What are the most budget-friendly supermarkets in the United States?
Despite food prices rising slower than last year, according to the US Department of Agriculture, they’re still well above historical averages, leaving many of the American public pinching pennies. This persistent inflation means that household food budgets are being stretched thinner than ever, forcing families to make difficult choices and seek out new strategies to manage their expenses. It’s no longer just about cutting out luxuries; for many, it’s about finding ways to afford the essentials.
So, if you’re looking for ways to cut costs beyond foundational strategies like meal planning and consistently eating at home, you might be interested in switching to a more affordable grocery store. Grocery shopping is often filled with difficult decisions that go beyond the simple choices on your list. Brie or Gouda? Grass-fed or gluten-free ground beef? Organic strawberries or the conventional ones? Every choice feels like a negotiation with your wallet.
Two bags of chips or just one? These small decisions can add up in a big way by the time you reach the checkout counter, often leading to a final bill that’s significantly higher than you anticipated. This phenomenon, known as “choice fatigue,” can impact your budget significantly. Yet, a new study shows that the most critical food-buying decision occurs before shoppers even enter the store: choosing where to shop in the first place. The impact of this single choice can far outweigh all the small decisions you make in the aisles.
While many folks might expect to pay a premium for specific cuts of meat or organic produce, according to the influential Dunnhumby retail preference index, food prices on the exact same items vary widely by store. This report analyzes shopper perceptions and behavior, revealing a significant gap between where consumers *think* they are getting the best value and where the actual lowest prices are found. This highlights that brand loyalty or habit could be costing you a substantial amount of money over the course of a year.
So on that note, let’s explore the top 10 most budget-friendly supermarkets in the US! Making an informed choice about your primary grocery store is one of the most powerful moves you can make to combat rising food costs and take control of your household budget.
Costco
If you’re an avid Price Makers reader, you won’t be surprised to find this budget-friendly supermarket on our list. We all know that Costco is a membership-only warehouse club that costs $60 for a yearly membership, a fee that many shoppers find is quickly recouped through savings. The entire business model is built around offering a curated selection of items in bulk quantities at deeply discounted prices.
It’s a fantastic place to shop for groceries if you have a big family or eat a lot of the same food and prefer to buy it in bulk. This strategy is perfect for non-perishable pantry staples like rice, pasta, canned goods, and paper products. Even though you must pay for a membership, all the savings you get from shopping at their locations will be well worth it. Furthermore, their Kirkland Signature private-label brand is renowned for its high quality, often being manufactured by the same companies as popular name brands but sold at a fraction of the cost.
Not only are their prices very low, but they also offer plenty of gluten-free and organic options if that’s what you’re looking for, making healthy eating more accessible. Beyond groceries, the value extends to their famous $1.50 hot dog and soda combo, affordable gasoline, and discounted pharmacy services, which all contribute to the overall savings for members. The key is to have the storage space and to be certain you’ll use the products before they expire.
Walmart
We’ve all heard of Walmart, and many even regularly shop at their locations for everything from tires to t-shirts. Because of their wild success and immense scale of operations, they can leverage incredible buying power to offer meager prices and a much more extensive selection of goods than most competitors. Their “Everyday Low Prices” strategy is a cornerstone of their brand, promising consistent affordability without the need to wait for sales.
This budget-friendly supermarket has excellent prices for staples like fruits, vegetables, milk, eggs, bread, and much more. Their Great Value store brand offers a cost-effective alternative for hundreds of common household items. Along with much more affordable options, you can save even more money on your groceries using the Walmart website or app, which features digital coupons and weekly ads. The Walmart+ membership program also offers benefits like free delivery and fuel savings for frequent shoppers.
It’s usually one of the only stores in the US where people can shop for groceries in small towns and rural areas, making it the best, and sometimes only, option for people living in these spots. Its role as a one-stop-shop allows families to save time and money on transportation by getting groceries, clothing, and household goods all in a single trip.
