/images/2023/09/14/woman_using_laptop.jpg)
/images/2019/12/06/smart_strategies_to_save_money_on_car_insurance.jpg)
:format(webp)/images/2026/08/19/copy_of_comparison_store_template_1_make_a_copy.jpg)
/authors/erica-loop-hedashot.jpg)
/authors/calista-headrick-headshot.jpg)
Add Us On Google
Affordability isn't just a media buzzword. It's a real issue that affects real people. And that's why consumers are looking for new ways to tackle high grocery costs.
If you're not sure which store has the best prices, I've got you covered with a comprehensive comparison. I took the same list to Target and Walmart, and even though both retailers offered affordable options (especially their private-label generics), I could only crown one the clear winner.
Which chain is the better value? Keep reading to find out if I spent less money on groceries at Target or Walmart.
Editor's note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.
Frozen meals
Winner: Walmart
Frozen meals are inexpensive and easy options that time-strapped consumers, like myself, adore. I checked both superstores for prices on comparable items and found Stouffer's 10.5-ounce Classic Lasagna with Meat Sauce at Target for $3.39. Every penny counts, and I saved five of them at Walmart. The other retailer sells the identical item for $3.34.
I also shopped for DiGiornos Rising Crust Pizzas at both stores. Target sells the Ultimate Pepperoni pie for $6.49, while Walmart charges $5.97.
Bakery buys
Winner: Walmart
Both chains sell sinfully sweet goodies, bargain-priced bread, and mouthwatering muffins in their bakery sections.
On this shopping trip, I price-shopped sliced iced lemon loaf cake. Target's Favorite Day eight-pack costs $5.49. Walmart's Marketside brand was slightly less ($5.24).
Fresh produce
Winner: Walmart
Which big box store sells fresh produce for less? A three-pound bag of Good & Gather Gala Apples costs $3.29. The same size item from Walmart's Marketside brand costs $3.24.
Fresh organic baby-cut carrots were also on my list. Target sells a one-pound bag from Good & Gather for $1.89. Walmart charges $3.26 for a larger two-pound pack from Marketside. In a price-per-pound comparison, Walmart wins at $1.63.
Meat and poultry
Winner: Walmart
The price of hamburger meat and chicken is on the rise. That's why I prefer both of these superstores to specialty shops.
Good & Gather 80/20 ground beef costs $6.99 per pound at Target. Walmart's price was slightly higher at $7.23. But Target sells fresh all-natural boneless, skinless chicken breast for $3.99 per pound. I found the same item at Walmart for $2.23 per pound.
I priced fresh USDA Choice Angus Beef Ribeye Steak at both stores to break the tie. Target was slightly higher at $19.99 per pound versus $19.97 per pound at Walmart.
Dairy items
Winner: Walmart
Cheese and yogurt are always on my grocery list. At Target, an eight-ounce pack of sliced Good & Gather cheddar costs $1.69. Walmart sells the store's Great Value Brand for $1.67.
A 32-ounce tub of Target's store-brand plain nonfat Greek yogurt costs $3.39. In comparison, Walmart sells its Great Value brand version for $2.97.
Coffee
Winner: Walmart
Shoppers may find a wide range of brand-name and generic ground coffee, beans, and pods at both of these stores.
I typically pass on overpriced brand-name coffee pods. Instead, I checked the cost of private-label generics.
A 16-cup box of Target's Good & Gather Naturally Flavored Vanilla Bean Brulee Light Roast sells for $10.99, but a 12-count of Walmart's Great Value 100% Arabica French Vanilla Medium Roast is only $4.64.
Cooking basics
Winner: Walmart
Kitchen staples like oil, flour, sugar, and spices shouldn't break the bank. At Target, a 16.9-ounce bottle of Good & Gather Extra Virgin Olive Oil costs $6.39. I found 17 ounces from Walmart's Great Value store brand for $5.97.
All-purpose flour is another everyday essential that also landed on my list. Target's generic costs $2.49 (for five pounds). Walmart sells the same size bag from the store's Great Value brand for $2.38.
Snacks and sweets
Winner: Walmart
Chips, pretzels, nuts, candy, and cookies aren't exactly essential. But I do enjoy a snack (or two).
I scored an eight-ounce bag of Good & Gather Traditional Kettle Potato Chips for $2.59 at Target. Even though that's a decent deal, I fared better at Walmart. One bag of the superstore's Great Value Kettle Cooked Original Potato Chips (eight-ounce size) is only $1.97.
Condiments
Winner: Walmart
Fans of brand-name condiments could get bargains at either of these stores. But which retailer has the best prices?
A 20-ounce bottle of Heinz Tomato Ketchup costs $3.78 at Walmart and $3.99 at Target.
Target sells eight ounces of French's Classic Yellow Mustard for $1.69. The same item costs $1.57 at Walmart. While ketchup and mustard are more expensive at the big red bullseye retailer, relish was more expensive at Walmart. The 12.7-ounce size of Heinz Sweet Relish is $3.19 at Target and $3.37 at Walmart.
Bottled and canned beverages
Winner: Target
Where could you save the most on bottled water and soda? I spotted a 24-pack (16.9-ounce bottles) of Good & Gather's purified drinking water for $3.89. Walmart's 24-count from Great Value costs $3.68.
Target recently lowered the price of 24-count packs of Coke (12-ounce cans) to $9.99. Walmart charges almost $5 more ($14.97).
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.
Bottom line
Walmart is the winner of this grocery store showdown.
Keep in mind, while my shopping list cost less at Walmart, yours might not. If you're struggling to keep your grocery shopping budget under control, here are my top tips to avoid wasting money.
Choose generics over brand names, use the retailer's app/website to score exclusive deals, and download electronic coupons (where available) for extra discounts.
More from FinanceBuzz:
- 12 ways to pocket up to $300.
- Are you a homeowner? Get a protection plan on all your appliances.
- 10 little weird hacks Costco shoppers should know.
- Learn how to escape the paycheck-to-paycheck grind.
/images/2024/10/17/adobestock_805669930_editorial_use_only_1.jpeg)
/images/2025/01/28/adobestock_628402894_1.jpeg)
/images/2019/12/06/smart_strategies_to_save_money_on_car_insurance.jpg)
/images/2024/09/04/adobestock_669069249_editorial_use_only_1.jpeg)
Intro Offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Annual Fee $0 Why we like it
/images/2024/12/17/wells-fargo-active-cash-12172024.png)
/images/2025/06/13/triumphant_woman_looking_at_computer.jpg)
/images/2025/01/06/person_on_smart_phone.png)
/images/2025/02/04/person_using_card_in_atm.jpg)
/images/2026/02/21/dollar-tree-brazilian-sol-body-butter.jpg)
/images/2026/08/28/aldi-store.jpg)
/images/2026/07/17/dave-ramsey-warns-shoppers-to-never-buy-these-costco-items.png)
/images/2025/07/30/5191-x-walmart-items-i-never-thought-id-buy-but-now-i-always-do-featured-image.jpg)
/images/2026/08/28/16370-little-luxuries-to-snag-at-costco-this-september.png)
/images/2025/12/25/homegoods-store-front.jpg)
/images/2024/04/06/jack-in-the-box-winnemucca-nevada.jpeg)
/images/2025/08/13/high-quality-costco-kirkland-items-featured-image.jpg)
