In the vibrant city of Canada, a diverse array of grocery stores in Toronto caters to the needs of its bustling population.
From renowned supermarket chains to specialized stores offering exotic fare, Toronto’s grocery landscape offers a rich tapestry of choices.
In this comprehensive list, we delve into a selection of both popular and niche grocery stores that have established their presence within the city.
If you seek the convenience of one-stop shopping or the charm of artisanal offerings, Toronto’s grocery stores are poised to delight even the most discerning shoppers.
List Of Grocery Stores In Toronto
1. Loblaw Companies
Loblaw Companies, not just the food but also the country’s leading pharmacy, have No Frills, Loblaws, and more under them.
Theodore Loblaw and J. Milton Cork founded the company in 1919 in Brampton, Ontario, and it is regarded as one of the largest supermarkets in Canada Toronto.
They have an overall 2400 chain stores.
These outlets are known to sell mainly groceries, and you can also find clothing, appliances, and electronics goods.
They can be located in through provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Saskatchewan, as well as Quebec.
Address: 1 Presidents Choice Cir, Brampton, ON L6Y 5S5, Canada
2. Metro
The biggest franchise numbers are up to around 400 throughout Ontario, Toronto, and Quebec.
There are over 142 outlets under Marche Richelieu’s banner owned by Metro. In Quebec, another division of Metro that runs on a discount is Super C.
The combined annual sales of these two divisions at Metro amount to C$1 billion.
Around 950 stores operating under the Metro, Metro Plus, Super C, and other labels are part of Metro’s retail network in Quebec and Ontario.
Metro is one of the best and most renowned supermarkets in Canada and the world.
Address: 735 College St, Toronto, ON M6G 1C5, Canada
3. Sobeys
With its headquarters in Stellarton, Nova Scotia, and more than 1500 locations operating under the Safeway, IGA, Foodland, FreshCo, Thrifty Foods, Sobeys Urban Fresh brands, and Sobeys Extra, Sobeys was founded in 1990.
They are renowned for their in-house design, cordial customer service procedures, and clever marketing.
They remain at the top of the market because of their reward programs, online grocery sales, and philanthropic donations.
Address: 55 Peakview Way, Bedford, NS B3M 0G2, Canada
4. Safeway
The grocery chain in the country’s western region has approximately 200 locations.
The supermarket franchise in the country’s Western region is the third-largest in the nation, concentrating in Alberta and British Columbia.
The current Safeway brands are Organics for organic goods, Primo Taglio for deli products, and Lucerne for daily line items.
Intriguingly, the company’s motto, “Drive the Safeway; Buy the Safeway,” which alludes to the fact that it does not accept credit, includes the name “Safeway” as part of a broader phrase.
The’safe way’ of purchasing implied avoiding borrowing, or, to put it another way, taking the debt risk.
Safeway, founded in 1929, was sold to Sobey’s in 2013.
However, it still operates with the same name and symbol.
There are 162 stores, 10 outlets, and 173 pharmacies inside the shop and gas stations for 62 put together as of March 2020.
Now, it ranks among the top 10 grocery stores in Canada.
Address: 38 George St, New Glasgow, NS B2H 2K1, Canada
5. Walmart
In 1994, Walmart procured 122 outlets of Woolco all over the nation to set up its nearness here.
Whereas one may contend the company isn’t Canadian, the multinational retail enterprise obtained all the representatives of Woolco outlets.
Now, the brand is headquartered in Mississauga and has over 408 shops.
This is often one of the American stores in Canada for retail trade.
Love it for its low-price labels and range of options; a part is going on to create Walmart among the most excellent comfort companies.
Address: 713 Westville Rd, New Glasgow, NS B2H 2J6, Canada
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6. Real Canadian Superstore
Real Canadian may be an establishment accessible in 6 distinctive areas (Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Yukon) out of ten areas.
You may discover nearly 114 shops, as it were, in Ontario.
The to begin with shop opened in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, within the year 1979. Already, it was named SuperValu.
Address: 481 Gibb Street Oshawa, Ontario Canada L1J1Z4
7. No Frills
1978 was intense since of tall swelling, and this company received a rebate cost European demonstrated in advancing the business.
