There are many reasons we each have our go-to grocery store—from a convenient location to the fresh produce or friendly cashiers. But it comes right down to it, lower prices might be the best way to win our hearts. Here are our 19 ways you never knew to save money on groceries.
The Most Budget-Friendly Place to Shop
So what chain is the cheapest grocery store? Using public financial data and a survey of about 7,000 U.S. households, the dunnhumby study found 13 “Winners in Price.” The leader is—not surprisingly—Aldi!
The chain keeps things simple. In general, Aldi stores are smaller, private label products are low-cost and customers even bring their own bags. (See all the reasons why Aldi’s groceries are so cheap.) Despite that, the store manages to carry staples, as well as snacks, home goods and seasonal items—as well as gluten-free, vegan and dairy-free products.
Here’s the full list of winners in price:
- Aldi
- Market Basket
- WinCo
- Food4Less
- Costco
- Walmart
- Trader Joe’s
- Walmart Neighborhood Market
- Lidl
- Amazon
- H-E-B
- Peapod
- Sam’s Club
Aldi currently has more than 1,600 stores across 35 states. Don’t have an Aldi near you? Don’t despair! The German chain plans to increase its store count by 50% over the next few years. Soon it will become the third largest grocery retailer in the U.S.
More About the Regional All-Stars
Though most of the grocers on the list are familiar, there are a few regional names that you may not recognize:
- Market Basket is a Northeastern chain known for rows of self-checkout lanes as well as low prices.
- WinCo stores are found along the West Coast and in the Midwest. The warehouse-like locations have a low-frills feel where—like at Aldi—customers bag their own groceries.
- Food4Less is another no-frills chain where the customers bag their own groceries. (Are we seeing a theme here?) Food4Less stores are in California, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio.
- Lidl is (like Aldi) a German company. The discount supermarket chain is opening more new stores in the United States.
Shop for Cheap Family Meals for Under $10
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Wisconsin Butter-Basted Burgers
It's no secret Wisconsinites love their dairy—in fact, they love it so much they top their burgers with a generous pat of butter. My recipe is a lot like the butter burgers you'll find in popular restaurants all over the state. —Becky Carver, North Royalton, Ohio
Stephanie’s Slow-Cooker Stew
Start this warming one-pot meal before you head out for the day. By the time you get home, the well-seasoned meat will be tender and mouthwatering. —Stephanie Rabbitt-Schappacher, Cincinnati, Ohio
Turkey and Broccoli Pastry Braid
This meal in one is an easy way to get kids—and adults—to eat broccoli. The puff pastry that wraps up turkey, cheese and veggies is pure, flaky goodness. —Jenelle Fender, Steinbach, Manitoba
Chicken and Broccoli with Dill Sauce
I've had this chicken and broccoli recipe for so many years, I don't remember when I first made it. Serve it with a side of couscous or rice for a complete meal, or add some sliced mushrooms or carrots for extra veggies. —Kallee Krong-Mccreery, Escondido, California
Corn Quesadillas
My cheesy corn quesadillas take only minutes going from skillet to table. They make craveable leftovers for brown bag lunches, so pack the salsa, too. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
Sheet-Pan Chicken Parmesan
Saucy chicken, melty mozzarella and crisp-tender broccoli, all in one pan. What could be better? —Becky Hardin, St. Peters, Missouri
Fruit-Glazed Pork Chops
Here’s a fast and simple way to grill chops in half an hour. Other fruit preserves can be easily substituted. These are also nice broiled in the oven. —Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah
Grilled Basil Chicken and Tomatoes
Relax after work with a cold drink while this savory chicken marinates in an herby tomato blend for an hour, then toss it on the grill. It tastes just like summer. —Laura Lunardi, West Chester, Pennsylvania
Au Gratin Sausage Skillet
Using frozen vegetables and a package of au gratin potatoes, I can get this satisfying stovetop supper on the table in no time. Even our oldest daughter, who can be a picky eater, loves it - and it is an excellent way of getting her to eat her vegetables. —Penny Greene, Lancaster, Ohio
Basil Pork Chops
Just a few ingredients give a tender pork loin chop all the glazed goodness it needs. Serve with your favorite roasted veggies and you’ve got a meal bursting with flavor. —Lisa Gilliland, Fort Collins, Colorado
Tomato and Pepper Sirloin Steak
The beefy sauce and zippy peppers in this dish offer an amazing amount of flavor for under 300 calories. —Gayle Tarkowski, Traverse City, Michigan
Gnocchi Chicken Skillet
Stovetop chicken and gnocchi recipes like this one make for a homey dinner in a hurry. Personalize it with your own favorite sauce and seasonings. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Pizza on a Stick
My daughter and her friends had fun turning sausage, pepperoni, veggies and pizza dough into these cute kabobs. Give our version a try or make your own using you favorite light pizza toppings. —Charlene Woods, Norfolk, Virginia
Weeknight Chicken Chop Suey
If you'd like a little extra crunch with this colorful chop suey, serve with chow mein noddles. —George Utley, South Hill, Virginia
Chicken Cordon Bleu in Pastry
Baking chicken breasts in a flaky dough makes them turn out moist and delicious every time. This fancy dish is nice to serve family as well as guests.
