Grocery shopping has a funny way of making a small list turn into a surprisingly large bill. You grab milk, bread, produce, a few pantry staples, and maybe something for dinner, then look at the receipt and wonder how it added up so quickly.
With food prices taking up a bigger share of many household budgets, choosing the right store can make a real difference. Some chains keep prices down through private-label products, bulk buying, closeout merchandise, or a simple no-frills store setup. Others offer strong weekly deals that can make certain items much cheaper than you might expect.
The cheapest store can vary by location and by what you buy, so it pays to compare prices. Still, these 13 grocery chains have earned a reputation for helping shoppers stretch their money.
Aldi
Aldi is one of the first stores many budget-conscious shoppers think of, and there’s a good reason for that. The German grocery chain keeps its stores relatively simple and relies heavily on private-label products, which helps keep prices low.
You can find produce, dairy, meat, frozen foods, pantry staples, snacks, and household basics without spending much on national-brand packaging. Aldi also has a rotating selection of seasonal and limited-time products that can make each visit a little different.
The cart deposit and bring-your-own-bag setup may take some getting used to, but they’re part of how Aldi keeps its operation lean.
Related: 23 Grocery Staples to Stock Before Food Shortages Hit
Lidl
Lidl has a similar low-cost model and has become a popular option for shoppers along much of the East Coast. Its stores carry plenty of private-label products, fresh produce, meat, bakery items, dairy, and pantry staples.
Weekly specials can bring even more savings, especially if you plan your meals around what is on sale. Lidl also has a bakery section that can be useful for picking up bread and other baked goods without paying bakery prices elsewhere.
For shoppers who have both an Aldi and Lidl nearby, comparing the weekly deals can be worthwhile.
Related: Easy Ways to Keep Your Grocery Bill Under Control
Grocery Outlet
Grocery Outlet takes a different route to lower prices. Instead of following the standard supermarket model, the chain buys surplus, discontinued, overstocked, and closeout merchandise from suppliers.
That means the selection can change often. One visit might turn up organic snacks, specialty sauces, name-brand cereal, or imported foods at a steep discount. The next trip may have a completely different selection.
It works best for shoppers who are flexible about brands and willing to buy something when they see a particularly good deal. Grocery Outlet has a strong presence on the West Coast and operates in several other regions too.
WinCo Foods
WinCo Foods has built a loyal following among shoppers who want low prices without paying a membership fee. The chain is especially known for its bulk food section, where you can buy the amount you actually need instead of purchasing a large package.
You can find everything from grains and baking ingredients to snacks, spices, meat, dairy, and household products. WinCo also keeps operating costs down through its employee-owned model and other cost-saving practices.
Credit cards aren’t accepted at many WinCo locations, so check the payment options before heading to the checkout.
Related: 23 Everyday Grocery Items Worth Stocking Before a Food Shortage
Market Basket
Market Basket is a New England favorite for shoppers who want a broad grocery selection without the higher prices found at some larger supermarkets.
The chain carries fresh produce, meat, seafood, dairy, bakery items, pantry staples, and store-brand products. Its regular prices are a big part of its appeal, while weekly specials can make certain purchases even cheaper.
For families buying groceries for several people, those savings can add up over the course of a month.
Food 4 Less
Food 4 Less focuses on keeping prices down with a warehouse-style shopping experience and a large selection of everyday groceries.
The chain has stores in states including California, Illinois, and Indiana. Shoppers can find produce, meat, dairy, pantry staples, snacks, and household supplies without paying for a lot of extras inside the store.
Checking the weekly ad before shopping can help you spot the items that are especially well-priced.
Costco
Costco isn’t automatically the cheapest choice for every grocery item, but bulk shopping can work out well if you have a large household or regularly use the products you buy.
Meat, produce, pantry staples, snacks, beverages, and some household products can offer good per-unit prices. The trick is knowing the price per ounce, pound, or item rather than assuming a larger package is always a better deal.
The membership fee also needs to be factored into your spending. If you shop there often and have enough storage space to handle bulk purchases, the savings may justify the cost.
Walmart
Walmart remains one of the easiest options for shoppers who want low prices and a wide selection under one roof.
You can pick up groceries alongside household products, toiletries, cleaning supplies, and other everyday necessities. Its large network of stores also makes it convenient for many households.
Walmart’s store brands can be particularly useful for cutting costs. Comparing those prices with name-brand products is a quick way to see where you can save without changing what you buy.
Trader Joe’s
Trader Joe’s has a reputation for interesting foods, but it can also be a useful stop for shoppers watching their grocery spending.
Much of the selection is sold under the Trader Joe’s name, which helps the chain keep prices competitive. You’ll find frozen meals, snacks, sauces, pantry staples, produce, dairy, and plenty of specialty foods.
It may not be the cheapest option for every category, so a little price comparison helps. Still, shoppers can find plenty of affordable favorites, particularly among the store’s private-label products.
Sam’s Club
Sam’s Club is another warehouse option worth checking if your household regularly buys groceries in larger quantities.
The membership-based chain sells meat, dairy, snacks, beverages, pantry goods, produce, and household supplies in bulk. Larger packages can lower the per-unit cost, especially for foods your household goes through quickly.
As with Costco, don’t assume every bulk item is a bargain. Check the unit price and think about whether you’ll actually use the entire package before it goes bad.
Save-A-Lot
Save-A-Lot focuses on everyday groceries at discount prices and has locations across many parts of the United States.
The stores tend to be smaller than traditional supermarkets, which can make them convenient for quick shopping trips. Private-label products and lower-cost staples are a big part of the selection.
For shoppers who don’t need a massive variety of brands, Save-A-Lot can be a practical place to stock up on basic groceries without making a large dent in the weekly food budget.
H-E-B
If you live in Texas, H-E-B is hard to overlook. The regional chain has built a strong following for its combination of competitive prices, store-brand products, fresh foods, and a large selection.
H-E-B’s private-label lines cover plenty of everyday staples, which can make it easier to cut costs without giving up variety. Weekly promotions and digital coupons can provide more savings if you check them before shopping.
The store also carries a wide range of regional products, making it a favorite for shoppers who want familiar local foods at reasonable prices.
Whole Foods Market
Whole Foods Market may seem like an unusual choice for a budget grocery list, but it can be worth a closer look if you shop carefully.
The chain is known for organic produce, specialty foods, and higher-end groceries, yet there are plenty of reasonably priced store-brand products under the 365 label. Amazon Prime members can also get access to certain discounts and promotions at Whole Foods.
It probably won’t be the cheapest place for your entire grocery haul, but it can make sense for specific products that are competitively priced. Checking weekly deals and comparing the price of 365 products with other store brands can help keep the bill under control.
A Lower Grocery Bill Starts With Where You Shop
You don’t have to do all your grocery shopping at one store. In fact, splitting your list between two or three stores can sometimes save more than sticking with a single supermarket.
Aldi might have the best price on pantry staples, Costco may make sense for bulk meat, and Walmart could have the household products you need at a lower price. Weekly ads, store brands, unit prices, and coupons can all help you figure out where each purchase makes the most sense.
A little comparison before you leave home can make that checkout total much easier to live with.
