The cheapest grocery store near you is probably not the one you’re shopping at,
and the gap is wider than most people expect.
This is a rundown of several chains known for low prices, what each one is
actually good at, and which parts of the country they cover. Some of the
cheapest only operate in a handful of states, which is the part that surprises
people.
A few things before the list.
No single store wins on everything. One will have the best produce and lose on
ground beef. Figuring out which two stores to split your list between beats
being loyal to any one of them.
Prices also move, and they move differently by region. Treat the dollar figures
in here as a snapshot rather than a quote, and check a few staples yourself
before you drive across town for them.
The five item test is the fastest way to do that. Pick five things you buy every
week, write down what you pay now, and check those same five somewhere else. A
store that’s cheap on the basics is usually cheap across the rest of the cart.
And if none of the thirteen are close to you, there’s a section near the bottom
on the cheap stores that never make lists like this.
Here’s where to start.
Table of Contents
Aldi
If you’re looking for a great deal on groceries, this no-frills grocery chain is a store you won’t want to miss. This German grocer offers some of the lowest prices on food items in America. In fact, according to recent reports, Aldi is the clear winner when it comes to affordable grocery stores.
Aldi has over 2000 stores located in 36 states across the country. The store offers a variety of common grocery items, including fresh produce, meat, and dairy products. You can also find various household items at Aldi, including toilet paper, dish soap, and laundry detergent. Aldi even offers private label options for even better food prices than name-brand competitors.
Something unique about shopping at Aldi is that saves money is by having customers deposit a quarter to use their shopping carts. By having customers deposit a quarter for shopping cart use, the store doesn’t have to employ staff to wrangle carts.
Market Basket
Market Basket is another excellent option for those looking for cheap groceries. This Northeastern chain (specifically the New England area) has a wide selection of food items and a reasonable price.
When it comes to fresh produce, meat, and dairy products, Market Basket is a clear winner. The store has a great selection of these items and offers lower prices than most other grocery chains.
This affordable store also offers a loyalty program that gives customers discounts on their groceries. So if you’re looking for a good deal on general grocery items, Market Basket is a great option.
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WinCo Foods
If you’re looking for a great deal on groceries, WinCo Foods is the place to go. This Idaho-based grocery chain offers some of the lowest prices on food items in the country.
WinCo Foods has over 100 stores located in 10 states. The store offers a variety of food items, including fresh produce, meat, and dairy products. You can also find various household items at WinCo Foods, including toilet paper, dish soap, and laundry detergent.
Food4Less
Food 4 Less is another excellent affordable grocery store that is based in California. They have a large selection of food items and offer great prices on national and store brands. You can also find good deals on meat and produce at Food4Less, making it an excellent option for those looking to save money on their grocery bill.
Food4Less is also great because it offers digital coupons. You can download the Food4Less app and get access to exclusive coupons and deals. This can help you save even more money on your groceries.
Costco
Costco is not the cheapest grocery store in America. The store does, however, offer great prices on bulk items. So if you’re looking to buy many items, Costco is the place to go.
You can also find great bulk deals on fresh produce and meat at Costco. Just be sure to compare prices between Costco and other stores before you buy, as not everything is always a good deal.
Walmart
It seems like every time you go to the grocery store, the prices of food items have increased. But don’t worry, there are still ways to get a good deal on groceries. Some of the cheapest grocery stores in the country can be found in every state and region.
One of these cheaper stores is Walmart. While Walmart may be known for its low prices on general merchandise, the store also has a great selection of food items at cheap prices. Walmart is often cited as having the best prices on staple items like ground beef and toilet paper.
Trader Joe’s
If you are looking for a place that is a bit more upscale but is still very affordable, you will love Trader Joe’s. This store is a national chain, and you can find it in most states.
The prices are low, and the store offers its own brand of products that are usually cheaper than the big brands. You can also find fresh produce here and great deals on meat and other grocery items.
Walmart Neighborhood Market
Walmart Neighborhood Market is another excellent choice for those looking for a cheap grocery store. This store is often ranked as one of the most affordable, and it’s also one of the largest chains in the country. You can find Walmart Neighborhood Market stores in most states.
Walmart Neighborhood Market often beats out other stores when it comes to price. The prices are low across the board, but you’ll find the best deals on fresh produce, meat, and dairy products. You can also find a wide selection of national brands at Walmart Neighborhood Market and store brands.
One downside to Walmart Neighborhood Market is that the prices are not always the best on grocery items you might need regularly. However, you can often find great deals on seasonal items.
If you’re looking for a cheap grocery store with excellent customer service, Walmart Neighborhood Market is a clear winner. The staff is friendly and helpful, and you can often find what you need right away. Plus, the prices are hard to beat.
Lidl
Lidl is a German grocer that has been making its way across the United States in recent years. This store is known for having great prices on groceries and a large selection of items. So if you’re looking for a European grocery store experience, then Lidl is the place to go!
