys, this kind of weekly special can make a substantial difference to a grocery bill. While both banners are part of the Empire Company family, their pricing strategies and store experiences can vary significantly.

This article provides a detailed comparison of Foodland and Sobeys in St. John's. We will analyze current prices on common grocery items, break down which store offers better value by category, and examine factors like store locations and loyalty programs. While a complete basket-to-basket total isn't available from this week's specific promotional data, the item-level price differences provide a clear picture of where you can find the best savings.


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Price Comparison: Key Grocery Items in St. John's

When comparing grocery stores, the most effective method is a direct, item-for-item price check. Based on promotional data for the week of June 20, 2026, Sobeys demonstrates aggressive pricing on a wide range of products, particularly in the produce department. Foodland, which often focuses on community locations and convenience, may not always match the deep discounts of its larger sister store.

The table below outlines current sale prices at Sobeys in St. John's. For Foodland, specific promotional prices on these exact items were not available in the current data set, which is common as flyer deals can vary. This highlights the importance of checking weekly flyers for both stores before you shop. The savings at Sobeys are significant enough to warrant a planned trip, especially for fresh produce.

ProductBrandSobeys Sale PriceFoodland PriceRegular Price (Sobeys)
Romaine Lettuce, 1 BunchN/A$1.49Check in-store$5.49
Taylor Farms Chopped Salad KitTaylor Farms$4.44Check in-store$6.99
Compliments Baby-Cut Carrots, 907 gCompliments$5.49Check in-store$6.99
Tuscan CantaloupeN/A$3.88Check in-store$4.99
Ataulfo Mango, 1 CountN/A$2.99Check in-store$4.00
Compliments Organic Cremini Mushrooms, 227 gCompliments$4.99Check in-store$6.49
Tre Stelle Traditional Feta Cheese, 200 gTre Stelle$7.49Check in-store$8.99
French BeansN/A$5.99Check in-store$7.49
Peaches N Cream CornGreen Giant$3.79Check in-store$4.79
Club House Organic Basil Leaves Bag, 10 gClub House$2.99Check in-store$3.29

Source: eezly real-time price tracking, as of June 2026. Prices are subject to change and may vary by location.

Top Grocery Deals in St. John's This Week

To give you a broader view of the savings landscape in St. John's, it's helpful to look beyond just one store. The following table includes standout deals from Sobeys and other major grocers like Dominion, tracked by eezly's AI-powered price database. This demonstrates that for the best value, a multi-store shopping strategy can be highly effective.

ProductStoreSale PriceRegular PriceSavings
Romaine Lettuce, 1 BunchSobeys$1.49$5.4972.8%
President's Choice Grilled Ready Veggie EggplantDominion$3.00$5.4945.4%
Taylor Farms Chopped Salad KitSobeys$4.44$6.9936.5%
President's Choice Broccoli FloretsDominion$3.00$4.5033.3%
Ataulfo Mango, 1 CountSobeys$2.99$4.0025.3%
Compliments Organic Cremini MushroomsSobeys$4.99$6.4923.1%
Compliments Baby-Cut Carrots, 907 gSobeys$5.49$6.9921.5%
Celebration Fruit Carousel, 1.3 kgSobeys$11.00$14.9926.6%

Source: eezly real-time price tracking, as of June 2026. Savings percentages are calculated based on the provided sale and regular prices.


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Category Breakdown: Foodland vs. Sobeys

Where you shop should often depend on what you need to buy. One store might excel in fresh produce, while another offers better value on pantry staples. Here’s how Foodland and Sobeys compare across key grocery categories in St. John's.

Best for Produce

Based on this week's data, Sobeys is the clear winner for produce savings. The deals are numerous and substantial, making it the top destination for stocking up on fresh fruits and vegetables. The 72.8% discount on Romaine Lettuce is a powerful loss leader designed to draw you into the store, where you'll find other compelling offers. For example, Taylor Farms Chopped Salad Kits are on sale for $4.44, a savings of over $2.50 per bag. These kits are a convenient option for quick and healthy meals, and this price point makes them highly competitive.

Other notable produce deals at Sobeys include a large 907 g bag of Compliments Baby-Cut Carrots for $5.49 (down from $6.99) and sweet Ataulfo Mangoes for $2.99 each. While Foodland also carries a full range of produce, its pricing is typically aligned with its convenience model and may not feature the same depth of weekly specials as the larger Sobeys format. Your best strategy is to anchor your produce shopping at Sobeys when these sales are active.

