The folks at mashed have provided a list of the least expensive grocery chains in America and with rising food prices and inflation taking advantage of some of their picks could really save you some cash. Here are the top chains that they have identified with the full list found HERE.
- Aldi – this German-owned chain has some of the cheapest prices around but has constantly improved its products and has also been offering organic and health-conscious items. Forbes reports that these products are 25% lower in price than competitors and Aldi now has 2,300 locations across the country. You will need to bag your own groceries and pay a quarter to rent a grocery cart, but that’s a small price to pay for the savings that you can reap.
- Market Basket – this regional chain is based in the Northeast and its slogan is “More for your dollar.” They have lower overhead than some stores because they have no debt and a small number of corporate employees.
- Trader Joe’s – TJ’s doesn’t spend money on marketing or advertising and 80% of their products are their own brand so it saves you money in the long run. Customers are loyal and love their selection and low prices.
- H-E-B – this is a Texas-based chain with some locations in Mexico and offers great prices and deals and carries many of its own brands which saves customers money. Their “Combo Loco” deals get you a free item with the purchase of another and weekly ads also provide big savings.
- Costco – Even though you have to pay a membership fee to join Costco there are big savings to be had at this popular chain. Most items have to be bought in large quantities to cash in on the savings but they still have $5 rotisserie chicken and $1.50 hot dogs with the choice of a beverage.
- Sam’s Club – Sam’s Club is a close competitor to Costco and is also members-only with a lower fee to join. They don’t offer as many health-conscious and organic products as Costco but they have great prices and sometimes offer discounts on the membership fee.
- Walmart – Walmart is known for low prices on all of their merchandise, including groceries by keeping operating costs low to get lower wholesale prices and offers their own brands as well including the Great Value brand. You can plan on saving money on most grocery items here.
- WinCo – this chain is a relative newcomer with locations in Arizona, California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Washington on a 2018 report from ABC 15 says that their prices are cheaper than any of the competitors. They also have weekly savings ads, coupons, and their own private label items and you still get your groceries bagged and allowed the use of a free shopping cart.
Source: mashed