Aldi or Walmart: Which Retailer Really Has The Cheapest Groceries

If you are still feeling the sting of inflated grocery bills, you are far from alone. Many Americans, especially those on a fixed retirement income, are fighting to keep weekly shopping trips affordable.

One of the smartest ways to tackle high grocery costs is by comparing retailers near you to find the best deals and lowest prices on quality, tasty grocery foods. Aldi and Walmart are two of the biggest money-saving favorites, but which one truly offers the lowest prices?

Here is how much money you can save on grocery staples when shopping at Walmart or Aldi.

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

A dozen white large eggs

Aldi: $1.99 | Walmart: $1.97

Egg prices have eased from earlier highs, but they remain a significant indicator of overall grocery costs. Surprisingly, Walmart edges ahead here by just a couple of cents. It is a tiny difference, but if you go through several cartons a week or buy eggs consistently over time, it can add up.

Whole milk

Aldi: $2.35 | Walmart: $2.12

Milk is another staple that fluctuates frequently. In this matchup, Walmart takes the win with a noticeably lower price per gallon. For families who purchase milk multiple times a week for drinking or baking, Walmart may better stretch your grocery budget on this dairy essential.

White bread

Aldi: $1.55 | Walmart: $1.42

Bread costs have increased overall since 2020 by more than 25 percent. Walmart's Great Value pricing keeps sandwiches and toast affordable, but the difference is small enough that Aldi's L'Oven Fresh option remains budget-friendly as well.

Bananas

Aldi: $0.46 per pound | Walmart: $0.54 per pound

Aldi wins this round, and by a much wider margin than many other produce items. Fresh fruit and vegetables are where Aldi shines, especially if your diet includes lots of produce. The retailer's pricing on fresh items can certainly help you save money on groceries.

Boneless skinless chicken breasts

Aldi: $2.29 per pound | Walmart: $2.57 per pound

Inflation in meat prices is unfortunately a reality, and shoppers feel its impact every week. Aldi's more limited selection allows it to keep costs lower on staple proteins like chicken. Walmart may still have better bulk options, but at a higher price per pound.

Shredded cheddar cheese

Aldi: $2.85 | Walmart: $3.48

Dairy is a very strong category for Aldi. Nearly 70 cents cheaper per bag can make a real impact if you love casseroles, pizzas, and tacos. Lower-cost cheesy goodness? Yes, please. Especially on pre-shredded cheese that saves both time and energy during meal prep.

Stick butter

Aldi: $3.49 | Walmart: $3.67

Butter prices have dropped slightly from last year's peak, but they are still higher than pre-pandemic levels. Aldi wins again, though the difference is small; we know the pennies add up. Walmart Great Value is the same size (one pound) as Aldi's Countryside Creamery brand, both offering similar quality.

Peanut butter

Aldi: $4.35 | Walmart: $3.98

Here, Walmart's Great Value option takes a noticeable lead for a staple many households can't live without. If you want to save more on everyday essentials, consider sticking to Walmart for peanut butter, especially if you go through multiple jars a month.

Rotini pasta

Aldi: $1.09 | Walmart: $0.98

Pasta may still be one of the cheapest ways to feed a household, and Walmart's Great Value option edges ahead with a slightly better price. However, Aldi's Reggano brand frequently beats Walmart on other pasta types, so it may depend on your pantry staples and pasta dish preferences.

Colombian ground coffee

Aldi: $12.45 (for 24.2 ounces) | Walmart: $11.47 (for 22.6 ounces)

Coffee inflation is brutal, and this item was a very close call between Walmart's Great Value and Aldi's Beaumont Coffee brands. On a price per ounce comparison, Aldi's coffee comes at 51 cents per ounce, while Walmart's comes at 50 cents per ounce, winning by a whisker.

Breakfast cereal

Aldi: $2.15 | Walmart: $1.97

The store-brand cereals taste nearly identical across retailers and sometimes even to the name-brand breakfasts themselves, but Walmart consistently undercuts Aldi here with its pricing. When comparing Aldi's Millville Crispy Rice and Great Value Rice Crisp options, Walmart wins on breakfast basics every time.

The winner for the cheapest grocery staples

This comparison was much closer than many bargain hunters might expect. While Aldi continues to excel in produce and meat prices, Walmart takes the majority here, especially in high-frequency pantry staples like milk, coffee, peanut butter, and breakfast cereal.

That said, your personal savings still depend on what you buy most often. Shoppers who rely heavily on fresh produce may still come out ahead at Aldi, while families stocking up on packaged goods may save more at Walmart.

Bottom line

Walmart takes a slight overall lead in this grocery showdown, but the winner may change depending on your weekly list. Aldi remains a champion of affordable food basics, especially if you prioritize fresh ingredients and dairy.

Ultimately, smart savings come from mixing strategies, including price matching where possible, shopping store brands, and keeping an eye on sales. With a little planning, you can save money next time you go shopping, and make every dollar count in a still-inflated grocery economy.

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