Food Basics

660 reviews

150 Katimavik Rd, Kanata, ON K2L 2N2, Canada

www.foodbasics.ca

+16135922942

About

Food Basics is a Discount supermarket located at 150 Katimavik Rd, Kanata, ON K2L 2N2, Canada. It has received 660 reviews with an average rating of 4.1 stars.

Photos

Hours

Monday8AM-9PM
Tuesday8AM-9PM
Wednesday8AM-9PM
Thursday8AM-8PM
Friday8AM-8PM
Saturday8AM-9PM
Sunday8AM-9PM

F.A.Q

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The address of Food Basics: 150 Katimavik Rd, Kanata, ON K2L 2N2, Canada

  • Food Basics has 4.1 stars from 660 reviews

  • Discount supermarket

  • "Not so much about the store, but more about a "new" or returning employee"

    "This is more of a "discount" grocery store located just off the Queensway at the Kanata Ave exit"

    "Today I visited this incredible establishment, and found myself leaving with a new outlook, mindset, and appreciation"

    "Good grocery store, items are sometimes sold out but nbd"

    "I shop at this store all the time, would normally give it a 4-5"

Reviews

  • kate blank

Not so much about the store, but more about a "new" or returning employee. The store is fine, decent prices, decent selection, (compare a cucumber from Food Basics to one from Higher End chains, and you get what I mean. Price difference is everything). Sure, they are a lower end food supplier, and sometimes the quality isn't 110%, but it's good. But WOW! When I saw "B" back at this location (Katimavik/Kanata), my jaw hit the floor. Sexy as heck, friendly, charming, helpful, playful, polite. Food Basics in Kanata is my go-to store. I can walk to it. I've crushed on "B" since he worked there years ago. He then went away, due to an operation or 2 on his ankle. I know this because I shop there and asked him about his limp a few years ago, in casual chatting while he helped me find diced garlic in a jar. Nothing fazes this guy. He goes beyond regular customer service. He actually cares, and shops there (his words) regularly. I shop there because I live minutes away. It's not "perfect", but it fills my needs. It's nice to see an employee that will actually take an interest in what the customer requires (He will actually check the storeroom and several likely places for what you are looking for, then come and find you with the product or not). It's nice to feel appreciated and listened to. On the + side, he is sexy and charming as heck. Glad to see him back in my local grocer.

  • PCJF

This is more of a "discount" grocery store located just off the Queensway at the Kanata Ave exit. Relatively clean store with ample parking at the old Kanata Town Center. They are probably the only store left over in this mall except for maybe an optical place. There is a new Mandarin Buffet opening directly across from the entrance so that may generate more traffic. They have decent prices especially on sale items. However popular sale items sell out fast. Meats sometimes look dated. There is a bakery section but no bakery on site as far as I can tell. No deli but they have packaged deli meats available. They have large freezer sections with the usual frozen meals, ice creams, etc. There is a decent, but smaller, selection of fruits and vegetables. A lot of times there is only 1 or 2 cashes open during the week day. They will open more if the lines get too long so sometimes it may take a bit more time to check out. Note they charge for bags, like all stores now, but you also bag yourself here. You can also buy lottery tickets here but not much other non-groceries items. Overall good place with some good prices.

  • Joseph Mama

Today I visited this incredible establishment, and found myself leaving with a new outlook, mindset, and appreciation. I was greeted at the entrance by a strapping young man (resembles the Irish sensation, Ed Sheeran) who promptly asked me how my day was going. I felt a warmth ignite in this ol' dead heart of mine knowing kind employees are at this location. When I struggled to find Chicken, the same employee made himself available to help guide me towards the meat section of the store, and even help me look for products that do not expire soon. Dare I say I felt loved, as his gentle tone and demeanour serenaded me throughout the store. I was taken on a pleasant journey today. I have a deep personal connection to this store and I'm glad to see there are upstanding employees, nay, people, who work here. I LOVE FOOD BASICS! PS everything they had was rotten and infested with bugs

  • Robin

Good grocery store, items are sometimes sold out but nbd. However can’t help but notice that one of the cashiers put marker on the green bags when I bought them but not on the person in front of me. As well they put stickers on the soda which again none of this has bothered me in the past/before cause I understand the policy. However, I tend to notice when the other shopper is white, + cashier is white, and doesn’t get those “extra precautions”. Again could just be my own inherent bias/feeling but just got that energy. Also didn’t greet me/speak to me even to pay... Just be mindful on how these actions are perceived and some things to note if ur a poc as well. Could have just been tired employee.