Aldi
Aldi seems to be consistently taking the highest spot for being the most budget-friendly supermarket in numerous consumer reports, and for good reason. It’s a German grocery retailer focusing on low-cost products and an inventory that consists of over 90% private labels. This focus allows them to control quality and price points directly. They also offer vegan, organic, gluten-free, and dairy-free options at much lower costs than their competitors, under their Simply Nature and liveGfree lines.
Their exceptional business model allows them to cut costs as much as they can while still paying their employees a fair wage and passing on immense savings to those who shop at their locations. These efficiencies are visible everywhere: a smaller store footprint reduces real estate and utility costs, and products are often displayed in their shipping cartons, which saves on stocking time. The famous “Aldi Finds” aisle also provides a treasure hunt-like experience with rotating, limited-time deals on food and non-food items.
But be warned that you’ll be required to insert a quarter if you wish to use their shopping carts, which you’ll get back once you return them. This clever system ensures carts are always returned, saving the store from paying staff to collect them from the parking lot. You’ll also have to bag your own groceries, so remember to bring reusable bags or be prepared to purchase them at checkout.
Even though there are a few minor inconveniences that require a slight adjustment in your shopping routine, Aldi is your best option if you’re trying to save as much as you can on your grocery shopping. The savings on a typical weekly grocery bill can be substantial, often 30-50% less than traditional supermarkets.
Trader Joe’s
Trader Joe’s was named our nation’s favored grocery store two years in a row and has a lengthy list of accolades and awards to go with it. It fosters a loyal, cult-like following with its friendly, Hawaiian-shirt-clad employees and unique product selection. Yet, Trader Joe’s is one of our list’s pricier grocery stores if you’re comparing basic staples like flour or sugar against a deep discounter like Aldi.
But we must note that they carry amazing house brands and even pre-made meals as incredible value deals. The real value at Trader Joe’s isn’t in raw ingredients but in its innovative, often international, and convenient food items. Their frozen section is legendary, offering restaurant-quality meals at a fraction of the price. Considering this, if you’re busy and would rather make a quick, interesting meal instead of cooking from scratch, Trader Joe’s is an appealing option that still saves you money compared to dining out or ordering takeout.
WinCo
WinCo is a warehouse-like, employee-owned retailer that is widely popular in the western and southern parts of the US. Being employee-owned is a key part of its identity, fostering a culture of efficiency and pride among its staff. Having limited staff, selling items in bulk, and designing their stores to organize groceries as effectively as possible allows them to sell their goods for unbelievably low prices. They are famous for their “Wall of Values” at the front of the store, featuring the best current deals.
A major draw for savvy shoppers is the extensive bulk foods section, where you can buy exactly the amount you need of hundreds of items like flour, sugar, spices, nuts, grains, and candy. This drastically reduces food waste and cost, as you’re not forced to buy a pre-packaged size. But, considering their limited staff and no-frills approach, you’ll have to bag your own groceries, which is a small price to pay and well worth it if you’re trying to save as much as possible on food.
This budget-friendly supermarket also tries to make its stores as environmentally friendly as possible by using energy-efficient lighting and refrigeration systems. So, it’s a beautiful grocery option for earth lovers who are also passionate about saving money!
Lidl
Lidl is equivalent to Aldi and is actually one of their biggest competitors, originating from the same German discount grocery philosophy. In a head-to-head comparison, Lidl might even be a more budget-friendly supermarket than Aldi if you’re shopping for certain staple and specialty products, though prices are highly competitive between the two. Many shoppers find Lidl’s store layout to be a bit more intuitive and organized than Aldi’s.
It also doesn’t require a quarter to use their carts and even has a fresh, in-store bakery with delicious goods baked throughout the day—a significant advantage for many customers. The smell of fresh bread and pastries is a signature part of the Lidl experience. But like Aldi, they don’t bag your groceries for you or even supply free bags, so you’ll need to bring your own or purchase them.
This budget-friendly supermarket also has significantly fewer locations than its competitors, primarily concentrated along the East Coast. So they might not have a location where you live. But, if they do, it’s a great option to save on your grocery shopping, especially if you take advantage of their weekly themed promotions and award-winning wine selection.