They are utilized to advance the modern generation at the least conceivable cost.
The procedure worked for numerous clients, and gradually the comfort shop became a ‘family name.’
Nowadays, they have basic supply chain shops in Alberta, Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador, Ontario, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, Modern Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Ruler Edward Island.
Despite fewer client benefits and choices, the basic need shop still made a huge title.
No Decorations carries nourishment costs cheaper than other companies carrying thousands of products.
The customers can pack their goods and indeed bring their packs.
In expansion, they spare paying work costs by not having a pastry kitchen,
butcher, or complimentary bags.Address: 160 Main Street South, Hagersville, ON, Canada
8. Canadian Tire
Canadian Tire witnessed unimaginable development, and it has nearly 487 outlets.
After offering Hamilton Tire and Carport Ltd, Alfred Jackson and John William Billes opened the primary shop in 1934 in Hamilton, Ontario.
They make items that contribute to natural supportability driving esteem, whereas giving back to the communities we serve is their witticism.
By giving eco-friendly things to their clients, they help them make taught natural purchases.
Their continuous exertion moreover expands to creating merchandise that cut GHG emanations whereas constraining the utilization of virgin materials and trash.
Address: 7190 Morrison St Unit A001, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 7K5, Canada
9. Food Basics
A&P Canada, within the year 1995, established this outlet.
Within the year 2005, Metro Inc obtained the company.
It has 125 basic supply shops and department stores all around Ontario.
A few shops also give medication marts, which you can call Food and Medicate Basics.
Address: 5559 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M9B 1B9, Canada
10. FreshCo
Sobey’s markdown shop was FreshCo.
In 2010, it came into the picture that the most point of this move was to supply new fixings at a really low cost.
They feel that fresh foods ought not to be restrictively expensive.
All over Ontario, you may discover 88 outlets.
They have modern things within the outlets that you cannot discover elsewhere.
So, you should not go anywhere; you get everything in the store, from sound nourishment to entire foods.
FreshCo points to keeping an easy-to-shop format, giving new nourishment at a reasonable rate, and highlighting bargains and reserve funds throughout their shops.
They, too, have an in-shop drug store where clients can fill their medicines amid showcasing hours.
They anticipated dispatching two unused FreshCo outlets in British Columbia and four in Saskatchewan by the conclusion of the monetary year of 2021, the moment quarter.
Address: 2500 Hurontario St, Mississauga, ON L5B 1N4, Canada
11. Zehrs
Fortino and Zehrmart became affiliated with the Loblaw brand in 2005.
It is alluded to be a “one-stop” shop since it offers a fresh bakery, apparel, a pharmacy, wine shops, electronics, wine shops, and non-traditional things.
It functions in both small towns and large cities all through Southern Ontario.
Address: 1005 Ottawa St N, Kitchener, ON N2A 1H1, Canada
12. Foodland
In the year 1985, Foodland got established as a franchise.
You will find the stores in western Canada, rural Ontario, and the Atlantic areas.
The store size is 4000 to 27,000 sq. feet, owned by Sobeys.
They pay attention to the customer’s convenience and offer dry goods, dairy products, deli, meats, and frozen food.
Address: 623 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON M4K 1R2, Canada
13. Save on Foods
It operates in 110 shops in British Columbia, one in the province of Yukon, Manitoba has three shops, Alberta has 39 shops, and Saskatchewan has 6 shops.
You will find all kinds of grocery items that help your home run.
While amidst the well-known companies, you might want to become a member of this one, although when you shop, items cost a fair bit more without one.
Membership is free, so don’t worry.
Address: 10368 78 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6E 6T2, Canada
14. Fortino’s
The parent company of this brand is Loblaw Companies Limited.
In 1961 John Fortino, a steelworker from Italy, opened a shop in Hamilton.
Since then, Fortino’s has witnessed massive success and development in the hearts of Canadians.
It has had 23 shops altogether since 2012.
The company introduced 1996 the idea of “Fortinos Adventure.”
With a little store in the front and the look of a marketplace on a large scale for the fresh produce and deli section, it recreates a European cityscape.
One would also have “The Butcher Block,” which makes it possible for customers to order deli cuts.
