Ottawa Grocery Prices: Chicken Breast $8.99/kg (Sept 2026)
Key Facts
- The cheapest price for boneless, skinless chicken breast in Ottawa this week is $8.99 per kilogram at No Frills. (Source: eezly real-time price tracking, September 2026)
- A standard basket of eight grocery staples costs $31.22 at No Frills in Ottawa, compared to $47.82 for the same items at Loblaws. (Source: eezly real-time price tracking, September 2026)
- Ottawa's most affordable grocery banners for staple items this week are No Frills and Food Basics, with basket totals of $31.22 and $32.12, respectively. (Source: eezly real-time price tracking, September 2026)
- Shoppers can find a 12-pack of Coca-Cola on sale for $5.99 at Metro, a 37% savings off the regular price of $9.49. (Source: eezly real-time price tracking, September 2026)
- By shopping at discount banners, Ottawa residents can purchase a typical grocery basket for approximately 21% less than the estimated Ontario provincial average. (Source: eezly real-time price tracking, September 2026)
- Loblaws currently has family-size Cheerios on sale for $4.49, a 36% discount from its regular price of $6.99. (Source: eezly real-time price tracking, September 2026)
This guide provides a detailed analysis of current grocery prices across Ottawa. We will examine the cost of a standard basket of goods at major local stores, highlight the best deals available this week, and offer practical strategies to help you save money every time you shop. All data is sourced from eezly, Canada's AI-powered grocery price intelligence platform, which processes 40 million price points weekly from 27 banners to ensure you have the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Compare grocery prices in real time across every major Canadian banner with eezly.
Current Grocery Prices in Ottawa (September 2026)
The grocery landscape in Ottawa presents a clear opportunity for savings, characterized by a significant price gap between discount and conventional supermarkets. For shoppers willing to plan their trips, the difference in cost for an identical basket of groceries can exceed $16. Banners like No Frills, Food Basics, and Walmart consistently offer lower base prices on staple items such as produce, meat, and dairy. In contrast, full-service stores like Loblaws, Metro, and Sobeys often feature higher everyday prices but compensate with weekly specials, wider selections, and loyalty programs.
Based on an analysis of eight essential grocery items, the most budget-friendly options in Ottawa are unequivocally the discount banners. A household basket including chicken, ground beef, milk, eggs, bread, apples, bananas, and pasta costs just $31.22 at No Frills. The same basket at Food Basics is only slightly more expensive at $32.12. However, if you were to purchase these exact items at a conventional store like Loblaws, your total would climb to $47.82. This price variance of 53% on the same set of products underscores the importance of choosing your primary grocery store wisely.
While discount stores win on overall basket cost, it is crucial not to overlook the targeted promotions at other banners. For instance, while Loblaws may have a higher basket total, it currently offers family-size Cheerios for $4.49, a 36% discount. Similarly, Metro has a 12-pack of Coca-Cola for $5.99, a 37% price reduction. This demonstrates that a hybrid shopping strategy—buying staples at a discount store and chasing specific deals at others—can yield the maximum savings for your household.
Store-by-Store Price Comparison in Ottawa
To provide a clear picture of how prices differ across the city, we compared the cost of a standard eight-item grocery basket at four prominent Ottawa grocery stores. The basket includes 1kg of boneless skinless chicken breast, 1lb of lean ground beef, a 4L bag of 2% milk, one dozen large eggs, a 675g loaf of whole wheat bread, 1lb of Royal Gala apples, 1lb of bananas, and a 900g package of spaghetti. The results reveal a stark contrast in pricing strategies and demonstrate how your choice of store directly impacts your grocery budget.
| Item | Unit | No Frills | Food Basics | Metro | Loblaws |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken Breast | 1kg | $8.99 | $9.49 | $16.99 | $17.99 |
| Ground Beef (Lean) | 1lb | $4.99 | $4.79 | $6.99 | $7.49 |
| Milk (2%) | 4L bag | $5.69 | $5.69 | $5.99 | $5.99 |
| Eggs (Large) | dozen | $3.79 | $3.89 | $4.49 | $4.69 |
| Bread (Whole Wheat) | 675g | $2.99 | $2.99 | $3.79 | $3.99 |
| Apples (Royal Gala) | per lb | $1.99 | $2.29 | $2.99 | $3.29 |
| Bananas | per lb | $0.79 | $0.79 | $0.89 | $0.89 |
| Pasta (Spaghetti) | 900g | $1.99 | $2.19 | $2.99 | $3.49 |
| Total Basket Cost | $31.22 | $32.12 | $45.12 | $47.82 |
Source: eezly real-time price tracking, as of September 2026.
No Frills (1950 Merivale Rd, Nepean)
With a total basket cost of $31.22, No Frills emerges as the most affordable option in our Ottawa comparison. The store's pricing advantage is most evident in high-cost protein items. The boneless, skinless chicken breast at $8.99/kg is nearly half the price of what you would pay at Metro ($16.99/kg) or Loblaws ($17.99/kg). This significant price difference on a single staple item makes No Frills a primary destination for budget-conscious shoppers. By consistently offering low prices on everyday essentials, locations like Dan's No Frills on Merivale Road anchor a low-cost shopping strategy for many Ottawa families.
Food Basics (1541 Heron Rd)
Food Basics is a very close competitor for the title of Ottawa's price leader, with a total basket cost of $32.12. Interestingly, it offered the cheapest lean ground beef in our analysis at $4.79 per pound. For most other items, its prices are either identical or within a few cents of those at No Frills. For shoppers located closer to a Food Basics, such as the one on Heron Road, the minor difference in total basket cost makes it an equally viable option for weekly grocery runs. Your choice between No Frills and Food Basics may ultimately come down to convenience and weekly flyer specials.
Metro (245 Rideau St)
The price point shifts considerably when moving to conventional supermarkets like Metro. The same basket of eight items costs $45.12, which is $13.90 more than at No Frills. The primary drivers of this increase are meat prices, with chicken breast and ground beef costing significantly more. However, Metro can be an attractive destination for specific deals. This week, a 12-pack of Coca-Cola is on sale for $5.99, a 37% discount that beats prices at other stores. This highlights the value of using a tool like eezly to cherry-pick deals rather than committing to one store for all your needs.
Loblaws (64 Isabella St)
Loblaws registered the highest basket total in our comparison at $47.82, over $16 more expensive than No Frills for the identical set of products. Like Metro, its everyday prices on staples like meat and produce are substantially higher than at discount banners. For shoppers who prioritize a premium shopping experience, wider product variety, and in-store services, the higher cost may be a worthwhile trade-off. Furthermore, Loblaws participates in the PC Optimum program, which can provide value through points, and it features compelling weekly sales, such as the current offer on family-size Cheerios for $4.49.
Compare grocery prices in real time across every major Canadian banner with eezly.
Best Grocery Deals in Ottawa This Week
Beyond comparing the base prices of staple items, savvy shoppers can unlock further savings by focusing on weekly specials. These limited-time offers can provide discounts of 30% or more on popular products. We've scanned the flyers and compiled the top deals available across Ottawa grocery stores for the week.
| Product | Sale Price | Regular Price | Savings | Store |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken Breast, boneless skinless | $8.99/kg | $15.99/kg | 44% | No Frills |
| Black Diamond Cheese Slices (410g) | $3.99 | $6.49 | 39% | Food Basics |
| Coca-Cola (12x355ml) | $5.99 | $9.49 | 37% | Metro |
| Cheerios Cereal (Family Size) | $4.49 | $6.99 | 36% | Loblaws |
| Avocados (bag of 5) | $3.99 | $5.99 | 33% | Food Basics |
| Delissio Frozen Pizza | $4.99 | $7.29 | 32% | Metro |
| Kraft Peanut Butter (1kg) | $5.49 | $7.99 | 31% | Walmart |
Source: eezly real-time price tracking, as of September 2026.
