Have you taken a look at your grocery budget? Most shoppers don’t – they simply buy the groceries they need every week. Take a second look and you’ll discover you’ve spend nearly $1,000 in just one month on groceries.
USA Today reports that the average American family spends between $146 and $289 each week on groceries. If you want to start saving money on every grocery shopping trip, you need to take a close look at your local market.
Are you aware how much disparity exists between the prices that each grocery store charges? Your local store or chain may boast the best prices, but they aren’t always being truthful. Sometimes, lower-priced groceries are hiding just a few blocks away from your usual store.
Don’t worry about comparison shopping. We’ve rounded up the grocery stores that offer the best value and lowest prices.
1. Aldi
Aldi is a newcomer to the US, but it’s a grocery chain that’s fast becoming a favorite. Part of the reason shoppers adore Aldi is the store’s low prices: bloggers like Lauren Greutman and Don’t Waste The Crumbs report prices as much as 30 percent less than rival chain Walmart.
Aldi sells a mixture of name brand and off-brand food, along with other necessities such as paper goods and cat litter. Some of the best products to buy for less are cheese, produce, vegetarian foods, butter, and frozen foods.
2. 365
365 is Whole Food’s discount chain, which was launched in an attempt to capture the attention of Millennials and lower income shoppers. The first location opened its door two years ago, making 365 a still-growing chain. 365 just recently spread into the East Coast, and Amazon plans to keep expanding this new discount chain.
Shop 365 in store and you’ll save on absolutely everything – including gourmet cheese, pre-made salads, meat, and fresh breads. Thanks to Whole Food’s new ownership by Amazon, many 365 items are also available via Prime Pantry and Prime Now delivery. now available at a discount directly from Prime Pantry. You don’t even have to leave home to get a great deal on everyday essentials.
3. Trader Joe’s
Consumer Reports named Trader Joe’s the cheapest supermarket in the U.S. back in 2015, and the hip grocery chain is still one of the lowest-priced in the field. Although Trader Joe’s stores are significantly smaller than the typical grocery store, each location carries a wide selection of staples at surprisingly low prices.
From low priced eggs to affordable cheese to pantry staples like olive oil, spices, and more, Trader Joe’s sells some of your favorite grocery brands and products under its own name for far less. And those looking for a cheap glass of wine will love this store for its famed “two buck Chuck”, or bottles wine that start at just under $3.
4. WinCo
WinCo is a West Coast grocery store chain that’s all about discounted products. WinCo uses unusual business decisions to save you money and make a big profit. For example, they stock fewer brands than most grocery stores and don’t accept credit cards – saving customers the price increase that comes with credit card processing fees and unsold items.
Analysts have referred to WinCo’s approach as the anti-Walmart and “Walmart’s worst nightmare.” You get the best of both worlds when it comes to low-cost groceries: WinCo offers individual products and bulk items whether you’re shopping for produce, tea, or fresh bakery goods.
5. Fareway Stores
The concept behind Fareway Stores is to offer local, farm-fresh produce at discounted prices. Consumers Report rated this Midwestern chain as the third cheapest supermarket chain in the U.S., and it does offer some great deals that help it live up to this billing. Fareway is typically halfway between Aldi and a grocery store with standard pricing.
The best items to grab at your local Fareway store are local produce, meat, and baked goods. All sourced from your own city from local businesses, Fareway can sell these items for far less than the big chains in town.
6. Market Basket
Based in New England, Market Basket takes a “back to basics” approach to its chain of grocery stores. This means avoiding tech, focusing on customer service, and paying their employees a starting wage of $12 per hour. While you might think these perks come with a higher price tag, Market Basket sells groceries for an average of 15 percent less than their local competitors, which makes Market Basket a great choice for discount shoppers.
From gourmet cheese to fresh eggs and meat, Market Basket prices everything lower than big national chains. Additionally, if you don’t mind buying store brand items, you’ll save even more – the Market Basket brand is even cheaper!
Don’t Forget to Look for Sales
Shopping at any of these stores can save you money, but don’t forget to check for any special local sales, use coupons, and look at weekly ads to ensure you get the best deals available. Grocery prices change often, whether you’re shopping at Trader Joes or Fareway, Kroger or Walmart. Sometimes, all it takes to get a lower price is to keep an eye on sales.