Market Basket
Exclusive in northeast states like Massachusetts, Maine, and New Hampshire, Market Basket is a store that’s loved for its low prices on items that are generally more expensive at other grocery stores. It has a fiercely loyal customer base that appreciates its long-standing commitment to value, encapsulated in its slogan, “More For Your Dollar.” The loyalty was famously demonstrated in 2014 when employees and customers alike protested to reinstate their beloved CEO, Arthur T. Demoulas.
You can find fantastic deli meats, fresh produce, an extensive butcher counter, and much more at a fraction of the prices from somewhere else. The deli, in particular, is a major draw, often with long lines of customers waiting for affordably priced, high-quality meats and cheeses. You can also use this budget-friendly supermarket’s website to create a personalized shopping list to help you get organized before you get into the busy store.
New England locals have compared Market Basket to Publix, which is a southeastern grocery chain known for its incredible deals and unique deli services, so the comparison isn’t a surprise. For residents of the Northeast, Market Basket is more than just a store; it’s a regional institution built on the promise of affordability.
H-E-B
If you live in Texas, H-E-B is a beautiful, budget-friendly supermarket option because it’s the only state they have locations in (plus some in northern Mexico). This intense regional focus allows them to tailor their stores and products specifically to the tastes of Texans. They have isles full of baked goods from their in-store bakeries, excellent quality produce, a wide variety of store-brand products, and prepared items, all at reasonably low prices. Their store brands, such as H-E-B, Hill Country Fare, and the premium Central Market line, are staples in Texan homes.
You can also use their digital and email coupons, found on the H-E-B app, to save even more on top of their already low prices. These “yellow coupons” are a key part of the savings strategy for loyal shoppers. You’ll also get online deals they offer shipped directly to your home, or you can even make a shopping list based on the goods they have on sale to maximize your budget.
Besides this, you can pick up the groceries you order online curbside to save on time and prevent impulse buying, a feature that has become incredibly popular. H-E-B is also renowned for its community involvement and excellent customer service, adding a layer of value beyond just price.
Dollar General
Dollar General is another of the most well-known budget-friendly supermarkets in the United States, especially recognizable for its rapid expansion across the country. It’s a discount grocer usually available in small towns and rural areas. As a result, it can sometimes be the only grocery option for residents in these areas, playing a crucial role in communities that are considered “food deserts” where larger supermarkets are absent.
Dollar General is an excellent option for a selection of items beyond groceries, as well. However, it’s not the best choice if you’re looking for a wide variety of fresh food. While many locations have expanded to include a small selection of refrigerated and frozen items like milk, eggs, and some produce, the primary focus remains on shelf-stable pantry items.
The majority of items you can find at Dollar General are in categories like canned goods, pasta, snacks, cleaning supplies, beauty products, office supplies, and even apparel. One factor that sets Dollar General apart from many other dollar stores around is that you can use manufacturer’s coupons and their own digital coupons to save even more, making their low prices even lower.
Amazon
A survey conducted by Dunnhumby regarding budget-friendly supermarkets in the US included stores that stood out when it came to their digital attributes and convenience. Unsurprisingly, Amazon took the highest spot as the digital category champion. Its value comes from a combination of convenience, selection, and specific savings programs available to Prime members.
But, as noted by the study, shoppers likely bought their groceries online out of necessity rather than preference initially, and this has only increased since the pandemic. The value proposition includes Amazon Fresh for grocery delivery, special discounts at Whole Foods Market for Prime members, and the Subscribe & Save program. Subscribe & Save, in particular, offers significant discounts on recurring deliveries of household staples, from coffee to diapers, automating savings and ensuring you never run out of essentials.
Regarding digital attributes, Amazon was followed by Target, Walmart, Sam’s Club, and Lowes Foods for the leading spot in the digital category. While not always the absolute cheapest for a basket of goods, the time saved by delivery and the targeted discounts can represent a significant value for busy households.
We hope you found this post on budget-friendly supermarkets insightful. Choosing the right store for your needs is a powerful first step in managing your food expenses. Be sure to share your own thoughts on the matter and your favorite money-saving grocers in the comments section below.
And if you liked this article, we highly recommend you also read: 19 Healthy Costco Food Items That Will Give You the Biggest Bang for Your Buck
