America Just Named Its Cheapest Grocery Store. Do You Shop There?
Updated: Apr. 08, 2024
So, what's the cheapest grocery store? Aldi tops the list for low prices.
There are many reasons we each have our go-to grocery store—from a convenient location to the fresh produce or friendly cashiers. But it comes right down to it, lower prices might be the best way to win our hearts.
Did you know you’re storing these foods all wrong at home?
The Most Budget-Friendly Place to Shop
So what chain is the cheapest grocery store? Using public financial data and a survey of about 7,000 U.S. households, the dunnhumby study found 13 “Winners in Price.” The leader is—not surprisingly—Aldi!
The chain keeps things simple. In general, Aldi stores are smaller, private label products are low-cost and customers even bring their own bags. (See all the reasons why Aldi’s groceries are so cheap.) Despite that, the store manages to carry staples, as well as snacks, home goods and seasonal items—as well as gluten-free, vegan and dairy-free products.
Here’s the full list of winners in price:
- Aldi
- Market Basket
- WinCo
- Food4Less
- Costco
- Walmart
- Trader Joe’s
- Walmart Neighborhood Market
- Lidl
- Amazon
- H-E-B
- Peapod
- Sam’s Club
Aldi currently has more than 1,600 stores across 35 states. Don’t have an Aldi near you? Don’t despair! The German chain plans to increase its store count by 50% over the next few years. Soon it will become the third largest grocery retailer in the U.S.
Plus: Check out 15 tips for storing stuff you buy in bulk.
More About the Regional All-Stars
Though most of the grocers on the list are familiar, there are a few regional names that you may not recognize:
- Market Basket is a Northeastern chain known for rows of self-checkout lanes as well as low prices.
- WinCo stores are found along the West Coast and in the Midwest. The warehouse-like locations have a low-frills feel where—like at Aldi—customers bag their own groceries.
- Food4Less is another no-frills chain where the customers bag their own groceries. (Are we seeing a theme here?) Food4Less stores are in California, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio.
- Lidl is (like Aldi) a German company.
Also check out: The Best Day of the Week to Go Grocery Shopping