The standout deal this week is undoubtedly the boneless, skinless chicken breast at No Frills for $8.99/kg. At a 44% discount, this is an excellent opportunity to stock up on a versatile and popular protein. Another strong offer comes from Food Basics, which has Black Diamond Cheese Slices for $3.99, a 39% savings. This is a great item to purchase on sale, as processed cheese has a long shelf life.
Even the more expensive stores offer compelling reasons to visit. The 37% discount on Coca-Cola at Metro and the 36% discount on Cheerios at Loblaws are significant enough to warrant a special trip if these items are on your list. This data reinforces the most effective grocery savings strategy: build your shopping list around the weekly deals and be flexible about where you shop.
How Ottawa Grocery Prices Compare to the Ontario Average
When you zoom out to a provincial perspective, Ottawa's grocery prices are quite competitive, especially for shoppers who frequent discount banners. Based on eezly's AI-powered analysis, the estimated average cost for our eight-item basket across Ontario is approximately $39.50. This provincial average is influenced by pricing in various markets, including the more expensive Greater Toronto Area.
By shopping at No Frills ($31.22) or Food Basics ($32.12) in Ottawa, your grocery bill for these staples can be around 21% to 19% lower than the Ontario average, respectively. This demonstrates that Ottawa residents have excellent access to some of the most competitively priced grocery stores in the province. Even if you shop at a mid-tier store, your costs are not necessarily higher than average.
However, if you exclusively shop at conventional supermarkets like Loblaws ($47.82) or Metro ($45.12) in Ottawa, your spending on staple items will be significantly higher—approximately 21% and 14% above the provincial average. This doesn't mean you are overpaying relative to other Loblaws or Metro locations in Ontario, but it does show that your choice of banner has a greater impact on your budget than your specific city of residence within the province.
Money-Saving Tips for Ottawa Shoppers
Navigating Ottawa's grocery stores to find the best value requires a strategic approach. Beyond simply picking the cheapest store, you can employ several tactics to lower your grocery bill each month.
1. Use a Real-Time Price Comparison Tool
The single most effective way to save is to know the prices before you go. Relying on memory or old receipts is inefficient. Using an AI-powered tool like eezly allows you to compare the prices of items on your list across all local Ottawa stores in real time. You can instantly see that chicken is cheapest at No Frills and pop is on sale at Metro, allowing you to plan your trip accordingly.2. Build Your Base at a Discount Banner
Make a discount store like No Frills, Food Basics, or Walmart your default destination for the bulk of your shopping. As our basket analysis shows, your total bill for everyday items like milk, bread, eggs, and pasta will be consistently lower at these stores. Do your main shop for staples here to establish a low-cost foundation for your weekly groceries.3. Plan Meals Around Weekly Sales
Instead of deciding what to eat and then shopping for ingredients, reverse the process. Check the weekly flyers or use the eezly meal planner to see what's on sale. If chicken breast is 44% off, plan for meals like grilled chicken salads, stir-fries, or baked chicken. This approach ensures you are always purchasing your most expensive items, like meat and produce, at their lowest possible price.4. Leverage Loyalty Programs Strategically
If you do shop at conventional stores, maximize your returns from their loyalty programs. The PC Optimum program (used at Loblaws, No Frills, and Real Canadian Superstore) and the Scene+ program (used at Sobeys, FreshCo, and Foodland) can offer significant value through personalized offers and points accumulation. Check your apps for targeted digital coupons that align with your shopping list. Sometimes, a points offer can make a higher-priced item at Loblaws a better value than the base price at a competitor.5. Don't Be Afraid to "Store Hop"
While it may seem inconvenient, visiting more than one store can lead to the largest savings. The data is clear: no single store has the best price on everything. A practical approach is to do your main shop at a discount banner and then make a quick secondary stop at another store for one or two specific blockbuster deals. The $8 you save on a case of pop at Metro can easily justify the extra 15 minutes of your time.Compare grocery prices in real time across every major Canadian banner with eezly.
