14 Items That Are a Better Buy at Aldi Than Walmart

The rising cost of groceries could reshape the way you shop. And that may mean trying a new store to get the lowest prices.

When everyday staples take up more of your budget, comparing unit prices can help you spot savings that might otherwise go unnoticed. A few cents here and there may not feel like much on one shopping trip, but those differences can add up when you're buying groceries every week.

We did the legwork and compared two top retailers to find the best bargains. Even though Walmart is a go-to for customers who want to trim expenses, you can save money at Aldi on some of the most sought-after products.

Which buys deserve a spot in your cart? Here are 14 affordable items to get at Aldi instead of Walmart.

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

Price: $5.75

The retailer's store brand costs $5.75. In comparison, Walmart charges $7.27 for Great Value's version. That's a difference of $1.52 for the same 14-fluid-ounce size, giving Aldi the edge if you're trying to keep your grocery bill in check. Coconut oil is a versatile pantry staple that can be used for cooking and baking, so it's one of those products you may want to keep on hand even if you don't use it every day. 

The price difference is especially worth noting for shoppers who regularly buy cooking oils, since even modest savings on repeat purchases can add up over the course of a year. Walmart currently lists its product at 51.9 cents per fluid ounce, compared with about 41 cents per fluid ounce for Aldi's $5.75 jar.

Price: $1.65

Wheat bread is the perfect sandwich-starter. And Aldi's healthy split-top generic doesn't contain trans fat, artificial colors, or high fructose corn syrup.

Use this low-priced pick ($1.65 for 20 ounces) to make turkey clubs, grown-up gourmet PB and J's, or grilled cheese. Walmart sells the same-size loaf of round-top wheat bread for over $0.30 more ($1.97).

The 20-ounce loaf is also labeled whole grain and trans fat-free on ALDI's current listing. That makes it a versatile choice for more than just sandwiches. Toast slices for breakfast, turn them into croutons for salads or use the bread for a quick grilled cheese when you need an inexpensive lunch. The simple size also makes it easy to work into a weekly grocery budget without buying more bread than your household can use.

Price: $2.29 per pound

Fresh boneless, skinless chicken breasts aren't cheap in today's market. But both Aldi and Walmart have affordable deals on this grocery list staple.

Which store has the better price? Aldi beats Walmart at $2.29 per pound versus $2.57.

Chicken breasts are one of those groceries that can stretch across several meals, which can make a lower per-pound price especially useful for budget-conscious shoppers. Cook them for sandwiches, slice them over salads, add them to pasta, or season them for a simple dinner with vegetables and rice. Buying a family-size package can also give you flexibility to portion the meat for different meals. Just compare the package price and weight at your local store before buying, since fresh meat prices can change and vary by location.

Price: $3.95

Fuel your day with a protein-rich breakfast. Swap out eggs and sausage for these pancakes. With 15 grams of protein per serving, this pick is the perfect alternative to your regular morning meal.

Aldi's 20-ounce generic is a steal for $3.95. While Walmart doesn't carry a generic version, the retailer does sell Kodiak's brand-name Power Cakes blend for almost $2 more ($5.88).

Breakfast doesn't have to be expensive to be filling. The Millville Buttermilk Protein Pancake & Waffle Mix gives you two easy ways to start the day without spending a lot at the grocery store. The 20-ounce package works for pancakes or waffles, so you can switch things up without buying two separate mixes. For shoppers looking to stretch their grocery budget, that's another reason to check Aldi's breakfast aisle before paying more for a name-brand protein mix.

Price: $2.79

Enjoy this rich, creamy nonfat yogurt with fruit for breakfast, on its own as a snack, or mixed into a zesty dip. At $2.79, Aldi's 32-ounce tub is a better bargain than Walmart's regular price for the same bulk-buy size ($3.28).

A 32-ounce tub can be especially handy if yogurt is already part of your regular grocery routine. Stir it into smoothies, use it as a base for a creamy dip, or pair it with fruit and granola for an easy breakfast. Aldi's current listing says the plain variety is made with cultured pasteurized nonfat milk and contains five live active cultures. The current online price is $2.79, although prices can vary by location.

Price: $2.55

Enjoy this sweet-and-salty snack any time of day. Toss the perfectly priced ($2.55) peanuts into your road trip bag, workout tote, or purse for a pick-me-up on the go. With seven grams of protein per serving, this pantry product provides the energy you need.

Walmart charges $2.58 for an equivalent item. The difference between Aldi's $2.55 and Walmart's price may not seem significant. But over time, the extra three cents could add up.

The current Aldi listing shows a 16-ounce package, giving you plenty to keep in the pantry for snacks or to add some crunch to recipes. The ingredient list includes peanuts, sugar, honey, and salt, along with wheat starch, calcium stearate, soy lecithin, and maltodextrin. The product contains peanuts, wheat, and soy, and may contain milk and tree nuts, so check the label if you have food allergies.

Price: $4.39

Forget about overpaying for "fancy" cheese. This eight-ounce wheel is a must-have deal at $4.39. Layer it onto gourmet sandwiches, serve it on a homemade charcuterie platter, or enjoy the smooth, creamy taste with crackers and fresh figs.

Unlike Aldi, Walmart doesn't sell a generic private-label brie. That means you could pay over $5 for a similar name-brand selection.

Brie can make an everyday snack feel a little more special without requiring a large grocery splurge. Serve it alongside crackers and fruit, add it to a sandwich, or put it out as part of a simple appetizer spread when you're entertaining. For an easy way to stretch your grocery budget, this is the kind of small swap that can make a difference. You get a cheese that feels indulgent enough for entertaining, but you don't necessarily have to spend a premium price to put it on the table.  As with other Aldi products, check your local store for the latest price and availability.