  • Carol Spencer

I shop at this store all the time, would normally give it a 4-5. It looked like it was senior/people with medical problems shopping from 8-9 (change from normal hours). I spoke to one person in produce. I asked why you are at 8:30 now putting out the fruit and vegetables, they were out of. When it was open at 8:00. When most of the people had already shopped. I know I was there at 8:00. The comment I got was that is when I start work. So the people who were there at 8:00 do not get the fresh fruit and vegetables that were on sale. Same with the meat. I do appreciated that they now have limits limits on items. All grocery stores should have done that 2 weeks ago.

  • Alex Charron

edit: From 4.5 stars to 2start since some of their specials are now gated behind their 'Scene points' card. The hell with that game; I don't want to give you my personal information in order to get a card to shop for GROCERIES. Please, stop this silliness. Do what you do best; sell groceries. Stop with the aburd points card. One of the best discount grocery stores in Ottawa. The prices are much lower than the average grocery stores, the store is clean and their weekly sales keep me comming back. They lost 1 star due to lack of price matching. I save a small, yearly fortune shopping at this store.

  • RS

There are many FoodBasic groceries in Ottawa, but i would definitely destinquish only a couple of them. This Food Basics store in Kanata is well managed and very customer oriented. All the products are fresh and prices are always good. Quite ofthen they have deals. Another thing i appreciate is that they don't waste products that have expire recently. Those products are labeled with 50% stickers and families with low incomes can afford buying more products. I think it is a well managed store making difference in our community.

  • Zach Shaver

Been going there regularly for 1-2 years because it is around the corner and is cheap for boxed and frozen goods. The produce is never fresh. Based on that last 1-2 year period I can tell you that at this location there is almost always brown on grapes, the grapes are always soft, mold on berries, frequently bruised pomegranates, tomatoes are soft and smell bad, oranges are dried out. Surely the produce is the undesirable leftovers from other Loblaws locations. Dont waste your money, buy your produce somewhere else.

  • Lisa Tai

My go to reasonably priced groceries in Kanata. 95% of the time, the veggies and fruits are fresh. Definitely need to double check the strawberries, blueberries and clementines before putting in your cart. It is "the spot" for local high school students to grab lunch or snack during the weekdays (10:30-11:30am) so shop before or after those times (you'll notice the staff walking around and staring at the kid during this time). I love the variety here. My definite go to store if you are in the area.

  • Joseph Watters

I go to this Food Basics because it's a quiet store and it's convenient to where I live. They'll always have great deals on brand name items such as pop, chips, yogurt, taco kits and essentials like toilet paper, dertergent, green bin bags etc. They also have good prices on beef and chicken thighs/legs. The produce at this store has improved over the years and will usually have the best deals in town on thigs like berries, apples, lettuce, pineapples and asparagus.

  • It'sJoelSullivan

The prices are pretty good but the staff is horrible. Took the cashier three minutes to notice I was there. Two employees are always standing at the produce talking instead of working. All the employees frown and leave their boxes in the middle of the aisles. Don't go to this store. There is a Sobeys near it and the prices are almost the exact same, and the employees actually care about their jobs.

  • M

I visited this store for the first time ever to purchase chicken breast that were on major sale. Not worth it!!! The meat packer was rude. The cashier was even more rude. She would throw items in top of fragile items without a care. She hated her job and didn't hide it! Also, 80% of my list was not completed. They have such limited selection. I will never step foot in that store again.

  • Michael Cyr

Lived down the street for 6 years now. This place has been steadily going down hill. Constantly have expired food and the produce is generally all ready on it's way out. Forces me to have to go to hazeldean basics or loblaws.. not to mention they are heavily understaffed at the cash on a regular basis with generally 1 on express and only one other open cash.

  • Kerry Anderson

Horrible customer service. Went looking for Aurora fine Salt. They had it stacked above an open freezer. Boxes were all soggy/damaged. I brought it to the attention of a stock person , I asked if they had fresh boxes or can I get a discount. Stock person came back said they have no others , take it or leave it , as per manager , no discount on damaged goods

  • Charles Marc (Root)

In my opinion this is the go to reasonably priced grocery in Kanata. Most of the time, the veggies and fruits are fresh. Definitely need to double check the grapes, blueberries and clementines before putting in your cart. It is a good spot for locals and students to grab lunch or snack during the weekdays. The staff were very friendly and helpful

  • Kimberly Pardy

I was deeply upset by the misinformation. I was told the carts at the door had been sanitized. Upon leaving I watched as carts were returned from the parking lot, without and cleaning, and "supposedly clean" carts with ZERO cleaning. My observations really upset me. I will be more sceptical of staff and bring my own cleaning supplies in future.