Lidl is a great option for cheap groceries. The store offers a wide variety of products at low prices, and you can find everything from fresh produce to dairy products to meat products. Lidl also has a great selection of store brands that offer quality products at a fraction of your price for national brands.
If you’re looking for a great deal on fresh produce, meat, or dairy products, Lidl is your store. Be sure to check out the store’s weekly ad to see the latest deals.
Amazon
Did you know that you can buy groceries on Amazon? In addition to household items, Amazon sells various food items, including your favorite cereals, bread, snacks, and more.
While you might think that buying groceries online would be more expensive than buying them at a local grocery store, that’s not always the case. In fact, in some cases, Amazon can be a cheaper option.
When comparing the prices of typical grocery items at a local store and on Amazon, we found that Amazon was cheaper for 24 of the 33 things we looked at.
H-E-B
H-E-B is a grocery chain that is located in Texas and Mexico. This store is a clear winner when it comes to price, with an average cost that is a lot cheaper than other stores in the same region. So if you’re looking for a great deal on groceries while in the Texas area, then H-E-B is the place to go!
Cheaper Grocery Stores That Never Make These Lists
Every roundup like this one covers the same thirteen chains. The genuinely
cheapest option near you is often a store nobody writes about, because it only
has four locations and no marketing budget.
Here’s where to look.
Discount and salvage grocery outlets
These stores buy overstock, discontinued items, and food close to its date,
then sell it well below retail. Grocery Outlet is the best known, though it
leans West Coast, and most regions have independent versions with names you’ve
never heard.
The selection changes every week, so they work better as a stop you add than a
store you plan a whole list around. Go in willing to buy what’s there.
Ethnic markets
Asian, Hispanic, and Indian markets are usually the cheapest produce in town,
often by a lot, and the same goes for rice, beans, spices, and cuts of meat the
big chains don’t carry.
Spices are the clearest example. A jar that runs four or five dollars in a chain
aisle is frequently a dollar or two for a bigger bag.
Restaurant supply stores
Some are membership-only, but plenty are open to the public and nobody realizes
it. Worth a phone call to the one nearest you.
Buying in restaurant sizes only saves money on things you’ll actually finish,
so this works for flour, oil, rice, and frozen chicken, and less well for
produce.
Amish and Mennonite bulk stores
If you live near a Plain community, these are often the cheapest baking
supplies, dry goods, and bulk spices anywhere around. They’re usually cash only
and rarely have a website, so ask locally rather than searching.
Farmers markets at closing time
Vendors would rather sell cheap than haul produce home. The last half hour is
when prices drop, and you can often buy what’s left of a crate at a steep
discount.
This takes flexibility, since you’re buying whatever did not sell. It works
best if you’re comfortable freezing or cooking down a lot of one thing.
The thing all of these have in common
None of them advertise, which is exactly why they stay cheap. Finding them
takes asking around rather than searching, so ask the people who’ve lived in
your area longest.
Saving Money on Groceries
When it comes to saving money on groceries, you can do a few things. There are also some great ways to make the groceries that you buy stretch so that you do not have to shop as often. Read on for some great tips for saving money on groceries.
Compare Prices Online
Before you head to the grocery store, be sure to compare prices online. This can be done easily with a price comparison website or app.
Clip Coupons
Another great way to save money at the grocery store is to clip coupons. You can find coupons in the Sunday paper, in magazines, or online.
Use Store Loyalty Cards
Many grocery stores offer loyalty cards that give you discounts on certain items or allow you to accumulate points that can be redeemed for money off your total purchase.
Shop at Discount Grocery Stores
If you’re looking for a bargain, consider shopping at a discount grocery store. These stores usually have lower prices than traditional grocery stores.
Shop at Wholesale Clubs
Like Sam’s Club and Costco, Wholesale clubs offer great deals on groceries for those who are willing to purchase in bulk.
Take Advantage of Store Sales
Grocery stores often run sales on specific items or categories of items. Be sure to keep an eye out for these sales and stock up on your favorite products when they’re on sale.
Plan Meals in Advance
One way to save money on groceries is to plan meals in advance. This will help you to be more organized and avoid buying unnecessary items at the grocery store.
Grow Your Own Fruits and Vegetables
If you have the space, consider growing your own fruits and vegetables. This can be a great way to save money on groceries, and it’s also a lot of fun!
Freeze Food
Another great way to save money on groceries is to freeze food. This can be done with meat, fruits, and vegetables.
Cook From Scratch
The best way to save money on groceries is to cook from scratch. This will allow you to control the ingredients that are used in your recipes and avoid expensive processed foods.
Finding the Cheapest Grocery Stores
One of the best things you can do is comparison shopping when it comes to grocery shopping. Different stores offer different prices on the same items, so it’s essential to know where to find the best deals.
If you are looking for a great bargain, you should check out some of the cheapest grocery stores in the country. These stores are known for having low prices on various items, including fresh produce, meat, and dairy products.