Price: $4.15

Start your morning with a fresh glass of vitamin C-rich OJ. This 52-ounce dupe deal more affordable than the name-brand buy (Walmart charges $4.64 for a smaller 46-ounce bottle of Simply Orange).

That means Aldi shoppers get more juice for less money, which is exactly the kind of grocery swap that can help stretch your budget. Keep a bottle in the fridge for breakfast, use it in smoothies, or serve it with brunch. When you're already watching your grocery spending, choosing a lower-cost store brand can be an easy way to save.

Price: $1.39

Chicken broth is an everyday essential that you can use to make soup, stews, roasts, sauces, and more. If you're watching your diet, this 32-ounce carton is low in sodium and fat-free.

Compare $1.39 at Aldi to $1.54 for an almost identical Walmart Great Value brand product.

The current ALDI listing confirms the 32-ounce carton is fat-free and reduced sodium. Its ingredient list includes chicken stock from concentrate, water, salt, yeast, organic cane juice, carrot powder, and organic caramelized onion flavor. That gives you plenty of flexibility in the kitchen. Use the broth to loosen a pan sauce, cook grains, build a soup base, or add moisture to a casserole.

Price: $1.75

Made without artificial flavors, these hand-picked, large pitted black olives add extra flavor to homemade pizza, salads, pasta, or almost any other recipe.

We found a six-ounce can of the Aldi store brand for $1.75. The same item from Walmart's generic line costs a few cents more ($1.97).

Aldi currently lists the six-ounce can of Tuscan Garden Black Ripe Pitted Large Olives for $1.75 online, although local prices may differ. The ingredient list is short, with black olives, water, salt, and ferrous gluconate. Keep a can in the pantry for quick pizza toppings, salads, pasta dishes, or snack plates. Just note that Aldi says the olives may contain pits or pit fragments, so check them before serving.

Price: $2.45

Snack smarter and save money on these Ritz knock-offs. The $2.45 copycats aren't just a better bargain than the brand name. They're also less expensive than Walmart's dupe ($2.54).

Aldi describes the crackers as flaky, buttery, and salted, making them an easy match for cheese, deli meat, dips, or spreads. They can also stand on their own when you want a simple snack. Because crackers are a pantry staple that can disappear quickly in a busy household, choosing a lower-cost store brand can be an easy place to look for savings without changing how you use the product. For an easy party snack, pile them onto a platter with sliced cheese and fruit, or keep a box in the pantry for those moments when you need something quick. At just $2.45, they're an inexpensive way to keep a versatile snack on hand.

Price: $3.55

Nab a 24-pack of 16.9-ounce purified bottled water for $3.55 at Aldi right now. The same quantity from Walmart costs $3.68.

A 24-pack can be useful for keeping bottled water on hand at home, packing lunches or grabbing bottles before a road trip. If you're comparing prices between stores, look at the total number of bottles and ounces in each package rather than relying only on the shelf price. That helps you make sure you're comparing similar quantities and getting the better value. At Aldi, you're also paying less for the same number of bottles, giving you another simple opportunity to trim your grocery bill. The 13-cent difference may seem small, but savings like this can add up when you're shopping for household staples every week.

Price: $12.39

Savor the flavor you love from your favorite donut shop without paying the brand-name price.

Aldi's 36-count generic dupe is a can't-miss deal for $12.39. You'll pay $16.54 for 48 pods at Walmart. In a price-per-piece showdown, they come out almost exactly the same (Aldi has a slight lead), but Aldi's reputation for tasty products delivers. 

If coffee is part of your daily routine, having a more affordable option in the pantry can help keep your morning habit from taking a bigger bite out of your grocery budget. The single-serve pods are also convenient for busy mornings when you want a quick cup without measuring coffee or dealing with filters. For regular coffee drinkers, small differences in what you spend on each cup can add up over time, making this an easy grocery swap to consider.

Price: $4.29

Satisfy your sweet tooth and treat yourself to this absolutely indulgent four-pack of chocolate chip muffins. The bakery buy is a bargain for $4.29. Four from Walmart's Marketside brand cost $4.46.

That may be only a 17-cent difference, but when you're trying to keep your grocery spending under control, every little bit helps. These muffins are an easy option for a quick breakfast, afternoon snack, or sweet treat when you don't want to bake from scratch. Keeping a package on hand can also save you from spending more on an individual bakery item or last-minute coffee shop run. If you're already shopping for groceries at Aldi, this is a simple way to satisfy a craving without adding much to your bill.

Every dollar counts. When it comes to your grocery budget, a few smart choices make it easy to keep more cash in your wallet. That's why we skipped the superstore and headed to the nearest Aldi for these deals.

Not only can Aldi beat Walmart's prices on coffee, coconut oil, and chicken, but the retailer also gets a brand-new seasonal selection each week. Check out the "Finds" aisle to score bargains on gourmet goodies, home decor, and more.

The bigger takeaway is that grocery savings don't always require a dramatic change to your shopping routine. Swapping a familiar name brand for an Aldi private-label option can be enough to shave a little off your bill. ALDI says more than 90% of the products it sells are ALDI-exclusive brands, including names such as Priano, Friendly Farms, Millville, Barissimo, PurAqua, and Savoritz. That wide private-label selection means you can compare everyday staples across categories instead of limiting your search to a handful of products