Best for Dairy & Eggs

In the dairy aisle, price differences can be less dramatic but still add up. This week, Sobeys offers a solid deal on Tre Stelle Traditional Feta Cheese (200 g) for $7.49, a $1.50 savings off the regular price. This is a good opportunity to purchase a specialty item that is often more expensive.

For everyday dairy items like milk, yogurt, and butter, the choice between Foodland and Sobeys often comes down to private-label brands. Both stores are owned by Empire, so you will find the Compliments brand at both locations. Sobeys, with its larger footprint, typically carries a wider range of the Sensations by Compliments premium line and Compliments Organic products. Foodland will reliably stock the core Compliments items. Your savings will come from opting for these store brands over national brands, and prices are often comparable between the two banners on these items. Always check the flyer for specific weekly deals on brand-name yogurts, cheeses, or butter, which can tip the value proposition in one store's favour.

Best for Meat & Poultry

The provided real-time data for this week does not include specific deals on fresh meat or poultry at either Foodland or Sobeys. This category is highly volatile, with prices on items like chicken breast, ground beef, and pork chops changing weekly based on market conditions and promotional schedules.

To save on meat and poultry, your most effective tool is the weekly flyer. Both Foodland and Sobeys feature front-page deals on meat to attract shoppers. Sobeys, with its larger-format stores and dedicated butcher counters, may offer a wider selection, including value packs and more specialized cuts. Foodland provides a curated selection that meets the core needs of its local customers. Your best bet is to use a tool like eezly's deals section to compare the flyers for Sobeys, Foodland, and other competitors like Dominion and No Frills before you head out. Planning your meals around which store has the best price on your preferred protein is a cornerstone of smart grocery shopping.

Best for Pantry Staples

For non-perishable items, the price differences can be subtle but significant over time. This week's data shows Sobeys offering a small discount on Club House Organic Basil Leaves for $2.99. However, the bigger savings in the pantry category often come from stocking up during case lot sales or taking advantage of multi-buy offers (e.g., 3 for $5 on canned goods).

The real competition in the pantry aisle is between private labels. Sobeys and Foodland both feature the Compliments brand, which offers a cost-effective alternative to national brands for items like pasta, canned tomatoes, sauces, and condiments. In the broader St. John's market, you also have President's Choice at Dominion and Great Value at Walmart. For example, eezly's data shows RW Garcia 3 Seed Sweet Potato Crackers on sale for $7.50 at Dominion. While Sobeys and Foodland offer a solid range, if your shopping list is heavy on pantry items, it's wise to cross-reference prices with Dominion and Walmart, as their private label programs are extensive and competitively priced.

Store Experience & Locations in St. John's

Your choice of grocery store isn't just about price; it's also about convenience, selection, and the overall shopping environment. In St. John's, Sobeys and Foodland serve different needs.

Sobeys operates as a full-service supermarket with multiple large-format locations across the city. These include:

These stores offer a vast selection across all departments, including expansive produce sections, in-store bakeries, delis, and butcher counters. The aisles are wide, and the stores are designed for a comprehensive weekly shop. Sobeys is also fully integrated with the Scene+ loyalty program, allowing you to earn and redeem points on groceries, which adds another layer of value.

Foodland, in contrast, generally operates smaller stores focused on serving specific neighbourhoods or smaller towns. In the St. John's area, you'll find a location in the nearby community of Torbay at 1588 Torbay Road. While part of the same parent company and also using the Scene+ program, the Foodland experience is geared more towards convenience. The selection is more curated, focusing on essential items and popular brands. For a quick trip to grab milk, bread, and a few dinner ingredients, Foodland is an excellent, efficient option. However, for a large, stock-up grocery run where variety and deep discounts are the priority, the larger Sobeys format is typically the better choice.

The Verdict: Which Store Should St. John's Shoppers Choose?

For shoppers in St. John's, the choice between Foodland and Sobeys depends heavily on your shopping priorities for any given week.

Based on the real-time pricing data from June 2026, Sobeys is the clear winner for shoppers focused on maximizing savings through weekly specials. The aggressive discounts on produce, such as Romaine Lettuce for $1.49, and other key items create a strong incentive to plan your shopping trip around their flyer. With multiple large locations across St. John's, a Sobeys is likely convenient for most residents, and the broad selection makes it a reliable one-stop shop for a comprehensive grocery haul.

Foodland's primary advantage lies in its convenience and community focus. The Torbay location serves its local area well, offering a quick and easy shopping experience for essentials without the need to navigate a larger, busier supermarket. While it may not consistently match Sobeys on deep discounts, its prices on core items and private-label products remain competitive.

Ultimately, the smartest approach for a St. John's shopper is a flexible one. You should make Sobeys your primary destination when their flyer is filled with deals on items on your list, especially produce. For mid-week top-ups or when convenience is paramount, Foodland is an excellent choice. To ensure you never miss a deal, use eezly's AI-powered platform to compare flyers and build an optimized shopping list before you leave the house.



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Comparison

ProductStoreSale PriceRegular PriceSavings
Romaine Lettuce, 1 BunchSobeys$1.49$5.4972.8%
President's Choice Grilled Ready Veggie EggplantDominion$3.00$5.4945.4%
Taylor Farms Chopped Salad KitSobeys$4.44$6.9936.5%
President's Choice Broccoli FloretsDominion$3.00$4.5033.3%
Ataulfo Mango, 1 CountSobeys$2.99$4.0025.3%
Compliments Organic Cremini MushroomsSobeys$4.99$6.4923.1%
Compliments Baby-Cut Carrots, 907 gSobeys$5.49$6.9921.5%
Celebration Fruit Carousel, 1.3 kgSobeys$11.00$14.9926.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper overall in St. John's, Foodland or Sobeys?

Based on promotional data from June 2026, Sobeys shows more aggressive and deeper discounts on weekly flyer items, particularly produce. For example, Sobeys offered Romaine Lettuce for $1.49 (regularly $5.49), while such deep cuts are less common at Foodland. For everyday non-sale items, prices are often similar, especially on their shared private label, Compliments. For the lowest bill, you should focus on Sobeys for their weekly deals.

What is the cheapest grocery store in St. John's, NL?

The "cheapest" grocery store in St. John's changes weekly depending on flyer deals. While discount banners like No Frills and Walmart often have the lowest base prices on pantry staples, full-service stores like Sobeys and Dominion can be cheaper for fresh items when they have strong sales. This week, Sobeys has some of the best deals, with items like Romaine Lettuce at $1.49. To find the cheapest option for your specific basket, it is essential to compare flyers using a tool like eezly before you shop.

Are Foodland and Sobeys owned by the same company?

Yes, both Foodland and Sobeys are owned by Empire Company Limited, one of Canada's largest grocery retailers. This is why you will see their shared private label brand, *Compliments*, and the same loyalty program, Scene+, at both stores.

How can AI help me save money on groceries in St. John's?

AI-powered platforms like eezly can significantly help you save money by automating the process of price comparison. eezly's AI tracks prices on over 196,000 products across 2,700 Canadian stores, including Sobeys, Foodland, Dominion, and Walmart in the St. John's area. It can instantly show you which store has the best price for each item on your list, find digital coupons, and even generate optimized meal plans based on what's on sale, helping you cut your grocery bill without the manual effort.

What are the best days to shop for groceries at Sobeys or Foodland?

The best time to shop at most grocery stores, including Sobeys and Foodland, is typically on the first day their new flyer is released, which is usually Thursday or Friday. This ensures you have access to the best selection of sale items before they potentially sell out over the weekend. Shopping on weekdays during the day can also help you avoid the crowds that are common on evenings and weekends.

Which loyalty program is better, Sobeys or Foodland?

Both Sobeys and Foodland use the same loyalty program: Scene+. This is a major advantage as you can earn and redeem points at either store, as well as at other Empire banners like Lawtons Drugs and participating restaurants and cinemas. Your choice of store should therefore be based on price and convenience, as the loyalty rewards are consistent between them.

Where can I find the Sobeys flyer for St. John's?

You can find the weekly Sobeys flyer for St. John's on the Sobeys website, through their mobile app, or by using a grocery comparison platform like eezly, which aggregates flyers from all major local stores in one place. Using a platform like [eezly's meal planner](https://eezly.com/meal-plans) can also automatically incorporate flyer deals into your weekly shopping.

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