  • phil laurin

Probably the best prices in town for groceries, however certain items like bread, milk, and meat should be scrutinized by any prospective buyer. Check the dates and have a good look or feel of the products. It's not a relaxing shop either as the atmosphere is almost electric with a "get in, and get out" energy from patrons all around.

  • Darren Finlayson

This grocery store has been here for a long time. They recently refreshed the space a bit, so much brighter than before. Can usually find good prices, although that's pretty relative these days. A bit of a hidden gem, as the new one in Stittsville, is always packed, whereas this one is much more relaxed. Overall a good grocery store.

  • Raymond Outterkirk

Garbage all over the parking lot as previous reviewer captured! Food Basics removed the garbage can in front of the store so people are putting garbage in the carts. Managers can't even keep this clean. What a disgrace of a big chain store. Total fail of the environment. "SHAME ON FOOD BASICS AND THEIR MANAGEMENT TEAM"

  • Andrea LeBlanc

I shop here every week. The prices can't be beat, the produce and meat are of good quality (the produce may not be as pretty as the more expensive grocery stores but I don't judge my produce on its appearance), and there is hardly ever more then 1 or 2 people in line in front of you. It is my go-to grocery store.

  • Cain Canning

Best prices I've found in my life. Slightly different shopping experience than normal though, that's how they save money. Just don't let yourself feel rushed at the checkout. I also noticed the selection of ground meat is sub par but I dont eat much meat and they have tons of vegetarian snack and meal options

  • Em Franz

One of two grocery stores I frequent. Pretty good layout, fresh produce is actually fresh and doesn't go bad as quickly as other places. Only a few times have I gone where something wasn't replenished or they ran out. Ample parking. Often has some good sales. Has very nice cashiers.

  • Roy Lafleur

Great grocery store for buying anything you need in the middle isles. Perfect for a family on a budget. The produce usually goes bad quicker than larger named grocery stores and their meat selection is bottom of the barrel, however a good place to get the essentials.

  • Z H.

This location was such a yikes. I had tried not to judge a book by its cover (the store is very tired and dated). I started in produce and almost everything I picked up was wilting and past its prime. I actually walked out and drove to the next closest Food Basics.

  • Tarek Belghith

Food basics is a special place for me, their outlets have this little special thing about them that makes them different from any other supermarket. The staffs are very friendly and nice. I recommend everyone to think local and shop from food basics!

  • M F

First time here was in the area and needed groceries but didn't want to run into a store with a full parking lot... So, stopped here - ended up being a great store. Very clean, reasonable prices, some good sales, friendly staff. What's not to like?

  • Viva Hu

0 service rating. Because you can’t find any staff on the site except the cashiers who is not helpful at all in such big store. I told the cashier I can’t find the item. He answer me’ ok….’ Didn’t try to help at all. No one line up at the moment.

  • Monica Simpson-Allan

You get what you pay for. I don't trust the "fresh" meat. Produce is hit or miss. Great for canned good and frozen foods. Good price point. Staff is nice but not many around, as usual with a discount store. Never enough cashes open.

  • Naba P

I was here at 3pm today , at the express cash , and who ever worked there , he was really disrespectful, he helped 3 customers while I was waiting on the cash , why do you call it express check out when I had to watch and ignored!

  • Pitsey Moss - Davies

I find each location has different selections of international foods. Went to this location for an Italian drink mix I know is available at a different location. However, got chow mein noodles that aren't stocked at my usual.

  • Jason A.H. Mroz

This is a Food Basics, so by definition it's not fancy, but there is a good selection and variety and the employees are friendly and efficient. This location is always well stocked, no bait and switch on advertised sales.

  • Amy Awad

This store is one of the better Food Basics. Its has lots of parking, reasonable variety for a low end grocer, generally good prices with lots of weekly specials. It is a good place to load up on supplies and produce.

  • bob cat

Super chill staff so awesome very clean store super clean like cleaner than most of Food Basics stores cough cough St Lauren location cough. anyways the prices are good definitely worth checking out …

  • Mark H

Violated "Scanner Price Accuracy Code" by refusing to give item for free of incorrectly scanned item. Manager tried to weasel out of it by falsely stating that code does not apply to items on sale.

  • Chas Powers

Anyone rating this place over one star is definitely a fake or paid review. Some low prices, but stay away from anything you want FRESH like bread, meat or fruit. Also a filthy store in general.

  • Sara Chenier

I've been very happy with the store since we moved to the area in 2013. If you're looking for bulk cuts of meat but not in Costco quantities I find this to be a great place for just that.

  • Straight Up

Produce is still weak. If you have to buy fruit or vegetables from this establishment, it will last maybe a day, if that, then you have to discard because it has already started to spoil.

  • Kim Gilmer

Has everything advertised and what you need. I usually shop at the FB in Stittsville, but this one is closer and has really improved. Clean and organized to find everything I need.

  • Thori Tespalo

Pretty good pricing! Saved lots of money picking up groceries here. Store was not the cleanliest. Tried to ask a question about an item to several employees that couldnt help me.

  • Smeggi

This place is amazing!!! I met a man named Jacob (same name as me haha) and he was by far the LOVELIEST CASHIER I have ever met in my life god bless this glorious well hung man

  • Connor Gambit

They always follow me and accused me of stealing 3 times when I wasn't. They also kicked me out for no reason other than wearing a sweater with my hood up because I was cold

  • Kristi Evans

I went here tonight and the man that was working helped me find everything I was looking for. Great store for value. Good to go on the way home from work it’s not busy.

  • Warsame Ali

Well stocked supermarket. Lots of ingredients and items that I don't find/see at some of the other supermarkets nearby, plus all the staples that most people use/need.

  • Duane Avery

Not a new store, but prices are good, and they almost always have what you need. There has been some painting and mild renovation. Food specialty has increased.

  • Douglas Terry

Dropped in for grapes an kiwi's and found they had reorganized the store. Prices seemed good, new layout didn't hinder my shopping so a good experience overall

  • j

Oner all price is ok But the store is dirty and the the aisles are always full of boxes and things that are impeding you from going through them not very nice

  • Alex Lewis

Very good quality items for very cheap and service is great only problem is they don't restock very often and I find some items are missing for a longtime.

  • Krista Kilrea

Selection is limited and produce is always a gamble (lower quality, going bad). But good for essentials and quick groceries if you are in the neighborhood

  • Karl Maas

Good prices and friendly staff but we don't like the quality of their produce so we buy that elsewhere.Also, be sure to check the expiry dates on items.

  • FishMan Cam

I've gone to this store for years, the quality is definitely questionable as well as the staff. Best to stick with canned goods when shopping here...

  • Esin Sakinmaz

Be careful about expiring date .I bought baby formulas and I realized it expired one month ago. When I realized I already give one bottle to my baby.

  • Barry Houle

An aging store in need of a reno ... Prices have increased noticeably ... as at all grocers ... Still, one of the better grocery deals in Kanata!

  • Chris Penny

I like this store. Nice People here. The other day they were yelling at the students visiting on their lunch break and it seemed unprofessional.

  • Nancy Ogunniya-Clyke

They have some of the best cashiers in Whitby. They are very friendly and they know your name. I can always find what I am looking for there

  • John Paul Handrigan

Great weekly discounts. Keep an eye on the flyers for deals that often beat out other major grocery stores. Lots of parking available here.

  • Rosemary O'Connell

Sale items were in stock. Enough cashiers working g so very short wait at check out. Customers were all following public health protocols.

  • Guthrie Sturmey

This place is a lot of fun. They have produce and dairy and meats and oh so many other things that I couldn't possibly list them all here.

  • Raymond Yam

Good and convient and reasonably priced place to pickup milk egg, and veggies but quality of fresh meat and fish are not up to par imho.

  • Therodir

Can always find some good deals here. Prices are usually better than most places. We try to shop here as much as possible when we can.

  • Colin McPhedran

A little run down and shelves were a bit bare. Pricing in fruits and veggies may or may not be posted and quality is highly variable.

  • Samantha Jennings

It is close and convenient. The cashiers are nice and the produce is pretty good. Prices are good and it usually has some good sales.

  • Bernardo Maldonado

Good prices, but I don't trust the packaged meat too much... But the fruits and vegetables are great, and the price is within reason

  • ben d-lafa

It's ok, would not say this is a discount grocery store. Its actually more expensive than most in terms of produce, meats, breads,.

  • Faieq Ahmed

Great discounts! Always a deal when shopping here! They have renovated the look inside so the interior does look better for sure !

  • Kate McGill

Very reasonable prices with lots of weekly deals and offers! Quality is ok particularly the meat and bakery section. Good overall

  • Dylan Shuck

Not the best fruits and vegetables, but a very good selection of everything. Everything is so cheap, staff is mostly friendly.

  • Carol Montes

I like basic food because of its competitive prices. You can find international food and a variety of vegetables and grains.

  • Peter Swank

Great sales but don't go here for your produce. Pointed out to staff lemons were moldy and didn't seem overly concerned.

  • John Cooper

Litter and trash all over this property, what a shame. Staff are great and the store is fine. Take care of the grounds!

  • Duane Lepine

Super impressed by this store.. good pricing good selection and well organized and clean produce section .. will return

  • Jacob Jones

This store is constantly selling expired products and moldy berries. Make sure to check the dates before you purchase.

  • General Robert E. Lee

Garbage filled carts again! Shame on Food Basics! What filth! Clean up your act! Where is the manager? UNSANITARY!!!

  • ETHOZ_ZE_MIGHTY

Lots of options very high quality foods at low prices. Bought some fruit and vegetables very fresh and quality food.

  • Rob Poudrette

Seems every time I go there for things on sale in their current flyer, they don’t have stock. Not worth the drive.

  • Ross

We like the variety this store offers, but we usually stay away from the meat and roasts, everything else is fine.

  • Connor MacAskill

Lots of selection and prices are fairly cheap. Not quite frescho or no frills cheap, but lots of economic options

  • Claude Bouchard

I buy bulk when I shop stock up when it's on sale and 90% of my shopping is done here great selections and prices

  • Adam J

Not the cleanest Food Basics location. Customer service is OK. Check my photos to see their halal meat sections.

  • Emilja Ballantyne

Good prices on food, fresh produce and meat, great selection of international foods. Our favorite grocery store!

  • Rain Goslett

Couldn't turn around without someone in my space, but they had a decent selection and the employees were kind

  • Srini J

Best place for affordable groceries. Can't beat the price and variety. Best value, I go there all the time.

  • Doris Myles

Many good buys... Scottish shortbread cookies .62 cents per pkg., Box of black licorice candy.75 cents box.

  • Marla

The prices good and the store is always clean. Most importantly, the staff are very friendly and helpful.

  • GH Picard

My favorite grocery store. Never too busy. Helpful staff. Quick to get you anything that is missing.

  • Sam Beano

Good variety of stuff with decent prices. Check their flyers as they do not have nice discounts

  • Geo Karit

Colavita was 1 l in ad, but 750 ml at store. Salmon was finished. Rest was very good. Thank you

  • Rula Al-Sadiq

Great offers. You can pick and choose the quality you wan5. It was very clean and tidy today.

  • AM B

Very decent prices, alot of ethnic cuisine items! Close to buses and store is not too big!

  • Errol Camlioglu

Great place to shop. Lots of variety and good prices. Easy parking. No decor to speak of.

  • James Burrows

Better quality and way better prices than the crooked Loblaws. Happy I made the switch.

  • Aruni Work

Good prices. Lots of Indian vegetables. Curry leaves are not available anymore though.

  • nikita grey

Slimy and gross produce, low stock, busy store, not a lot of service, not fresh food

  • Shashank Bharadwaj

The go to place for all your daily grocery needs. Good discounts and friendly staff

  • Shelly Gupta

Hard part is they hardly have iteams in store that they list as spacial purchases..

  • Fahmi Fahmi

Good place for shoppregular things just need more staff to keep it steadyandncleqn

  • Jessica Loslo

Always seem understaffed on the cashes, but overall well stocked and decent prices

  • Bruce Gray

A nice grocery store. Never too busy, very reasonable prices, and quick service.

  • XLR8 Realty Group Inc

good parking. large store. friendly staff. prices are a little more competitive

  • Andy Rodgers

Nice store. Basic for food Flyer deals Slow on Sunday at 4pm …

  • H G

It’s a good place and if you want to get weekly grocery its a nice place

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