Spaghetti with Bacon
As children, we always requested this dish for our birthday dinners. Our mother got the recipe from her grandmother. Now I pass on our tasty tradition. —Ruth Keogh, North St. Paul, Minnesota
Enchilada Casser-Ole!
My husband loves this casserole, but it never lasts too long. Packed with black beans, cheese, tomatoes and southwest flavor, it's an impressive-looking entree that's as simple as it is simply delicious. —Marsha Wills, Homosassa, Florida
Open-Faced Turkey Sandwich
It doesn't get much cozier than these delightful suppertime sandwiches. They're an easy way to use up leftover turkey, and I love the way the thick toast soaks up that creamy sauce. —Carol Hull, Hermiston, Oregon
Deconstructed Pear Pork Chops
You'll be tempted to eat this main dish with all the delicious flavors of a stuffed pork chop straight out of the pan. But save some for your guests—it's sure to wow them at the dinner table! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Pierogi Beef Skillet
Hearty and thick with beef, veggies and potatoes, this is a complete meal in one. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
PB&J French Toast
My grandpa made an awesome breakfast for us grandkids: French toast that started on the griddle as a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.—Lindsey Folsom, Dorsey, Illinois
Garlic Lemon Shrimp
You'll be amazed that you can make this simple, elegant pasta in mere minutes. Serve with crusty bread to soak up all of the garlic lemon sauce. —Athena Russell, Greenville, South Carolina
Garlic Bread Pizza Sandwiches
I love inventing new ways to make grilled cheese sandwiches for my kids. This version tastes like pizza. Using frozen garlic bread is a time-saver. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Orange-Spiced Chicken
Five ingredients are all you’ll need for this fast and extremely flavorful marinade. With one taste, it’ll become your most-requested chicken recipe! —Debra Stevens, Lutz, Florida
Pepperoni Roll-Ups
Here is a fast appetizer recipe that goes over well at my house. Each bite has gooey, melted cheese and real pizza flavor. Try serving them with pizza sauce for dipping. —Debra Purcell, Safford, Arizona
Pressure Cooker Rigatoni with Sausage & Peas
With a tomato-y meat sauce and tangy goat cheese, this weeknight wonder is my version of comfort food. You want to have bowl after bowl. —Lizzie Munro, Brooklyn, New York
Super Crispy Baked Chicken
Combine mashed potato flakes with Parmesan cheese for an ultra-crunchy coating to oven-baked chicken that is oh-so-tender and perfectly moist.—June Brown, Veneta, Oregon
Spicy Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet
I created this easy skillet dish to use up the boil-in-a-bag rice in my cabinet. The result packs a lot of flavor. —Sonali Ruder, New York, New York
Cheesy Ham & Potato Packet
I found the technique for grilling ham, potatoes and cheese in foil and changed the recipe for our tastes. It’s a dandy way to use leftover ham. —Molly Bishop, McClure, Pennsylvania
Chicken & Bacon Tart
If you’re one of those folks who think bacon is a food group, you’ll love this weeknight-friendly twist with a sweet and spicy kick from jalapeno jelly. Crisp puff pastry and store-bought chicken strips make prep work goof-proof! —Simple & Delicious Test Kitchen
Creole Shrimp & Sausage
Add diversity to weeknight meals and get a taste of low-country cuisine with this simple take on a Louisiana Creole classic that uses bulgur instead of rice. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Dad's Favorite Barbecue Meat Loaves
It may sound old-fashioned, but it warms my heart to serve dishes that make my family and friends happy. This recipe does just that, and then some. —Leta Winters, Johnson City, Tennessee
Chili Hash
A little micro time, a dash in the pan and you'll have a satisfying meal for those "where-did-the-time-go?" kind of nights. Now you can put up your feet and relax! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Tangy Pulled Pork Sandwiches
The slow cooker not only makes this an easy meal but keeps the pork tender, saucy and loaded with flavor. —Beki Kosydar-Krantz, Mayfield, Pennsylvania
Chicken & Spanish Cauliflower "Rice"
I learned about the paleo diet from some friends who now have tons of energy and are super fit. Since then, I’ve changed my eating habits, too. Everyone from my dad to my little nephew loves this chicken in Spanish cauliflower rice. —Megan Schmoldt, Westminster, Colorado
Steak & New Potato Toss
I usually use leftover barbecued steak to make this fabulous main dish salad. It's pretty, too, with the red pepper, green broccoli and white potatoes. —Deyanne Davies, Rossland, British Columbia
Peppered Pork Pitas
