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
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
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
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
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
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.
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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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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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