Stretching your grocery budget to cover the basics can feel impossible these days. Just when you think you’ve set aside enough to feed your household, prices at your neighborhood supermarket climb again.
Locking down low costs on everyday items — pantry staples and perishables like fresh meats — can be challenging. If you’re trying to stay within a grocery budget, it’s crucial to know which stores offer the best deals before you shop.
So we set out to identify which national supermarket chain sells groceries most affordably — and the result may be unexpected.
How We Chose the Best Budget Grocery Store
There are plenty of beloved grocery chains across the country, but popularity doesn’t always equal low prices. A recent YouGov poll found that the most beloved grocery chain in the U.S. is actually 7-Eleven. Clearly, when you’re craving snacks at 1 a.m., you appreciate whatever’s open.
To figure out which chains sell groceries cheapest, we excluded regional stores without broad national presence and discounted warehouse-only retailers. That left five widely available, budget-minded chains:
- Trader Joe’s
- Walmart
- Aldi
- Target
- Kroger
While many shoppers favor a particular store for reasons beyond price, we focused on chains that advertise low prices across a broad range of grocery items.
Which Grocery Chains Have the Lowest Prices?
To see which stores reliably help you cut costs, we compared prices on the most frequently purchased groceries by Americans.
Since national brand items often cost about the same across stores, we concentrated on store-brand prices to determine which retailers offer the cheapest groceries. We also excluded household supplies like cleaners, toilet paper and laundry detergent that might be better bought in bulk or online.
Here’s what our price check looked like in late June 2023.
And the cheapest grocery store is …
| Aldi | Walmart | Target | Kroger | Trader Joe’s |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White bread, 20 oz. — $1.45 | $1.32 | $1.39 | $2.19 | $1.99 |
| Brown eggs, 1 dozen — $2.85 | $2.67 | $3.39 | $3.99 | $3.99 |
| Whole milk, half gallon — $2.25 | $1.56 | $1.69 | $2.49 | $2.69 |
| Ground beef, 1 lbs. — $4.39 | $5.73 | $6.99 | $4.99 | $7.49 |
| Creamy peanut butter, 16 oz. — $1.99 | $1.84 | $1.99 | $2.49 | $2.29 |
| Banana — 18 cents | 27 cents | 39 cents | 17 cents | 19 cents |
| Baby carrots, 24 oz. — $2.18 | $2.44 | $2.99 | $2.69 | $2.49 |
| Total — $15.29 | $15.83 | $18.83 | $19.01 | $21.13 |
Runners-Up for the Cheapest Grocery Chains in 2023
Trader Joe’s
It’s not shocking to see Trader Joe’s near the top for higher prices. Still, if you want premium items, organic produce or specialty gluten-free options, Trader Joe’s often undercuts prices compared with other specialty grocers. Just remember to bring reusable bags.
Walmart
Walmart, known for rollback deals, comes close to being the lowest-cost option and lands with the second-lowest total in our check. Beyond price, Walmart often saves on travel time since there’s usually a large blue store nearby.
Target
Target is often associated with home goods and clothing, but it’s also one of the country’s larger grocery sellers. Target might not have the cheapest price for every grocery item, but it does let you combine affordable food with low-priced cosmetics and apparel.
Kroger
Kroger, which includes banners like Ralphs and Smith’s, has a broad presence and can be convenient as a regular grocery stop. Kroger’s prices aren’t the lowest across the board, but its weekly promotions frequently deliver solid deals on both store and national brands.
The Lowest-Priced Grocery Chain: Aldi
If you haven’t shopped at Aldi, you may be missing one of the nation’s most budget-friendly supermarkets. While the product selection won’t mirror larger chains, Aldi consistently offers eye-catching bargains on produce, fresh meats and more.
The one minor annoyance is you’ll need to return your cart yourself, but that small inconvenience is worth the savings.
Find an Aldi near you here.
The Least Expensive Grocery Store by Region: East Coast
For East Coast residents, Lidl or Market Basket often provide the best value.
Regional grocers can vary considerably in price because they source certain items locally. Lidl, a German discount chain, is prevalent along the East Coast, while Market Basket remains a New England favorite.
The Least Expensive Grocery Store by Region: West Coast
If you’re on the West Coast, consider WinCo or Food 4 Less.
WinCo Foods operates similarly to warehouse clubs, selling bulk items and often dealing directly with suppliers. WinCo doesn’t require a membership but typically doesn’t accept credit cards, so you’ll need cash, check or debit.
Food 4 Less uses a warehouse-style setup where you bag your own groceries. If you prefer bold flavors, their Mexican deli and meat sections are worth checking out.
7 Grocery Shopping Strategies to Find Low-Cost Groceries Near You
1. Buy Fresh Produce from Farmers Markets or a CSA
Some of the best produce deals aren’t found inside supermarkets. Look for local roadside stands, shop weekend farmers markets or subscribe to a community-supported agriculture box for seasonal savings.
2. Read Weekly Ads to Spot Bargains
Follow store sales to scoop up special prices, promotions and seasonal markdowns. Most grocery chains let you sign up online to receive weekly circulars and email alerts.
3. Remember Dollar Stores and Other Discount Outlets
You probably shouldn’t buy your entire grocery list at a dollar store, but many shelf-stable foods and household essentials are unbeatable there. Pop in to cross a few items off your list.
4. Use Coupons to Trim Your Grocery Costs
Couponing remains a money-saving habit for budget-minded shoppers. Scan weekly ads, check your store loyalty account or visit manufacturer sites for coupons on brands you buy regularly.
5. Choose Store Brands at Major Supermarkets
Most people can’t tell store brands from national names in a blind taste test, but the price difference is obvious. Opting for store-label items is an easy way to reduce your grocery bill.
6. Shop Beyond Traditional Supermarkets
If you need large amounts of ingredients like ginger or sesame seeds, an Asian grocery can be far cheaper. Looking for canned goods? Try outlet stores that sell slightly dented cans at a discount.
7. Consider Buying in Bulk at Warehouse Clubs
Buying in bulk at Sam’s Club or Costco can lower the unit cost if it suits your household. Keep in mind membership fees may offset savings for some families.
Alex Mercer is a senior staff writer at Savinly covering budgeting and saving strategies. Over the past decade Alex has reported on topics including personal finance, health, education and technology.