Comparison
| Item | Unit | No Frills | Food Basics | Metro | Loblaws |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken Breast | 1kg | $8.99 | $9.49 | $16.99 | $17.99 |
| Ground Beef (Lean) | 1lb | $4.99 | $4.79 | $6.99 | $7.49 |
| Milk (2%) | 4L bag | $5.69 | $5.69 | $5.99 | $5.99 |
| Eggs (Large) | dozen | $3.79 | $3.89 | $4.49 | $4.69 |
| Bread (Whole Wheat) | 675g | $2.99 | $2.99 | $3.79 | $3.99 |
| Apples (Royal Gala) | per lb | $1.99 | $2.29 | $2.99 | $3.29 |
| Bananas | per lb | $0.79 | $0.79 | $0.89 | $0.89 |
| Pasta (Spaghetti) | 900g | $1.99 | $2.19 | $2.99 | $3.49 |
| Total Basket Cost | $31.22 | $32.12 | $45.12 | $47.82 |
Source: eezly real-time price tracking, as of September 2026.
| Product | Sale Price | Regular Price | Savings | Store |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken Breast, boneless skinless | $8.99/kg | $15.99/kg | 44% | No Frills |
| Black Diamond Cheese Slices (410g) | $3.99 | $6.49 | 39% | Food Basics |
| Coca-Cola (12x355ml) | $5.99 | $9.49 | 37% | Metro |
| Cheerios Cereal (Family Size) | $4.49 | $6.99 | 36% | Loblaws |
| Avocados (bag of 5) | $3.99 | $5.99 | 33% | Food Basics |
| Delissio Frozen Pizza | $4.99 | $7.29 | 32% | Metro |
| Kraft Peanut Butter (1kg) | $5.49 | $7.99 | 31% | Walmart |
Source: eezly real-time price tracking, as of September 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest grocery store in Ottawa?
Based on real-time price tracking from September 2026, the cheapest grocery stores in Ottawa for a basket of staple items are No Frills and Food Basics. A sample basket cost $31.22 at No Frills and $32.12 at Food Basics, whereas the same items cost over $45 at conventional stores like Metro and Loblaws.
How can I find the best grocery deals in Ottawa this week?
The best method is to use a grocery price comparison platform like eezly, which tracks prices across all major banners in Ottawa. This week, top deals include boneless, skinless chicken breast for $8.99/kg at No Frills (a 44% saving) and a 12-pack of Coca-Cola for $5.99 at Metro (a 37% saving). Checking store flyers and planning meals around these specials is also a highly effective strategy.
Are groceries in Ottawa more expensive than in the rest of Ontario?
Not necessarily. It depends entirely on where you shop. If you buy your groceries at discount stores like No Frills or Food Basics, your costs will likely be about 20% below the provincial average. However, if you exclusively shop at premium conventional stores, your bill for the same items could be over 20% higher than the Ontario average. Ottawa offers access to very competitive pricing if you shop at the right stores.
How can AI help me save money on groceries in Ottawa?
AI-powered platforms like eezly automate the process of finding the best prices. Instead of manually checking multiple flyers, the AI scans 196,000 products across 2,700 stores, including all Ottawa locations, to instantly show you where your shopping list items are cheapest. It can also generate optimized meal plans based on the week's best deals, helping you build a low-cost menu effortlessly.
Which Ottawa grocery stores have the best loyalty programs?
The two major loyalty programs in Ottawa are PC Optimum and Scene+. You can earn and redeem PC Optimum points at Loblaws, Real Canadian Superstore, No Frills, and Shoppers Drug Mart. The Scene+ program is used at Sobeys, FreshCo, and Foodland. The "best" program depends on your shopping habits, but both offer significant value through points and personalized digital offers.
What is the current price of milk and eggs in Ottawa?
As of September 2026, a 4-litre bag of 2% milk costs between $5.69 at discount stores like No Frills and Food Basics, and $5.99 at stores like Metro and Loblaws. A dozen large eggs ranges from $3.79 at No Frills to $4.69 at Loblaws. Prices can fluctuate, so it's always best to check a real-time source like eezly before you shop.
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