Food Basics

Andy said it all. I like the store name. FOOD BASIC! Read Andy’s comments. Very professional and well done.

Food basics is an ok grocery chain, we go there when we need something quick as they are the closest grocery store to our house.
The fresh produce and meats are ok. They have your standard stuff and in our experience the freshness is similar to many of the other grocery stores in the area. Price wise they are average or a little higher, nothing special really.
The store itself looks worn. It could definitely use some freshening up. Now that’s not to say it isn’t clean because they do keep the store nice and clean, a fresh coat of paint and some new shelving would go a long way though.

Being the closest to my home makes it the only reason I shop at Food Basics.
It’s basic as the name says. They often run out of produce I’m looking for and have a decent selection.
The prices are ok, with good specials at times and the place is clean and well maintained.

When in Rome… or Niagara Falls, or wherever there is a Food Basics, it’s best to do a review so that others can benefit. Particularly if the location of this Food Basics is indeed, close to the Niagara Falls area.
Location: 4 out of 5
Right off the QEW exit for McLeod. Not more than a 10 minute drives to the Falls touristy area.
Offerings: 3.5 out of 5
Nothing really bad to report. Whatever you’d find in the States, you’d find here too, with a few modifications. Whereas most of our milk comes in those waxed paper cartons or plastic jugs, they actually sell milk here in BAGS. Yep, one large plastic labeled bag containing three smaller clear plastic bags full of milk. Less packaging, easy to transport, etc. Seemingly, Food Basics also sells a lot of pre-​portioned packaged meats. For example, we may (in the US) buy a bag of chicken breasts that come in a 5 pound bag, right? Well, you can still get it at Food Basics, it’s just that the chickens are already pre-​wrapped and comes in a «strip.» What you may find a little concerning is that grocery stores in this area (and perhaps all of Canada, I’m not sure) cannot sell alcohol beer. They may sell wine (this place sold local wines, mainly) and de-​alcoholized beer, but in order to get good ol’ LaBatt or Keith’s, you gotta go to a liquor store or a «beer store.» I mainly went because I have a friend who incidentally watches my dog while I’m on vacation who enjoys Kit Kat products. And wherever I travel, I try to find new varieties of Kit Kats. And Canada did not disappoint, as I got him three Nestle favorites, or favourites, if you will: Kit Kat chunky, the Aero Milk Chocolate bars, and the Coffee Crisps.
Cleanliness and Organization: 4 out of 5
Not too bad. Walking in, I was a little nervous because the area by the produce was a little unkempt and the ground was full of scuffs and dirt marks, but I quickly changed my mind when I saw that the rest of the store was neatly organized, clean, and well-​kept. What I would note is that some of the terms are a little different. I don’t think they call «sugar», and I was a little confused as to what «Tetras» were. I assumed that it referred to Tetra Pak packaging, but found no dairy items in that aisle. Oh well.
Price: 4 out of 5
Very reasonable prices. Commensurate with what you’d pay at a non-​boutique grocery store in the US.
Overall: 4 out of 5
If you’re in the area and on a budget, traveling with kids, or got a week long rental place with a kitchenette, I don’t know why this store wouldn’t suit your needs. After all, the locals shop there, prices are good, and it’s well-​kept. As a side note, there is a french fry stand out in the parking lot that serves poutine.