Slash Your Grocery Bill with These 10 Affordable Supermarkets

In today’s economy, everyone is looking for ways to stretch their dollar at the supermarket. With food prices on the rise, finding affordable groceries is becoming more of a challenge.

The good news is that there are still plenty of low-cost grocery chains and stores to be found if you know where to look. From discount warehouse clubs to extreme bargain markets, there are options to suit every budget.

We asked Registered Dietitians to share their best recommendations for the most affordable grocery stores.

Meijer

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Meijer is a popular and affordable grocery store. Meijer offers a diverse selection of grocery items, including fresh produce, meat, dairy, and pantry staples. Meijer is known for its commitment to offering the freshest foods and best value to its customers.

The company’s new Meijer Grocery stores continue to provide this combination of freshness and value, ensuring that shoppers can find quality products at affordable prices. Meijer is a SNAP-authorized store that offers incentives for purchasing healthier food items, such as fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy, and whole grains.

These incentives, which include automatic dollar-off and percentage-off discounts, as well as coupons for future purchases, help make healthier options more accessible and affordable for SNAP participants.

Wan Na Chun, MPH, RD, CPT of One Pot Wellness, One Pot Wellness

Trader Joe’s

Not everything at Trader Joe’s is more affordable, but some options certainly are. Trader Joe’s tends to have more affordable, quality oils (like extra virgin olive oil and avocado oil), sauces, dips, and other condiments.

They also have an excellent snack selection, with their own label alternative to other name-brand popular snacks. If you’re a fan of seasonal produce and seasonal goodies (hello, pumpkin spice season!), Trader Joe’s has an amazing selection for good prices.

Lindsey Janeiro, Registered Dietitian of Nutrition to Fit and Healthy*ish Recipes.

Dollar Tree

Stores like Dollar Tree have come a long way, with some stores offering a sizeable shelf-stable, freezer, and refrigerated section. Look for nutrient-dense options like frozen fruits and vegetables, string cheese, dried fruit, nuts, canned beans, shelf-stable plant-based milk, and even spices.

 Lindsey Janeiro, Registered Dietitian of Nutrition to Fit and Healthy*ish Recipes

Grocery Outlet

“Grocery Outlet is a hidden gem for fresh produce at half of the price. Which also includes organic options”, says Karina Tolentino, RD, CHWC at Dietitian Karina.

Jessica Gust, MS, RDN of Element Nutrition Kids agrees. “I’ve found it to be a good place for items I often get for the kids like hippeas, yogurt (they often have the Earth’s best kids yogurt), milk (regular and plant-based options), granola bars and cereal (I’ve found Barbara’s brand cereal there quite a bit and that is really pricey at other grocery stores). They also have a great selection of gluten-free items which are also pricey at some stores and good deals on produce (specifically blueberries, which are expensive in other places).”

Winco

I like shopping at WinCo for budget-friendly groceries. They’re able to keep prices lower, in part because customers can only use cash and debit cards for purchases. They’ve got a great selection of fresh and packaged foods. Their bulk section can’t be beat! It’s full of spices, baking ingredients, nuts, seeds, candy, grains, cereals, and even dog food.

These bulk foods are usually less expensive than their packaged counterpart, great to get just what you want (especially if you’re cooking for one or two), and can help you reduce plastic waste. I usually bring my own reusable bags for bulk items. I also find their produce to be high quality, and there are a number of bulk produce offerings to get just what you need and also reduce plastic waste. The store is big enough that I can usually find what I need in one trip too. 

Rebecca Clyde MS, RDN, CD. Cooking for One Expert at  Nourish Nutrition Blog.

Costco

Costco is a great, affordable grocery store option. Purchasing food in bulk or larger containers allows individuals to save money on the per unit cost. Costco also runs monthly sales, allowing individuals to stock up on their favorite frozen foods and non-perishable items.

Individuals can save money purchasing items such as frozen fruit, frozen seafood and chicken, coffee, nut butter, oatmeal, and granola bars at Costco. I still recommend individual comparison shops, as not all items at Costco are less expensive than at the grocery store. In addition, individuals have to avoid the temptation of making impulse buys of clothing, shoes, and all the other seasonal items Costco has for sale each month.

Mandy Tyler, M.Ed., RD, CSSD, LD, Nutrition By Mandy

Aldi’s

Aldi’s is one of my favorite affordable grocery stores and a great option for budget-conscious shoppers! I believe that everyone should be able to afford healthy food for balanced meal options at home. In addition to a limited selection of popular national brands, Aldi’s primarily sells their own private label products, which means they have more control over the manufacturing and branding of their items, which reduces marketing and advertising costs, allowing them to pass the savings on to customers like us – all while meeting high standards for quality with a selection of food that meets a variety of dietary needs.

In terms of the environment, Aldi runs off of an efficient supply chain system that minimizes waste and reduces transportation costs. They are also known for their just-in-time inventory management practices, which help keep inventory costs low.

As a no-frills store, you won’t get a free cookie at the bakery, or complimentary shopping bags at check out, but that keeps me accountable to re-use my own bags and reduce my use of plastic!

Jamie Lee McIntyre MS RDN CD-N, Dietitian, Nutrition Expert

Lidl

Originating in Germany, Lidl is a standout no-frills grocery chain, comparable to Aldi in its efficient model. While they do offer familiar brand favorites at competitive prices, it’s Lidl’s own private-label products that offer incredible value, making them a top pick for budget-wise shoppers on the East Coast. What sets Lidl apart is its in-store bakery; the irresistible aroma of freshly baked goods offers gourmet quality baked goods without the high price. Their weekly food specials invite global flavors that are perfect for incorporating quick and easy variety into family meals. Lidl also features exciting non-food seasonal finds. And like Aldi, Lidl promotes sustainability, encouraging customers to use their own shopping bags.

Dani Lebovitz, MS, RDN, food education expert based in Franklin, TN, and founder of Kid Food Explorers Kid Food Explorers

Family Dollar

Regularly in stock, you can find a handful of high-protein options at a fraction of the price. I usually stock up on tuna packets and beef jerky for convenience or for when I forget to pack a lunch for work. Additionally, I’ll often find overstock of popular big-brand products, like organic tomato sauce, organic soups, and organic chicken and veggie broths, which, for $1.25 a piece, is definitely worth stocking up!

Madeleine Putzi MS, RD, CLC at Dietitian Madeline.

Food 4 Less

Food 4 Less is the best stop for affordable dairy, animal proteins, canned goods, and grains. Be sure to check out the weekly deals to snag your favorite kitchen staples at incredible discounts!

Katie Schimmelpfenning, RD, Eat Swim Win

Walmart

Walmart is a great option for budget-friendly grocery options. Their store brand, Great Value, has lots of alternatives to the big-name brands and it also compares really well! 

Alyssa Pacheco, RD, Registered Dietitian, The PCOS Nutritionist Alyssa