Address: 330 Queens Plate Dr, Etobicoke, ON M9W 7J7, Canada
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15. London Drugs
London Drugs have everything from aisles dedicated to laptops, vacuum cleaners, and more to regular groceries like milk, biscuits, and more.
You can become a part of their company through a loyalty program where you can obtain benefits like $5 for every ten purchases you make.
You get more than you think here.
Address: 525 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1E6, Canada
10 Best Local Dishes From Toronto
Local dishes in Toronto demonstrate a vibrant culinary scene whose flavors range from Italian to French.
Most people here are looking for poutine, even though it originated in Quebec.
You can find the best here, though.
Other dishes like ketchup chips, Nanaimo, and even smoked meat sandwiches all define the flavor and style of Toronto’s foodie scene.
However, those are just a few delectable and unusual flavors to find in Toronto.
Explore some of the best local dishes in the city and try the famous food locals love to eat here.
1. Peameal Bacon Sandwich
A peameal bacon sandwich must be tasted to be believed, and while many restaurants serve versions of it, only one has the original: Carousel Bakery.
This sandwich has won awards and is a favorite of celebrity chefs like Bobby Flay and Emeril Lagasse.
Lines form at the counter daily as people flock to St. Lawrence Market to sample the famous sandwich.
In fact, it’s so popular it’s been featured on TV and in print media. Not too shabby for a few thick slices of bacon on a Kaiser bun.
Many restaurants claim to have this sandwich, but Carousel has the original.
Head for the market just 7 minutes from the city center to try it.
2. Ketchup chips
Ketchup chips are an iconic snack in Toronto, though you can get them in many places now, even your local supermarket, and they’re just what they sound like.
They’re produced by Lay’s and are quite literally crisp with the ketchup flavor.
Toronto is one of the few places where you can get them regularly in just about any supermarket.
They’ve become a staple of local snackers here, and if you’re looking to munch between meals, they’re hard to beat.
Never had a ketchup crisp? Now is the time. Just head to the nearest supermarket and pick up a bag!
3. Sushi pizza
Sushi pizza might be the most rich sushi, consisting of a fried rice patty topped with tuna, crab, or salmon, avocado, spicy mayo, and soy-wasabi.
It’s popular across Canada, but especially in Toronto, where it’s believed that Japanese chef Kaoru Ohsada invented it for his restaurant Nami.
It’s said that the original was fried sushi rice topped with salmon and garnished with chopped onion and tobiko fish roe.
Today, it’s served with soya sauce and pickled ginger.
You may have seen this one in poke restaurants across the border in the US, but you haven’t experienced it like you can in Toronto.
Head for Square Fish, Sushi Oyama, or Sushiyama for some of the best.
4. Caesar cocktail
The Caesar cocktail is a crazy take on a bloody Mary made from vodka, clam juice, tomato juice, horseradish, Worcestershire, and a celery-salted rim.
The Toronto version of this cocktail can be made with a wide range of spirits, and every bar puts its creative spin on it, from fancy garnishes to international fusion twists.
At Tabüle, you’ll get it with harissa and served in a za’atar and sumac-rimmed glass.
At Rodney’s, you can get it with bourbon or scotch. Cherry Street garnishes it with a spiced rib.
At Hunter’s Landing, they take the garnishes to the next level with pizza, lobster tails, cheese, bacon, and pickles.
The options are endless.
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5. Butter tarts
Butter tarts became an iconic staple of Canadian cuisine, combining eggs, brown sugar, butter, walnuts, and vinegar in a flaky pastry crust.
The earliest versions of the recipe date to 1915 and added currants and raisins in the mix.
Nobody knows where the dish originated, though many claim it relates to pecan pie brought north from the United States.
Others claim it’s an evolution of Quebecois sugar pie.
Still, others claim it came all the way from Scotland and evolved from their border tarts.
Regardless of where it came from, it’s a must-try dessert.
Head for Doo Doo’s Bakery, Bonjour Brioche, or Wanda’s Pie in the Sky to try one.
6. Nanaimo
Nanaimo bars are named after a city in British Columbia and are a local Toronto staple, with three layers of wafers, nuts, coconut, custard, and chocolate ganache.
It’s served at coffeehouses, bakeries, and sweets shops across Toronto.
