Top 10 Cheapest Grocery Stores – With food prices continuing to surge across South Africa, every rand counts when it comes to grocery shopping. Whether you’re a student trying to survive on a tight budget, a pensioner dependent on a fixed income, or a working family looking to save more each month, knowing where to shop affordably can make a real difference. In August 2025, price differences between major grocery stores are more noticeable than ever before, with some chains offering up to 25% savings on essentials. The South African grocery market is dominated by several key players—Shoprite, Boxer, Pick n Pay, Checkers, and Spar, among others. But where you shop can significantly impact your monthly food bill. To help you make smarter choices, we have researched the best grocery outlets based on affordability, item availability, and customer satisfaction. In this updated guide, you’ll find a comparison of the Top 10 Cheapest Grocery Stores in South Africa for August 2025, with detailed price comparisons, store highlights, and money-saving tips. We’ve also included a grocery price comparison table with real figures for basic essentials like maize meal, rice, milk, bread, and chicken. Let’s dive in and help you save more at the till.
Top 10 Cheapest Grocery Stores Chains in South Africa
Here’s a quick breakdown of the top 10 grocery stores ranked by overall affordability, accessibility, and value for money.
- Shoprite
- Boxer
- Pick n Pay
- Checkers
- Spar
- Usave
- Cambridge Foods
- Food Lover’s Market
- Makro (bulk buying)
- Woolworths (for select house brands)
Top 10 Cheapest Grocery Stores Price Comparison – August 2025 Essentials Basket
Below is a table comparing prices of basic food items across 8 popular chains. Prices are based on in-store observations in Johannesburg and Cape Town branches.
| Item | Shoprite | Boxer | Pick n Pay | Checkers | Spar | Usave | Cambridge | Food Lover’s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10kg Maize Meal | R109 | R105 | R114 | R112 | R115 | R104 | R107 | R111 |
| 2L Sunflower Oil | R79 | R77 | R83 | R81 | R84 | R76 | R78 | R82 |
| 2L Milk | R31 | R29 | R32 | R33 | R34 | R28 | R30 | R31 |
| Brown Bread (700g) | R14 | R13 | R15 | R14 | R15 | R12 | R13 | R13 |
| 5kg Rice | R72 | R70 | R74 | R75 | R76 | R68 | R69 | R73 |
| 2kg Chicken Portions | R84 | R80 | R87 | R86 | R88 | R79 | R81 | R85 |
| 1kg White Sugar | R21 | R20 | R22 | R23 | R22 | R19 | R20 | R21 |
| 1kg Salt | R8 | R7 | R9 | R8 | R9 | R7 | R8 | R8 |
Shoprite vs Boxer – The Budget Battle
Shoprite and Boxer are two of the most competitively priced chains in South Africa. Here’s how they stack up against each other.
- Shoprite often has better deals on bulk packs and branded items.
- Boxer shines with its unbeatable discounts on basics like bread, maize meal, and cooking oil.
- Both chains offer loyalty programs and weekly promotions worth watching.
Regional Differences – Where You Shop Also Matters
Prices vary not only by store but also by region. Rural stores often charge more due to transportation and logistics.
- Urban centers like Cape Town and Johannesburg tend to offer lower prices.
- Eastern Cape and Limpopo see slightly higher prices on average.
- Coastal towns often have special promotions during off-tourist seasons.
Best Value for Bulk Buying – Makro vs Usave
Bulk buyers can save big when shopping at stores like Makro or Usave. Here’s how each performs:
- Makro: Offers discounts on family-size and bulk grocery items. Membership required.
- Usave: A sister brand to Shoprite focused on essentials at rock-bottom prices.
Makro is ideal for stocking up monthly, while Usave helps families on a daily essentials budget.
Woolworths – Not Just for the Wealthy
Woolworths is traditionally known for premium goods, but:
- Their house brand basics like bread, sugar, and pasta are surprisingly competitive.
- Monthly combo deals and “Buy 2 Get 1 Free” offers are great for savvy shoppers.
- Excellent quality-to-price ratio for fresh produce and meats.
Loyalty Programs and Vouchers – Hidden Ways to Save
Several chains offer points systems, coupons, or app-based rewards. These often translate into real money saved.
- Smart Shopper (Pick n Pay): Points can be converted to discounts.
- Xtra Savings (Checkers/Shoprite): Members get lower shelf prices instantly.
- Boxer Club Card: Redeemable rewards for loyal customers.
- WRewards (Woolworths): Extra discounts and free delivery on some items.
August 2025 Combo Deals – Selected Promotions
Below is a table of some hot combo offers running through August 2025.
| Store | Combo Offer | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Shoprite | 10kg Maize + 2L Oil + 2kg Chicken | R259 |
| Boxer | 5kg Rice + 2L Milk + 700g Bread | R108 |
| Pick n Pay | 2L Oil + 1kg Sugar + 1kg Salt + 2L Milk | R129 |
| Checkers | 5kg Rice + 2kg Chicken + 2L Oil | R232 |
| Usave | 2kg Chicken + 10kg Maize + 2L Oil | R250 |
| Food Lover’s | 5kg Rice + 2kg Potatoes + 1kg Sugar | R115 |
| Cambridge | 5kg Rice + 2L Oil + 1kg Salt | R145 |
| Makro | 10L Oil + 5kg Rice + 2kg Chicken | R499 |
Departmental Contact Information for Grocery Retailers
If you have complaints, want to confirm deals, or report overpricing, here are official contacts:
| Store | Customer Service Number | Email/Website |
|---|---|---|
| Shoprite | 0800 01 07 09 | [email protected] / www.shoprite.co.za |
| Boxer | 0800 01 69 60 | [email protected] / www.boxer.co.za |
| Pick n Pay | 0800 11 22 88 | [email protected] / www.pnp.co.za |
| Checkers | 0800 01 07 09 | www.checkers.co.za |
| Spar | 0860 313 141 | [email protected] / www.spar.co.za |
| Usave | Via Shoprite Helpline | [email protected] |
| Food Lover’s | 021 959 5000 | [email protected] / www.foodloversmarket.co.za |
| Cambridge | 0800 11 22 88 | Same as Pick n Pay |
| Makro | 0860 300 999 | [email protected] / www.makro.co.za |
| Woolworths | 0860 022 002 | [email protected] / www.woolworths.co.za |
As South Africans continue to feel the pinch of rising costs, choosing the right grocery store can lead to hundreds of rands saved each month. This guide aims to simplify your decision-making and help you shop smart in August 2025.
FAQs – Quick Answers to Common Grocery Price Queries
Q1. Which grocery store is cheapest overall in South Africa?
A1. Based on August 2025 data, Boxer and Usave offer the lowest prices on essential items.
Q2. Is Makro cheaper than regular supermarkets?
A2. Yes, for bulk items Makro often provides better per-unit pricing, especially on oil, rice, and cleaning products.
Q3. Are Woolworths prices really affordable now?
A3. Their house-brand items and combo offers have become more competitive, especially for fresh goods.
Q4. Do loyalty programs really help save money?
A4. Yes, most programs offer instant discounts, cashback, or exclusive combo deals to regular shoppers.
Q5. Why do prices differ between provinces?
A5. Transportation costs, demand, and local supply chains lead to slight price variations between regions.