The Cheapest Grocery Store Options

Some grocery stores have way better deals than others, and knowing where to shop can save you a ton of money. Getting the most out of your budget doesn’t mean sacrificing quality when the right stores offer huge discounts on fresh food, pantry staples, and organic options. Living well isn’t about spending a fortune—it’s about making your money work for you.

Cheapest Grocery Store Options

Walmart

Walmart is known for having some of the best grocery deals, making it a top choice for people looking to save money on everyday essentials. Their Great Value brand offers solid quality at prices lower than name brands. Staples like sugar, pasta, and canned chicken are some of the best bargains, making it easier to stock up without spending too much.

Fresh produce and dairy are also big winners when it comes to savings. Eggs, milk, and butter tend to be cheaper here than at many other stores, and Walmart regularly runs sales on these essentials. Around the holidays, they offer discounted meal bundles, especially for Thanksgiving, making it easy to put together a full holiday spread for less than what other grocery stores charge.

Kroger

Kroger consistently offers discounts on various grocery items, making it a reliable place to find lower prices. Their store brands, like Kroger and Simple Truth, provide quality options at lower prices than name brands. Staples like bread, dairy, and pantry essentials are regularly discounted, making it easier to stock up without overspending.

Kroger runs frequent promotions that help shoppers get even better deals. The “Buy 5 or More, Save $1 Each” event is a popular one, where buying five qualifying items knocks a dollar off each one. The promotion includes a mix of groceries, snacks, and household essentials so customers can mix and match items to maximize savings.

Their digital coupons make saving even easier. Shoppers can browse Kroger’s website or app and load coupons to their loyalty cards. Discounts apply automatically at checkout, covering everything from fresh produce and meats to packaged foods and everyday basics.

Safeway

Safeway runs regular sales on fresh produce, quality meats, and dairy staples. Shoppers can find discounts on items like lettuce, berries, potatoes, and citrus each week. Beef roasts, chicken breasts, and pork chops often go on sale, with value packs making bulk purchases even cheaper. Bread, pasta, and canned goods are frequently included in promotions, helping people stock up on everyday essentials for less.

The store’s private-label brands offer even more savings. Signature Select has lower-priced snacks, frozen foods, and pantry staples. O Organics makes organic produce, meats, and packaged foods more affordable with frequent discounts. Lucerne keeps dairy costs down with deals on butter, cheese, and yogurt, giving shoppers a cheaper alternative to name brands.

Safeway’s Just for U program helps cut costs even further. Digital coupons and personalized discounts make everyday grocery shopping more affordable. Many store-brand products qualify for extra savings, letting shoppers get even better deals on items they buy all the time.

Publix

Publix is known for its Buy One, Get One Free deals, which help shoppers save on a variety of groceries. These promotions rotate weekly and include everything from fresh produce and meats to pantry staples and snacks. Since the BOGO deals cover a wide range of products, shoppers can stock up on essentials without paying full price.

Beyond BOGO sales, Publix offers extra savings through its Club Publix program. Members get access to personalized discounts, early previews of weekly ads, and digital coupons that apply automatically at checkout. The program also includes exclusive promotions based on shopping habits, giving regular customers even more opportunities to save on their favorite grocery items.

Albertsons

Albertsons is owned by the same company as Safeway, so many of the same brands and deals can be found at both stores. Some promotions might look identical, but that doesn’t mean you’re seeing double. It’s just how their pricing and discounts are set up, giving shoppers the same savings no matter which store they visit.

Albertsons is known for its Buy One, Get One Free deals, which help shoppers save on fresh produce, meats, dairy, and pantry staples. These promotions rotate regularly, making it easy to stock up on everyday essentials at lower prices.

The Albertsons for U loyalty program offers extra discounts, digital coupons, and rewards points that can be used to save on groceries and gas. Members also get perks like a free item each month and special birthday rewards, making it worth signing up for those who shop there often.

Target

Target has solid grocery deals, especially on its private label brands like Good & Gather and Market Pantry. These brands offer budget-friendly options for dairy, frozen foods, and pantry staples without cutting corners on quality. Fresh produce and meats also go on sale often, making it easier to grab affordable ingredients for everyday meals.

Packaged snacks, cereals, and drinks are some of the most discounted items in the store. Coffee, breakfast foods, and frozen meals regularly get marked down, helping shoppers save on quick and easy options. Many of these deals are available in-store and online, so customers can shop however they prefer.

Target Circle gives even more ways to save. The free loyalty program offers exclusive grocery discounts and personalized deals that apply automatically at checkout. Shoppers who use it regularly get extra savings on everyday essentials, making their grocery budget go further.