The earliest known version of this confection dates to a 1953 cookbook, and it has also been known as a London fog bar, Mabel’s squares, chocolate squares, and chocolate slices.
The Nanaimo bar is so iconic that in 2019, the Canada Post put it on a postage stamp and other confections.
It was even served during a 2016 US State Dinner when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visited the White House with President, First Lady, and Michelle Obama.
Address: City Hall 455 Wallace Street Nanaimo, BC V9R 5J6
7. Smoked meat sandwiches
Smoked meat sandwiches are popular around Toronto, but the iconic meal is served at Caplansky’s Delicatessen in Little Italy and their associated food lorry.
In fact, Caplansky’s started with the smoked meat sandwich, and even today, it’s a Toronto must-try whether you have one in the sit-down deli or grab one for some takeaway street food.
When we say smoked meat, we’re talking about hand-cured, spiced, steamed, and sliced beef briskets, which all started in the owner’s backyard.
Smoked meat sandwiches are a relatively new addition to the culinary landscape here, having only appeared in 2007.
Still, they have become an absolute must among local flavors.
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8. Poutine
Poutine is the iconic Canadian snack dish, and while it originally hails from Quebec, some of the best can be had in Toronto at the iconic restaurant Smoke’s Poutinerie.
The basic form of poutine is made by topping coarse-cut French fries in thick, rich brown gravy and crumbling soft and creamy cheese curds on top.
The gravy often contains vinegar for an extra tang.
At Smoke’s, you can add a wide variety of meats to the dish, like pork and chicken.
They even make a vegetarian version.
While poutine may have originated in French Canada, it’s made its way to Ontario in a big way.
Don’t leave Toronto without digging into a big plate.
9. Tourtière
Tourtière is a spiced meat pie that’s a traditional French-Canadian food prepared between Christmas and New Year’s Eve but has become a part of Toronto’s culinary landscape.
This savory, fragrant dish is so enticing that it rarely stays on the menu for long.
It’s traditionally made with pork, but variant versions with beef are also quite popular.
In addition to the meat, the pie contains onions, potatoes, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice packed into a golden flaky pastry crust.
It’s the very definition of winter comfort food.
If you’re looking for an authentic Tourtière in Toronto, there’s only one place to go: Le Papillon on Front.
It’s in the heart of the city center.
10. Bagels
Bagels are a Montreal staple that has made their way to Toronto in a big way in every size and flavor, and some of the best can be found at the South Market.
Everyone knows bagels; they’ve become a popular food all over the continent, from Southern California and Florida to British Columbia and beyond.
Montreal bagels are iconic, however, and these can be found at St Urbain Bagel.
Whether you’re going for a blueberry bagel with plain cream cheese or a deli sandwich on an everything bagel, they’re baked fresh daily and are delicious and filling.
For even more classic fun, combine your bagel with fresh soup. Whatever you do, don’t forget to schmear (that’s cream cheese).
12 Most-Respected Merchandised Store In Canada 2023
1. Costco (73 respect score)
2. Staples (70.2 respect score)
3. Canadian Tire (75.3 respect score)
4. Best Buy (68.5 respect score)
5. Dollarama (66.3 respect score)
6. Hudson’s Bay Company (65.8 respect score)
7. Giant Tiger (65.7 respect score)
8. Couche Tard (65.3 respect score)
9. Walmart (60.4 respect score)
10. Circle K (59.5 respect score)
11. Macs Convenience (58.9 respect score)
12. 7-Eleven (59.2 respect score)
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Have A Good Time Grocery Shopping
Toronto, Canada, boasts a thriving grocery store scene that encapsulates the city’s multicultural essence.
From the convenience of mainstream chains like Loblaws, Metro, and Sobeys to the unique offerings of T&T Supermarket and Bulk Barn, Toronto’s grocery options cater to a diverse range of tastes and preferences.
As residents and visitors navigate the city’s bustling neighborhoods, they will undoubtedly encounter many culinary treasures within these grocery store havens.
Embracing the spirit of inclusivity and variety. Toronto’s grocery stores reflect the city’s vibrant and ever-evolving character.
Did miss any stores? Let us know in the comments below.
Happy shopping!