The combination of tender pork and sweet red peppers in these sandwiches will appeal to the whole family. Sometimes I also add caramelized onions. The sandwiches are especially good with garlic mayo. Have fun experimenting with your own variations. —Katherine White, Clemmons, North Carolina
Citrus-Mustard Roasted Chicken
Tender roast chicken is an elegant dish that's easy to make. We love the tang of orange and lemon slices and the subtle heat from mustard. —Debra Keil, Owasso, Oklahoma
Apple-Balsamic Pork Chops
When I want to get dinner on the table, I look for recipes that meet my EFF standards—easy, fast and frugal. These sweet and delicious Apple-Balsamic Pork Chops score on all three counts. —Jami Wells, Boise, Idaho
Crispy Onion Chicken
My family loves chicken, and I'm always trying new ways to prepare it. This golden-brown chicken with its crunchy french-fried onion coating is great with rice, baked potatoes, macaroni salad or potato salad. —Charlotte Smith, McDonald, Pennsylvania
Zesty Calzone
This family-friendly calzone is great when you need a quick weekend lunch, but it’s also perfect when you’re watching the big game on TV. —Mary Ann Saam, Cridersville, Ohio
Margarita Chicken
Marinated in flavors of garlic and lime, this tangy grilled chicken is ready to go whenever the coals are hot! Serve with roasted corn on the cob and lemonade for summer eating at its most relaxed. —Kelly Bruneman, Cedar Park, Texas
Crispy Buffalo Chicken Roll-Ups
These winning chicken rolls, with their crunchy cornflake crust, are so easy to fix but look like I fussed. My family and friends absolutely love them! —Lisa Keys, Middlebury, Connecticut
Golombki
Tender cabbage rolls are stuffed with a delicious mixture of ground beef and onion. Instant rice and canned tomato soup speed along the prep work, and the long oven time gives you a chance to whip up a side dish and pour the wine. —Valerie Lipinski, Buffalo, New York
Rigatoni with Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Rich and buttery cream sauce coats pasta and sweet potatoes in this impressive entree. Walnuts and wine give the dish special flavor, while sage offers just the right seasoning. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Gnocchi Alfredo
This gnocchi is one of my go-to's for company and potlucks. It’s pure comfort food, especially in the wintertime. —Jessica Silva, East Berlin, Connecticut
Potato-Sausage Foil Packs
We had these smoky campfire bundles at a friend's house for dinner and loved the simplicity of this great summer meal. Now we often make it for summer weeknight dinners. —Alissa Keith, Forest, Virginia
Black Bean Burritos
My neighbor and I discovered these delicious low-fat burritos a few years ago. On nights my husband or I have a meeting, we can have a satisfying supper on the table in minutes. —Angela Studebaker, Goshen, Indiana
Jalapeno Popper Quesadillas
Jalapeno poppers stuffed inside quesadillas are a simple and fast solution when you’re too busy to cook. If you like recipes with heat, this one’s for you. —Rebecca Nisewonder, Richmond, Indiana
Sausage & Cannellini Bean Soup
Here's my reproduction of a dish from a famous Chicago eatery. We think it rivals the original. I usually cook this at least once a week. It's a tasty way to keep my lunchbox full of healthy options. —Marilyn McGinnis, Peoria, Arizona
Bean & Bacon Griddle Burritos
These griddle burritos with bacon and veggies make an awesome hand-held meal. I use fresh pico de gallo when I can, but a jar of salsa works if that’s what you’ve got. —Stacy Mullens, Gresham, Oregon
Sausage & Spinach Calzones
These are perfect for quick lunches or a midnight snack. My nurse co-workers always ask me to make them when it's my turn to bring in lunch. —Kourtney Williams, Mechanicsville, Virginia
Meat and Potato Patties
During World War II, when meat was rationed and had to be purchased with tokens, this recipe went a long way in feeding a family. To this day, I still reach for it whenever I want something different from regular hamburgers. By the way, children really like these (just as I did when I was a child!).— Gladys Klein, Burlington Wisconsin
Inside-Out Stuffed Cabbage
Preparing stuffed cabbage rolls can be time-consuming, but this version with butternut squash has the classic flavors —and it’s table ready in just 30 minutes. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Ham & Zucchini Italiano
I strongly believe dinner should be three things: healthy, delicious and simple. With fresh zucchini, ham and marinara sauce baked with mozzarella, you can accomplish all three in the time it takes to describe the dish to a grateful family. —Madison Mayberry, Ames, Iowa
Hearty Skillet Supper
When the weather starts turning cooler, I start to hear requests for this dish. The light soy, onion and garlic flavors blend nicely with fresh carrots and potatoes in this budget-minded recipe. —Pat Jensen, Cottonwood, Minnesota
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Cathryn Jakicic