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Walmart vs. Aldi: Which Has Better Deals on Groceries?

Score deep discounts on groceries at these two affordable stores.

aldi and walmart store from outside
Updated Sept. 24, 2024
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Walmart and Aldi are known for can’t-miss deals on everyday essentials, groceries, and more. But which of these stores has the best bargains?

You can save money on groceries with a few smart shopping hacks. That means choosing the most affordable retailer. 

We compared prices on everything from milk and eggs to frozen foods at Walmart and Aldi. And here’s which pick had the lowest prices in this head-to-head grocery battle.

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

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One dozen eggs

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz One dozen eggs

Walmart: $1.82

Aldi: $3.39

The price of eggs skyrocketed in 2023. Even though the cost of a dozen decreased in 2024, it’s still significantly higher than what you would have paid a decade ago, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data.

While Walmart’s price per dozen reflects this change, Aldi’s does not. So, if you’re into omelets, Walmart is the place to shop.

One gallon of 2% milk

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz One gallon of 2% milk

Walmart: $4.40

Aldi: $4.78

Like eggs, the price of milk fluctuates with changes in the economy. But you won’t pay much more to buy this fridge staple at one store over the other. 

Aldi does have a higher price for this product. However, the $0.38 difference may not affect your decision on where to shop.

Unsalted butter

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz Unsalted sweet cream butter

Walmart: $4.26 for four sticks

Aldi: $4.39 for four sticks

Butter is an everyday essential for baking cookies, flavoring your favorite recipe, or smearing on toast. Each retailer sells a store-generic four-stick carton totaling one pound of butter. 

If you’re looking for significant savings, you won’t find it at either store. Both Walmart and Aldi’s unsalted butter tops the $4 mark.

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Honeycrisp apples

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz northwest grown Honeycrisp apples

Walmart: $5.36 for a three-pound bag

Aldi: $2.99 for a two-pound bag

Apples to apples, Aldi comes out slightly ahead of Walmart’s price. The two retailers sell different size bulk bags, making it necessary to calculate the price per pound before declaring a winner. 

At these prices, Walmart charges $1.78/pound for the Honeycrisps. Aldi’s $1.49/pound cost is slightly lower. Either way, you’re getting a bargain on this fall fruit.

Bagged spinach

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz Bagged fresh spinach

Walmart: $1.98 for 10 ounces

Aldi: $1.65 for eight ounces

Walmart’s Marketside store-brand bagged spinach sells for a slightly higher price than what you’ll pay at Aldi. 

But before you pick up a bag from Aldi’s generic Little Salad Bar brand, look at the sizes. You’ll only get eight ounces from Aldi, compared to 10 ounces from Walmart.

Butter Pecan ice cream

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz Butter Pecan ice cream

Walmart: $2.78

Aldi: $3.05

Treat yourself to a decadent dessert for less. Both brands have a rich, buttery taste that pairs perfectly with fall faves like pumpkin pie, spiced apple cake, and cinnamon rolls. 

Walmart’s Great Value generic is slightly less than Aldi’s Sundae Shoppe. But the same 48-ounce size of brand-name Breyer’s sells for $4.67.

Canned corn

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz golden sweet whole kernel canned corn

Walmart: $0.64 for 15 ounces

Aldi: $0.69 for 15.25 ounces

These products are picked and packaged on the same day and made without added chemicals. Aldi’s 15.25-ounce Happy Harvest can is slightly larger than what you’ll get from Walmart’s Great Value. 

But that doesn’t make up for the slight price difference. Overall, each store’s option is affordable, healthy, and easy to prepare.

French Vanilla coffee creamer

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz French Vanilla coffee creamer

Walmart: $2.78 for 32 ounces

Aldi: $2.99 for 32 ounce

Flavor your coffee for less. Carista blends from Starbucks and other similar stores add up. Save money and brew a flavorful cup of joe at home. If you want to add a touch of vanilla, you will spend less at Walmart.

Penne pasta

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz reggano penne rigate pasta

Walmart: $0.99 for 16 ounces

Aldi: $1.09 for 16 ounces

This pantry staple is a budget-friendly way to make dinner for the whole family. Each brand’s box includes one pound of pasta. 

Serve the penne with traditional tomato sauce or spice things up for the fall, and try a pumpkin-packed pick instead. Aldi has a seasonal Pumpkin and Chipotle Pasta Sauce right now.

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Olive oil

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz extra virgin olive oil bottles

Walmart: $6.64 for 17 ounces

Aldi: $7.25 for 16.9 ounces

Make a marinade, flavor homemade spaghetti sauce, or dip thick-cut Italian bread into either of these classic olive oil options. Each store’s generic combines high-quality and low-cost — but Walmart is the winner when it comes to price per ounce.

Oat cereal

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz toasted oat cereals

Walmart: $1.67 for a 12-ounce box

Aldi: $1.85 for a 12-ounce box

Cheerios cost over $4.75 for a 12-ounce box. And while you’ll save money on this classic cereal by choosing either Walmart’s or Aldi’s generic versions, the Great Value brand beats Millville’s price.

Chocolate chip cookies

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz Chocolate chip cookies

Walmart: $3.24

Aldi: $2.75

Both stores sell dupes of Chips Ahoy! chocolate chip cookies. The brand-name version sells for $3.88, while Walmart’s Great Value generic costs $3.24. The same 13-ounce pack of Aldi’s Benton sweets has the lowest price, at $2.75.

Blueberry muffins

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz bakeshop bakery Blueberry muffins

Walmart: $3.98 for four

Aldi: $4.35 for four

You don’t have to pay bakery prices for this breakfast treat. Pick up a pack of Walmart’s Marketside blueberry muffins for less than $4. Aldi’s Bake Shop version costs slightly more for the same size four-count.

Bottled water

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz purified bottled water

Walmart: $3.64 for 24

Aldi: $3.65 for 24

A reusable water bottle is the easiest way to save on the price of water. But if you need to buy single-use bottles, a 24-pack of 16.9-ounce bottles is a steal at Walmart and Aldi. 

A one-cent price difference makes neither bargain buy a clear winner. If you’re already shopping at one of the stores, don’t waste gas money driving to the other for this product.

And the winner is…

You can save some serious cash at either of these stores. Compared to name-brands, Walmart’s and Aldi’s generics come out ahead. But if you’re not sure which one to choose, here’s the grand total:

  • Walmart: $44.18
  • Aldi: $46.85

Walmart is $2.67 less than Aldi for the same shopping list of items — and you’ll get one pound more of Honeycrisp apples for this price.

Bottom line

Minerva Studio/Adobe couple shopping in a grocery store

Budget-friendly retailers like Walmart and Aldi can save you money on groceries. While both stores have affordable options and generics to help you keep cash in your wallet, you need to know which store has the best prices.

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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.