In today’s tough economic climate, South African consumers are hunting for value. With inflation still affecting food prices, finding a grocery store with lower prices than Checkers or Pick n Pay is more important than ever. In Gauteng, shoppers are spoiled for choice with retailers competing on price, promotions, and loyalty benefits. But which store truly offers the best bang for your buck?
Let’s explore the facts, compare prices, and examine which stores lead the pack in affordability, based on recent industry data and authoritative reports.
Curious about regional price differences? Find out which province is the most expensive for groceries in South Africa (2025).
Why Lower Grocery Prices Matter More Than Ever
South Africa’s food inflation remains a concern. According to Competition Commission Chief Economist James Hodge, the average price of food has risen 34% since 2020, with essentials like bread, oil, and dairy increasing even more.
This has left many Gauteng households cutting back or searching for alternative stores offering real savings. Price-sensitive shoppers now want more than convenience; they demand affordability.
Best Before: Disrupting the Retail Sector With 40% Lower Prices
A standout new entrant in the retail landscape is Best Before, a discount grocery store chain that recently opened a major branch in Centurion Lifestyle Centre. Founded in 2017 by Mark Gordon and Alain Soriano, the store offers short-dated and surplus stock at up to 40% lower prices than Pick n Pay and Checkers.
“Thousands of people visited the new Best Before store within the first few days. That shows how important affordable shopping has become,” said co-founder Mark Gordon.
The chain has expanded rapidly across Gauteng, with outlets in Fourways, Wendywood, Edenvale, Northcliff, Boksburg, and Pretoria East. It sells reputable brands like Koo, Willards, Bokomo, Toblerone, and Labello, often at discounts of 20%–40%.
Importantly, Best Before does not sell products past their use-by date. The store works closely with major food producers to offer safe, quality items at unbeatable prices.
Grocery Store With Lower Prices: Makro Leads in Staple Baskets
In an August 2025 grocery basket comparison, Makro emerged as the cheapest retailer among national chains. The basket included nine staple products such as rice, cooking oil, and bread.
Makro’s basket totalled R404.26, beating:
- Checkers at R416.91
- Pick n Pay at R427.91
- Woolworths at R471.91
“Makro had the lowest cost for a basket of nine staple grocery items.”
Makro offers significant value, especially for bulk buyers or families shopping monthly. It’s ideal for those who want premium brands at lower cost.
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Food Lover’s Market: Best for Fresh Produce and Basic Essentials
Another competitor making waves in Gauteng is Food Lover’s Market. In a May 2025 pricing analysis, it delivered the cheapest grocery basket among six major retailers.
The nine-item basket cost just R384.38, beating:
- Pick n Pay (R442.91)
- Checkers (R418.91)
- Spar (R457.91)
“Food Lover’s Market emerged as the most affordable grocery chain in South Africa, beating even Shoprite and Checkers.”
Food Lover’s Market is particularly strong on fruit, vegetables, and in-house baked goods. If your focus is on fresh, local produce, it offers excellent value.
Shoprite: A Consistent Performer on Everyday Basics
While Checkers and Pick n Pay often position themselves as mid-to-premium retailers, Shoprite remains focused on essential goods at competitive prices.
A 2025 RateWeb study showed Shoprite consistently undercuts its competitors on staple items like:
- Maize meal
- Sugar
- Cooking oil
“Shoprite undercuts Checkers and Pick n Pay by a few rand on standard essentials.”
Shoprite’s reach and focus on lower-income consumers make it a trusted choice for affordability.
What Shoppers Are Doing: Mix-and-Match Shopping for Maximum Savings
A growing trend among Gauteng consumers is shopping at multiple stores to maximise savings. Many start with Best Before for discounted branded items, then top up at larger chains for anything else.
This mix-and-match strategy is becoming more common as prices vary widely between categories and brands. With smartphone apps and social media groups highlighting daily specials, savvy shoppers are capitalising on every possible deal.
Key Factors Driving Price Differences Between Grocery Stores
Several reasons explain why prices vary significantly between South African retailers:
- Sourcing strategy – Best Before negotiates discounted bulk deals; Makro focuses on wholesale volumes.
- Product freshness – Food Lover’s focuses on daily fresh produce at lower margins.
- Loyalty programmes – Checkers’ Xtra Savings and Pick n Pay’s Smart Shopper offer card-based discounts.
- Stock expiry dates – Best Before’s short-dated stock leads to significant markdowns.
Understanding these factors helps shoppers make informed decisions beyond brand loyalty.
Final Verdict: Which Grocery Store Has the Lowest Prices in Gauteng?
Based on 2025 pricing data and in-store comparisons, here’s how the major contenders stack up:
| Grocery Store | Price Advantage | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Best Before | 20–40% cheaper | Branded products, discounted goods |
| Makro | ~R20–R30 cheaper | Bulk staples, national brands |
| Food Lover’s | ~R60 savings per basket | Fresh produce, daily essentials |
| Shoprite | Slightly cheaper | Basic household items |
If you’re searching for a grocery store with lower prices, these options offer meaningful savings depending on your needs.
For everyday branded products at unbeatable prices, Best Before is clearly disrupting the market. For fresh and bulk items, Makro and Food Lover’s are excellent alternatives. Shoprite remains a consistent performer on basics.
As South Africans adapt to rising living costs, these retailers offer real alternatives to the big names. With smart planning, Gauteng shoppers can beat inflation—one trolley at a time.