Meijer’s

Meijer’s private-label milk and butter can make a big difference in savings, especially with the increase in dairy prices. With inflation driving up costs, switching to store brands is an easy way to spend less without giving up quality. Their weekly specials focus on the items people buy the most, keeping prices down on pantry staples and packaged foods that families rely on daily.

The mPerks program adds even more savings with digital coupons and personalized deals based on shopping habits. Shoppers can access exclusive discounts on frequently purchased items, and rewards can be redeemed for additional savings. Combining these perks with in-store promotions gives customers multiple ways to reduce their grocery bills.

Aldi’s

Aldi is a great place to save on fresh produce and meat. Fruits and vegetables like bananas, apples, lettuce, and peppers are usually priced lower than other stores. Meat specials change often, with deals on chicken, ground beef, and pork, making it easier to plan meals on a budget. The frozen seafood section is another good spot for savings, with fish and shrimp often costing less than at larger grocery chains.

Bread, dairy, and frozen foods are also cheaper here. Store-brand bread, bagels, and tortillas cost less than name brands without skimping on quality. Frozen vegetables, pizzas, and breakfast foods are regularly discounted, making it easy to grab quick meal options without spending extra.

Trader Joe’s

Many people think the same company owns Trader Joe’s and Aldi, but that’s not true. Aldi Nord owns Trader Joe’s, while the Aldi stores in the U.S. are run by Aldi Süd. The two companies have a shared history but operate separately, so their stores, products, and pricing are entirely independent of each other.

Trader Joe’s is known for its private-label products, which offer great quality at lower prices. Some of their most popular items include Mandarin Orange Chicken, Soy Chorizo, and a variety of frozen meals that are easy to prepare. Their cheese section is another highlight, with options like Unexpected Cheddar giving shoppers gourmet flavors without the high price tag.

Shoppers also save money on snacks and pantry staples. The Chili & Lime Flavored Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips are a customer favorite, and their Everything but the Bagel Nut Duo is a go-to option for a flavorful, protein-packed snack.

H-E-B

H-E-B is a great place to save on fresh produce, meat, and dairy. Fruits and vegetables like avocados, peppers, and citrus are usually priced lower than at other stores. Meat and seafood deals are common, with discounts on chicken, beef, and shrimp. Dairy products, including milk, cheese, and butter, are also more affordable, making it easier to keep grocery costs down.

Their store-brand products help cut costs even more. H-E-B Select Ingredients, Hill Country Fare, and Central Market offer quality alternatives to national brands at lower prices. Popular picks like Creamy Creations ice cream and Café Olé coffee give customers premium flavors without the high price tag. Pantry staples like flour, sugar, and canned goods are consistently priced well, making it easy to stock up without spending extra.

H-E-B has plenty of ways to save beyond everyday pricing. Digital coupons and in-store promotions lower the costs of groceries people buy all the time. The H-E-B app has exclusive discounts, and Combo Loco deals let shoppers get free or discounted items when buying certain products together. My H-E-B Rewards members can also earn points on purchases, leading to even more savings over time.

Food Lion

Food Lion’s MVP Program gives customers exclusive deals on fresh produce, dairy, and pantry staples. Milk, eggs, and bread are often included in these promotions, making it easier to keep costs down on the basics. Buy One, Get One Free deals are another way to save, with rotating offers on popular grocery items that help shoppers stretch their budget.

Their private-label brands provide even more affordable options without sacrificing quality. Food Lion brand cereals, canned goods, and frozen vegetables give customers lower-cost alternatives to national brands. These store-brand products can make a noticeable difference in grocery bills while offering a wide selection of quality foods.

Piggly Wiggly

Piggly Wiggly’s digital coupons and loyalty program make saving on groceries simple. The Pig Points program helps shoppers earn discounts on groceries and gas, making it a great option for those who shop there regularly. Digital coupons can be clipped online and used at checkout on everything from fresh food to pantry staples.

Weekly in-store promotions give even more chances to save, especially for those who plan their shopping around the latest deals.

Fresh produce, dairy, and family-sized meat packs offer some of the best savings in the store. Discounts on fruits and vegetables change often, so shoppers can find deals on items like lettuce, apples, and potatoes. Meat packs are another way to save, with bulk deals on beef, pork, and chicken helping customers get more for their money.

Piggly Wiggly’s private label brands, like Piggly Wiggly and Clifty Farm, make it easy to cut costs without giving up quality. Store-brand canned vegetables, frozen potatoes, and sliced bread are priced lower than national brands but still hold up in taste and freshness. Clifty Farm is a favorite for smoked meats, with country ham and bacon offering an affordable way to add flavor to home-cooked meals.

Saving money on groceries is totally doable, but you’ve got to put in a little effort. Always check the weekly flyers or browse online before you shop because that’s where the real deals pop up. Some of the best discounts aren’t advertised, and if a store wants to keep you coming back, they’ll throw in extra perks just for loyal customers.