Cheap protein options in Canada (NoFrills/Real Can Superstore)

Anyone else struggling with the grocery bills lately? I'm trying to hit 180g of protein a day in BC and it's killing my wallet. What are the best 'budget' picks at No Frills or Superstore right now? Prices for chicken breast are insane.

I feel you, Dave. I usually stick to the PC Blue Menu Greek yogurt. If you get the large tubs at Superstore, it's usually the best price per gram of protein for snacks. Also, keep an eye out for the 'Enjoy Tonight' pink stickers for 30% off meat.

The 30% stickers are a lifesaver in Toronto too. I usually load up my freezer when the lean ground beef or turkey hits that discount. Also, don't sleep on the bags of frozen white fish—cheap and pure protein.

Cottage cheese is the secret weapon. The No Name brand large tubs are super cheap at No Frills. I mix it with some hot sauce or even just black pepper for a quick lunch.

Is that what you Canadians call No Name? We have 'Essentials' here in the UK. Interesting to see the price gap. Is canned tuna not an option over there? Usually our cheapest go-to.

@LondonLad it is, but you have to watch the mercury if you're eating it every day. I try to limit canned tuna to twice a week. Prices for the 4-packs at Superstore are decent though.

Don't forget plant-based proteins to pad out your totals. Lentils and chickpeas are pennies per serving. Even if you're a carnivore, mixing lentils into your ground beef makes the meal go way further without losing much protein density.

I’m not a fan of lentils for bulking. I need density. Large flats of eggs are the only way. I get the 30-pack of eggs at No Frills. Usually around 9 or 10 bucks. Hard to beat that.

In the US we have Aldi for this, but when I visit family in Windsor, we always hit Real Canadian Superstore. Their 'Club Size' packs are where it's at. Do they still sell those massive bags of frozen chicken breasts?

Yes Mike, they do. But check the label—sometimes those frozen ones are pumped with up to 15% salt water (sodium phosphate). You're paying for water weight!

Totally agree with BigArvin. I prefer buying the fresh family packs of chicken thighs. Much cheaper than breasts and way more flavour anyway. Just trim the excess skin if you're cutting.

Pro-tip for Superstore shoppers: Use the PC Optimum app. You can often 'load' offers specifically for things like chicken or eggs and get 10-20% back in points. It adds up to free groceries pretty fast.

I always forget to use my points. Good call, Admin. What about protein powder? The stuff in the aisles at No Frills usually looks like absolute junk.

Most supermarket protein powder is full of fillers. You're better off ordering bulk online. But if you're in a pinch, the President's Choice Whey isn't the worst thing I've tasted.

I actually like the PC whey! The chocolate one isn't too chalky. It's great for mixing into oats in the morning.

Don't ignore the canned salmon. It's often cheaper than fresh and it's wild-caught. Great for making salmon cakes with some breadcrumbs and an egg.

Canned salmon is a bit 'old school' but Push50 is right. The nutrition profile is top tier. Just watch out for the bones in some of the cheaper cans!

Actually, the bones are soft and full of calcium! If you mash them up you don't even notice. Great for bone health as we get older.

I don't know if I can handle the bones lol. I'll stick to the Greek yogurt and egg whites for now. Speaking of, is the carton egg white at No Frills a good deal?

It's okay, but usually buying whole eggs and tossing the yolks (or giving them to your dog) is actually cheaper per gram of protein than the cartons.