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 above historical averages, leaving many of the American public pinching pennies.
So, if you’re looking for ways to cut costs beyond meal planning and eating at home, you might be interested in switching to a more affordable grocery store. Grocery shopping is often filled with difficult decisions. Brie or Gouda? Grass-fed or gluten-free ground beef?
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. Yet, a new study shows that the most critical food-buying decision occurs before shoppers even enter the store.
While many folks might expect to pay a premium for specific cuts of meat or organic produce, according to the Dunnhumby retail preference index, food prices on the same items vary widely by store.
So on that note, let’s explore the top 10 most budget-friendly supermarkets in the US!
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.
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. Even though you must pay for a membership, all the savings you get from shopping at their locations will be well worth it.
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.
Walmart
We’ve all heard of Walmart, and many even regularly shop at their locations. Because of their wild success, they can offer meager prices and a much more extensive selection of goods.
This budget-friendly supermarket has excellent prices for staples like fruits, vegetables, and much more. Along with much more affordable options, you can save even more money on your groceries using the Walmart website or app.
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 option for people living in these spots.
Aldi
Aldi seems to be taking the highest spot for being the most budget-friendly supermarket. It’s a German grocery retailer focusing on low-cost products and private labels. They also offer vegan, organic, gluten-free, and dairy-free options at much lower costs than their competitors.
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 savings to those who shop at their locations.
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 take them back. You’ll also have to bag your groceries, so remember to bring reusable bags.
Even though there are a few minor inconveniences, Aldi is your best option if you’re trying to save as much as you can on your grocery shopping.
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. Yet, Trader Joe’s is one of our list’s pricier grocery stores.
But we must note that they carry amazing house brands and even pre-made meals as incredible value deals. Considering this, if you’re busy and would rather make a quick meal instead of cooking from scratch, Trader Joe’s is an appealing option.
WinCo
WinCo is a warehouse-like, employee-owned retailer that is widely popular in the western parts of the US. 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.
But, considering their limited staff, you’ll have to bag your groceries, which is 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. So, it’s a beautiful grocery option for earth lovers!
Lidl
Lidl is equivalent to Aldi and is actually one of their biggest competitors. Lidl might even be a more budget-friendly supermarket than Aldi if you’re shopping for staple and specialty products.
It also doesn’t require a quarter to use their carts and even has a fresh bakery with delicious goods. But like Aldi, they don’t bag your groceries for you or even supply bags.
This budget-friendly supermarket also has significantly fewer locations than its competitors. 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.
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.
You can find fantastic deli meats, fresh produce, and much more at a fraction of the prices from somewhere else. You can also use this budget-friendly supermarket’s website to create a personalized shopping list to help you get into this 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.
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. They have isles full of baked goods, excellent food, and prepared items, all at reasonably low prices.
You can also use their digital and email coupons to save even more. 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.
Besides this, you can pick up the groceries you order online curbside to save on time and prevent impulse buying.
Dollar General
Dollar General is another of the most well-known budget-friendly supermarkets in the United States. 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.
Dollar General is an excellent option for a selection of items beyond groceries, as well. But it’s not the best choice if you’re looking for a wide variety of fresh food.
The majority of items you can find at Dollar General are in categories like cleaning supplies, beauty products, office supplies, and even apparel. One factor that sets Dollar General apart from any other dollar stores around is that you can use coupons to save even more.
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. Unsurprisingly, Amazon took the highest spot as the digital category champion.
But, as noted by the study, shoppers likely bought their groceries online out of necessity rather than preference, and this has only increased since the pandemic.
Regarding digital attributes, Amazon was followed by Target, Walmart, Sam’s Club, and Lowes Foods for the leading spot in the digital category.
We hope you found this post on budget-friendly supermarkets insightful. Be sure to share your own thoughts on the matter 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
