11 Grocery Stores That Can Help You Save Money on Food

With grocery prices taking a sizable bite out of household budgets, finding affordable places to shop can make a real difference. A 2026 Consumer Reports comparison found that some warehouse clubs and discount grocers had lower prices than Walmart on a basket of common products. The catch is that prices vary by location, and bulk deals aren’t always a bargain if you can’t use everything you buy. These 11 grocery stores are worth considering when you’re looking to cut costs without giving up the items your household needs.

Aldi

ALDI is a strong starting point for shoppers looking to lower their grocery bills. Its smaller stores, streamlined selection, and extensive private-label offerings help keep prices competitive on everyday staples. A 2025 national supermarket price comparison found ALDI’s prices were 30% to 40% below the average across the markets surveyed. You may not find every brand or specialty product on your list, but shopping here for basics can help reduce your total.

Lidl

Lidl combines discount pricing with features that make grocery shopping feel more like a traditional supermarket. Many locations offer an in-store bakery, fresh produce, pantry staples, and rotating specialty products alongside store-brand essentials. In a national price comparison, Lidl’s prices were about 20% to 25% below the overall average in the markets surveyed. Its selection and prices can make it worth a visit if you have a location nearby.

Costco

Costco can offer substantial savings for households that buy groceries in larger quantities. A 2026 Consumer Reports comparison found prices at Costco averaged 21.4% below Walmart’s for the products researchers compared. The annual membership fee and large package sizes are important to consider, however, especially for smaller households. Compare unit prices and buy only what you can reasonably store and use before it expires.

Walmart

Walmart remains a convenient option for shoppers who want competitive prices without paying a membership fee. Its broad selection covers pantry staples, frozen foods, dairy, produce, and household necessities, making it possible to complete much of a shopping list in one trip. Walmart was the baseline retailer in the 2026 Consumer Reports price comparison, so the study measured other chains against its prices. Store-brand products and careful comparison shopping can help you make the most of your budget.

WinCo Foods

WinCo Foods is a regional discount grocer worth knowing about if you live near one of its locations. Its bulk-food section can be useful for buying just the amount you need of items such as rice, beans, oats, nuts, and spices. WinCo also operates as an employee-owned company and does not require a warehouse-club membership. In the 2026 Consumer Reports comparison, its prices averaged 3.3% below Walmart’s for the products compared.

BJ’s Wholesale Club

BJ’s Wholesale Club is another warehouse retailer to consider when you regularly buy groceries in larger quantities. A 2026 Consumer Reports comparison found its prices averaged 21% below Walmart’s for the items researchers compared. Meat, snacks, beverages, frozen foods, and pantry staples may offer useful savings when the package sizes suit your household. Before joining, compare the membership cost with the amount you realistically expect to save.

H-E-B

H-E-B is a popular Texas-based grocery chain known for its broad selection and store-brand products. Its mix of everyday groceries, fresh foods, and private-label alternatives gives shoppers several ways to manage their spending. In the 2026 Consumer Reports comparison, H-E-B’s prices averaged about 0.2% below Walmart’s for the products compared. Availability is limited to the markets H-E-B serves, but shoppers in those areas may find it a worthwhile option.

Market Basket

Market Basket has a loyal following in parts of the Northeast, where shoppers often look to it for competitive prices on everyday groceries. Its full-service supermarket format includes fresh produce, meat, seafood, bakery items, and pantry staples. In the 2026 Consumer Reports comparison, its prices averaged 1.2% above Walmart’s, showing that it wasn’t the lowest-priced option in that particular study. Actual savings depend on the products you buy, local prices, and weekly specials.

Save A Lot

Save A Lot focuses on value-oriented grocery shopping, with an emphasis on affordable staples and its own brands. Depending on the location, shoppers may find meat, produce, dairy, canned goods, frozen foods, and other basics for everyday meals. It can be useful for filling in a grocery list without paying for a premium shopping experience. Compare unit prices and package sizes, since the lowest shelf price isn’t always the lowest cost per serving.

Grocery Outlet

Grocery Outlet is worth checking if you enjoy finding deals on changing selections of packaged foods, snacks, dairy, frozen products, and other groceries. The retailer often features discounted name-brand and specialty products, but the exact selection can vary from store to store. That makes it a useful stop for flexible meal planning rather than a place to expect every item on your list. Check expiration dates, compare prices with your usual store, and stock up only when a deal makes sense.

Price Rite

Price Rite is a discount supermarket chain serving parts of the Northeast, including communities in New York and New England. Its focus on value-priced groceries makes it a practical option for shoppers comparing the cost of pantry staples, produce, meat, and other everyday essentials. Prices and selection can vary by location, so it’s worth checking weekly promotions and comparing the products you buy most often. If there’s a store nearby, it may offer another way to stretch your grocery budget without paying a warehouse-club membership fee.

This post may contain affiliate links or sponsored content. Disclosure Policy