News & Trending Shopping & Deals News

What $40 Actually Gets You at Aldi, Trader Joe’s, and Walmart

Compare how far you can stretch your dollar at these three retailers.

mother doing shopping
Updated Nov. 14, 2024
Fact checked

We receive compensation from the products and services mentioned in this story, but the opinions are the author's own. Compensation may impact where offers appear. We have not included all available products or offers. Learn more about how we make money and our editorial policies.

The cost of groceries is on the rise. But at Aldi, Trader Joe’s, and Walmart, you can still find deals on everything from pantry staples to frozen meals. To prove just how unbeatable these bargains are, we filled a cart with $40 worth of food at these three retailers.

Whether you need to save on everyday essentials or looking for a way to eat healthier without breaking the bank, we’ve got you covered. At these prices, you may even have enough cash left over to splurge on a gourmet goodie or decadent dessert.

Editor’s note: Prices are subject to change and may vary by location.

Earn cash back on everyday purchases with this rare account

Want to earn cash back on your everyday purchases without using a credit card? With the Discover®️ Cashback Debit Checking account (member FDIC), you can earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month!1

With no credit check to apply and no monthly fees to worry about, you can earn nearly passive income on purchases you’re making anyway — up to an extra $360 a year!

This rare checking account has other great perks too, like access to your paycheck up to 2 days early with Early Pay, no minimum deposit or monthly balance requirements, over 60K fee-free ATMs, and the ability to add cash to your account at Walmart stores nationwide.

Don’t leave money on the table — it only takes minutes to apply and it won’t impact your credit score.

Apply for a Discover Cashback Checking account today

Aldi

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz aldi cart

Aldi’s selection of low-priced, high-quality items is almost unbeatable. The retailer’s store brands make it possible to find affordable generics for every need. And we chose a cart full of products that reflect this.

Essentials such as eggs, fruit, and bagels are less at Aldi than at comparable retailers. We scored half a dozen L’Oven Fresh Everything Bagels for $1.95. Thomas’ brand-name version sells for over $2 more. 

Apples are another staple you can save on at Aldi. A bag of the red delicious variety was only $2.89.

Along with low prices on the basics, Aldi also has affordable options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We picked items that are easy to mix and match, extending our shopping budget. 

For example, you could toast one of the Everything bagels, add a scrambled egg, and sprinkle on a handful of cheese for breakfast. Layer Aldi’s Deli Sliced Buffalo Style Chicken Breast ($3.09) and Park Street Deli’s hummus ($2.49) on another bagel for lunch. 

Top a third bagel with Reggano marinara sauce ($1.59) and Happy Farms Italian-style shredded cheese ($2.79), pop it into the oven, and bake a pizza bagel for dinner. But that’s not all.

Spread the hummus onto a Pueblo Linda flour tortilla ($1.99), crumble an Earth Grown veggie burger ($2.99) on top, and make a wrap. You’ll have three of the four 11-vegetable burgers left, so sandwich one between a bagel. And if you’re searching for a side, Earthly Grains Couscous is only $1.79 for a 10-ounce box.

Trader Joe’s

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz trader joe’s cart

TJ’s is stocked with fan favorites that get plenty of attention online. Viral sensations like the seaweed-wrapped Kimbap ($3.99) and plant-based bulgogi-filled vegan Jumeokbap ($4.99) are restaurant-quality buys at bargain prices. 

You can also snag can’t-beat deals on frozen ready-to-heat-and-eat meals from around the globe. For $2.99, the Indian-inspired Channa Masala is a flavorful find. Eat it as-is, or pair the spiced chickpea meal with Trader Joe’s naan bread.

Even though Trader Joe’s is known for these foodie favorites, the retailer has plenty of affordable staples to fill your cart. We paid $1.99 for a bag of Spring Mix and $2.49 for Baby Bella Cremini Mushrooms. Mix in a homemade balsamic vinaigrette and a few tomatoes from your garden or a farm stand, and you have a super-sized salad for less. 

Other basics to build meals around include the store’s refrigerated pizza dough ($1.69), Brussels sprouts ($1.49), and frozen fish. Score almost one pound of farm-raised tilapia for under $6 right now.

Fans of LaCroix may want to stock up on Trader Joe’s sparkling water. You’ll pay $4.19 for the name-brand eight-pack at Target. But TJ’s version is only $3.49. Choose from refreshingly fruity flavors, like raspberry lime or blueberry lemonade.

Walmart

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz walmart cart

This superstore is known for its overall affordability. While some of the big box store’s generics are so-so, Walmart also has an unexpected amount of nutritious products at unbelievable prices.

We started our Walmart haul with low-priced salad staples. A head of iceberg lettuce was only $1.88, and a bag of Marketside fresh spinach was $1.98. Instead of expensive Olive Garden salad dressing — which can cost over $4.50 — we scored a Great Value dupe for $1.97. 

If you want to add a protein, Walmart sells Realgoods’ seasoned chicken breast chunks for $7.86.

Other value-priced basics we found at Walmart include a 25.5-ounce bottle of olive oil ($9.74), garden combination pasta sauce ($1.67), penne pasta ($0.98), eighteen eggs ($2.64), and a half-gallon of whole milk ($2.35).

You can also score savings on pantry staples at Walmart. We bought a six-count of pre-sliced bagels for under $2 and a 20-ounce loaf of wheat bread for $1.42. Heat the frozen Realgood chicken and stack it between a bagel or two pieces of toasted bread.

Get a protection plan on all your appliances

Did you know if your air conditioner stops working, your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover it? Same with plumbing, electrical issues, appliances, and more.

Whether or not you’re a new homeowner, a home warranty from Choice Home Warranty could pick up the slack where insurance falls short and protect you against surprise expenses. If a covered system in your home breaks, you can call their hotline 24/7 to get it repaired.

For a limited time, you can get your first month free with a Single Payment home warranty plan.

Get a free quote

Bottom line

georgerudy/Adobe family shopping in supermarket

Which store has the best deals? It’s a toss-up. Aldi has budget-friendly prices on enough mix-and-match picks to make multiple meals, Trader Joe’s is a foodie’s best friend with creative culinary finds, and Walmart has unexpectedly healthy buys for less.

Everyday low prices aren’t the only way to save money on groceries. You can use the top rewards credit cards to earn cash back, travel points, and perks on eligible items.

Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards

5.0
info

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Current Offer

$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months

Annual Fee

$0

Rewards Rate

Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks
Card Details


Author Details

Erica Loop

With more than a decade of experience writing about everything from e-commerce to pets and parenting, Erica Loop has written for sites such as BuzzFeed, Brit+Co, Tinybeans, Family Education, and Care.com. Erica has a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts and an MS in Applied Developmental Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh.