Words (Core Vocabulary)
- supermarket / grocery store / farmers’ market / bulk section
- aisle / checkout / self-checkout / cart / basket
- organic / local / seasonal / free-range / fair trade
- brand / generic / store brand
- Nutrition Facts (panel) / serving size / calories / % Daily Value
- ingredient list / allergen statement (“Contains,” “May contain”)
- best before date (quality) / expiry date (certain products)
- unit price (price per 100 g / per item)
- ripe / underripe / overripe
- deli / bakery / seafood counter / butcher
- substitute / alternative (e.g., oat milk for dairy)
- deposit/refund on beverage containers (varies by province)
Phrases (Shop smart, ask clearly)
- Do you have this in stock, or when will it be restocked?
- Where can I find the bulk section / gluten-free products?
- Could I get 200 grams of cheddar sliced thin, please?
- Is there a cheaper alternative or store brand for this?
- Does this item contain nuts/dairy/soy?
- Could you check the price per 100 grams for me?
- Can I return unopened items with a receipt?
Contextual Examples (Natural, everyday)
- **Excuse me—**where are the whole-grain wraps? Are any on sale this week?
- At the deli: Could I get 150 g of turkey thinly sliced, please?
- Label check: I’m checking the ingredient list—does this contain sesame?
- Bulk: If I bring my own container, can you tare the weight first?
Collocations & Phrases (bold the key words)
Finding & comparing
- check the unit price
- compare brands
- look for sales
- scan the barcode
- read the Nutrition Facts
Counters & quantities
- order at the deli counter
- ask for thin/thick slices
- weigh produce
- buy in bulk
- substitute ingredients
Allergy & dates
- read the ingredient list
- watch for allergen warnings
- check the best before date
- avoid cross-contamination
Canadian Cultural Context (How to sound natural & polite)
- Nutrition Facts labels highlight serving size and % Daily Value—useful for quick comparisons.
- Best before dates relate to quality, not always safety; expiry dates apply to some items (e.g., certain formula/supplements).
- Many provinces use deposit-return on beverage containers; keep receipts/containers for refunds.
- Reusable bags are common; some stores charge for bags.
Extra Mini-Patterns (plug-and-play)
- Locate item: “Where can I find the non-dairy milk? Is oat milk in the fridge aisle?”
- Allergen check: “Does this contain peanuts or was it processed in a facility with nuts?”
- Deli order: “Could I get 200 g of smoked salmon, sliced and wrapped separately?”