[1] Food Basics was created by A&P Canada to compete with the successful No Frills warehouse-style supermarket operated by Loblaw Companies.

Some locations are former Super Fresh or A&P supermarkets, dating from when both chains were operated by A&P,[4] or other former banners such as A&P-owned Dominion or Metro-owned Super C. In the past, the owners' names appeared on the banner (e.g., 'John/Jane's Food Basics'); however, all stores are now simply called 'Food Basics'.

The design and format of these new stores closely resemble Metro's Super C banner in Quebec.

New store signs feature broken lettering and a larger emphasis on yellow, green, and beige colours.

143 locations in Ontario:[5] Food Basics carries many products from Metro's private label brands: