Getting home from the grocery store and realizing you spent way more than expected is becoming pretty common. Prices have gone up on just about everything, and even basic items like milk, cereal, meat, and produce can have very different price tags depending on where you shop.
If groceries are taking up more of your monthly budget, changing where you shop can make a noticeable difference. Some stores keep prices low across everyday items, while others have good store brands, weekly sales, or bulk options that can help you save.
If you’re trying to spend less without giving up the foods you actually want to buy, these 12 grocery stores are worth checking out.
Aldi
Aldi is one of the first stores many budget shoppers think of for a reason. The German grocery chain is known for keeping prices low, and recent reports have ranked it among the cheapest grocery stores in the U.S.
Aldi has more than 2,000 stores across 36 states, with everything from fresh produce and meat to dairy and pantry staples. You can also pick up household basics like toilet paper, dish soap, and laundry detergent.
A large part of the savings comes from Aldi’s private-label products, which are often cheaper than name-brand versions.
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Lidl
Lidl is another German grocery chain that has made a name for itself with lower prices. Its U.S. stores carry fresh produce, meat, dairy, pantry staples, and plenty of private-label products.
The weekly ad is worth checking before you shop since it can point you toward current sales and special buys.
Lidl also has a Love It Guarantee on many of its store-brand products. If you aren’t happy with an eligible item, you can get a refund or exchange under the store’s policy.
WinCo Foods
If you like the idea of warehouse-style savings but don’t want to pay a membership fee, WinCo Foods is worth a look. The Idaho-based grocery chain is known for keeping prices low by buying directly from farmers and manufacturers.
WinCo has more than 100 stores across 10 states. You’ll find fresh produce, meat, dairy, pantry staples, and household products like toilet paper, laundry detergent, and dish soap.
Its bulk food section can also be useful if you only need a small amount of something or want to buy larger quantities at a lower price.
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Market Basket
Market Basket is a longtime favorite among shoppers in the Northeast, with most of its stores located across New England.
The chain carries a wide selection of groceries, including fresh produce, meat, dairy, frozen foods, and pantry staples. Its prices are often lower than those at other major grocery chains, which is one reason shoppers keep coming back.
If you’re in an area with a Market Basket, it’s worth comparing prices there before doing your weekly shopping elsewhere.
Food 4 Less
Food 4 Less is a discount grocery chain with stores in California, Illinois, and Indiana. The stores focus on keeping everyday grocery prices low, making them a useful option for shoppers trying to cut their weekly bill.
The Food 4 Less app can also help you find coupons and current deals before heading to the store.
Checking the weekly ad and planning your shopping around sale items can stretch your budget even further.
Related: Cut Your Grocery Bill in Half With These Smart Shopping Hacks
Costco
Costco isn’t always the cheapest option for every grocery item, but it can be a great place to save if you’re buying larger quantities. The warehouse club is especially useful for things you go through regularly, such as meat, paper products, snacks, and certain pantry staples.
There is an annual membership fee, so you’ll want to make sure the savings are worth the cost for your household.
It’s also smart to compare Costco’s prices with those at regular grocery stores. A larger package doesn’t automatically mean you’re getting the better deal.
Walmart
Walmart remains a popular choice for shoppers looking for lower grocery prices. The chain has stores across the country, so it’s also an easy option for many households.
You can find everything from fresh produce and meat to milk, canned goods, cereal, snacks, and household supplies. Basic items such as ground beef and toilet paper are often competitively priced.
Walmart’s large selection also makes it possible to do most of your shopping in one trip instead of visiting several stores.
Trader Joe’s
Trader Joe’s has a different feel from many discount grocery stores, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend a lot there.
The chain is known for its private-label products, which make up a large part of the store’s selection. Many shoppers find its prices reasonable compared with similar name-brand products at traditional supermarkets.
Trader Joe’s can be a good place to find affordable frozen foods, snacks, pantry staples, produce, and other everyday groceries. It may not be the cheapest choice for every item, so comparing prices still makes sense.
Sam’s Club
Sam’s Club is another warehouse option for shoppers who like buying in larger quantities. The Walmart-owned chain competes closely with Costco, and Consumer Reports has found that some products cost less at Sam’s Club than at Costco.
For example, the original comparison found a 24-pack of toilet paper priced at $18.99 at Sam’s Club compared with $21.99 at Costco. Prices can change, though, so it’s always a good idea to check current prices before shopping.
Sam’s Club can be particularly useful for families or anyone who regularly buys bulk amounts of groceries and household supplies. There is also an annual membership fee, so you’ll want to factor that into your savings.
Save-A-Lot
Save-A-Lot is a discount grocery chain with stores across 32 states. Its smaller stores help keep the shopping experience quick while also keeping operating costs lower.
The selection can vary from one location to another, which can actually be useful if your local store carries the brands and products you buy most often.
It’s a good place to check for everyday basics without walking through a huge supermarket and picking up a bunch of extras you didn’t plan to buy.
Amazon
Amazon may not be the first place you think of for grocery shopping, but it’s another option worth checking. Online grocery prices aren’t always higher than supermarket prices, especially if you compare different brands and package sizes.
Amazon carries pantry staples, snacks, beverages, household supplies, and plenty of products under its own brands.
It’s also easy to compare several products side by side before buying. Just pay attention to shipping costs, package sizes, and subscription discounts so you know what you’re actually paying per unit.
H-E-B
H-E-B is a popular grocery chain in Texas and Mexico, and Texas shoppers have plenty of reasons to keep it on their list.
The store is known for competitive prices on everyday groceries, along with a large selection of store-brand products. You’ll find fresh produce, meat, dairy, pantry staples, prepared foods, and household items.
If you live in Texas, it’s worth comparing H-E-B’s prices with the other grocery stores in your area. Sales and store-brand options can make a difference on a weekly shopping trip.
